25 It was nine in the morning when they crucified him. 26 The written notice of the charge against him read: the king of the jews. 27 They crucified two rebels with him, one on his right and one on his left. [28] 29 Those who passed by hurled insults at him, shaking their heads and saying, “So! You who are going to destroy the temple and build it in three days, 30 come down from the cross and save yourself!” 31 In the same way the chief priests and the teachers of the law mocked him among themselves. “He saved others,” they said, “but he can’t save himself! 32 Let this Messiah, this king of Israel, come down now from the cross, that we may see and believe.” Those crucified with him also heaped insults on him. 33 At noon, darkness came over the whole land until three in the afternoon. 34 And at three in the afternoon Jesus cried out in a loud voice, “Eloi, Eloi, lema sabachthani?” (which means “My God, my God, why have you forsaken me?”). 35 When some of those standing near heard this, they said, “Listen, he’s calling Elijah.” 36 Someone ran, filled a sponge with wine vinegar, put it on a staff, and offered it to Jesus to drink. “Now leave him alone. Let’s see if Elijah comes to take him down,” he said. 37 With a loud cry, Jesus breathed his last. 38 The curtain of the temple was torn in two from top to bottom. (Mark 15:25-38, New International Version)
Theme: Rejoicing and Thanksgiving
Context
What a blessing it has been to reflect on lessons from Jesus during Passion Week. The comments have certainly made the experience richer. Thank you!
Today, we turn to the pivotal lessons from Good Friday. There are events in human history that exceed our ability to communicate or fully comprehend. What transpired on Good Friday is certainly one of those events. God, in His grace though, reveals enough to us in His word. Consider, for example, the following inspired words of God:
For the message of the cross is foolishness to those who are perishing, but to us who are being saved it is the power of God. (1 Corinthians 1:18)
May I never boast except in the cross of our Lord Jesus Christ, through which the world has been crucified to me, and I to the world. (Galatians 6:14)
“He himself bore our sins” in his body on the cross, so that we might die to sins and live for righteousness; “by his wounds you have been healed.” (1 Peter 2:4)
“For God so loved the world that he gave his one and only Son, that whoever believes in him shall not perish but have eternal life.” (John 3:16)
Good Friday is a foundation of Christian rejoicing and thanksgiving. Jesus endured ridicule, abuse, pain, and death for us. As we remember His sacrifice we shout, “Hallelujah!”
Bible Passage
Please prayerfully meditate on the passage above and consider the question below.
Question
What are your personal reflections on what God did for you on Good Friday?
Please leave a comment. We would love to hear from you.