Let’s begin Good Friday by sitting quietly, and putting away thoughts of things around; focus on the Lord: Say the Lord’s prayer. Choose your own version, or read Matt 6:9-15. Note: we are forgiven, as we forgive.
Read: l John 19 v 12-30 – the death of Jesus; reason, purpose, accomplishment.
Sing to yourself, or read:
There is a green hill far away; outside a city wall.
where the dear Lord was crucified; who died to save us all.
We may not know, we cannot tell, the pains he had to bear.
But we believe it was for us He hung and suffered there.
He died that we might be forgiven; he died to make us good;
that we might go at last to heaven, saved by his precious blood.
There was no other good enough to pay the price of sin.
He, only, could unlock the gate of heaven, and let us in.
O dearly, dearly has he loved; and we must love him too;
and trust in his redeeming blood, commit his works to do.
Good Friday Reflections in the Word
Knowing that all was now finished . . . . he gave up his spirit (Jn 19: 28, 30).
On that first Good Friday that Jesus died, no-one, even his closest friends and disciples, really knew what He was doing. Even in his agony on the cross, and under the crushing weight of isolation from God his Father, Jesus knew he was doing the greatest work of his life: he was accomplishing salvation for all who would believe. “We may say that on the first Good Friday afternoon was completed that great act by which light conquered darkness and goodness conquered sin. That is the wonder of our Saviour’s crucifixion.” – Phillips Brooks
This Good Friday, we remember that Jesus died voluntarily, giving up his life freely to accomplish something no other could – to pay the price of sin. Having paid it, he opened the way to free each of us from the power of that sin “which so easily entangles us”. If we are not made free of the power of sin, it will always trip us up and lead us into behaviours contrary to holiness and godliness. Under sin, even our best intentions, all our acts of service, cannot keep us right with God. We simply have to be made free of the power of sin. Then we can live, think, speak, and serve in the holiness, the holiness of the Holy Spirit given to us who believe.
His Covenant
Forgiveness of sin can only be given by God under the conditions of His covenant with mankind. Firstly, under obedience, the Israelites sacrificed animals in accordance with the Law, and God forgave the sins they had committed. In due time, Jesus, finally fulfilling all the law of Moses, and knowing he had done so through his suffering, gives up his spirit into the hands of his Father God. Jesus was completely satisfied he had, in fact, accomplished everything the Father had sent him to do, and he went voluntarily into death.
Now, the power of sin is broken, and death need have no terror. The grave cannot now hold back those who believe from entering the presence of God, and while alive we who believe, receive freedom from the power of sin which enables us to be, to think, to speak, and to serve free from all guilt, shame, and fear. We are made free from the power of sin, released to enjoy the marvellous fellowship of God our Father, through Christ, by the active presence of his given Holy Spirit who brings the power and life of Christ into us, each and every day!
Therefore, let us open our hearts to this gracious forgiveness. Let us forgive others, right now, and enter into the joy of the Lord! In that life and joy, pray and act to lead others to the same salvation.
Prayer & Blessing
Do not mourn that Jesus died! It is Good Friday. A time to celebrate in our heart what it all means. Forgive those who sin against you, receive the forgiveness of God, and be renewed in the spirit of life and godly power.
Thanks, be to God for His indescribable grace!
Author: Ray Skinner
