Friday, April 18, 2014

Lent #39 Good Friday

Mark 15:1-47

It was a long night. Jesus didn't get any rest and neither did his disciples. While they couldn't stay awake with him in the garden while he prayed, now they are wrestling with themselves. Why did they scatter? Why were they afraid? Why was this happening?

I'm sure they didn't sleep. They were too busy beating themselves up. Yet too afraid to do anything about what had happened.

On the other side of town, Jesus is being marched from one part of the city to the other. Beaten, abused, tried, condemned.

The crowds watch in horror, with curiosity, with hatred not for Jesus himself, but with a mob mentality. Many assume this prisoner deserved what he was getting...so they join the chants.

A Crown of thorns, a royal garment, another parade, along a different route which would be later called the way of suffering (Via Dolorosa)...to Skull Hill where he was crucified...

...like a criminal, with common criminals.






And then he died...





...but not before proclaiming his purpose and carrying it out right away, forgiving those who "know not what they do" and honoring a faithful request from a fellow crucifix.

This Jesus...



God Took Him

God Blessed Him

God allowed Him to be broken

Then Jesus Gave himself for us...



...and said, "It is finished."


Prayer: Jesus, we don't deserve what you did for us, but we accept it, and we thank you, thank you, thank you! Amen.

Peace ><>
Pastor Chris

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