The Week That Changed the World - Holy Friday (Part VI)

We enjoyed a nice evening last night at the Mormon Easter Pageant.  It was outside on a nice plush green lawn, and I think our bodies had forgotten what grass was like because we all ended up sneezing.  The only complaint I had about the whole pageant was that it was spoken in King James English, which made it difficult for Caleb to understand, as I'm sure for most young children.  Otherwise a very beautiful production.  Tonight we plan on hitting our church for Holy Friday services.  I hope you are enjoying these entries.  May you have a blessed day!

Friday, April 6Good Friday

Matthew 27:45-53

“Golgotha” means “the place of the skull.” It was so named because so many crucifixions occurred there, and also because the hill looks like a skull. It was here that Jesus was nailed to a cross and left to die. Skeletal remains from other ancient crucifixion victims tell us that nails were driven through Jesus’ wrists and heels. He then died from blood loss, exhaustion, exposure, shock, and suffocation.

Upon his death, “the curtain of the temple was torn in two from top to bottom” (Matthew 27:52). This curtain was 60 feet tall, several inches thick, made of purple linen.  It separated the Holy of Holies from the rest of the world, parting only to allow the High Priest to enter on the annual Day of Atonement.  Now Jesus functions as our Great High Priest, severing forever the curtain which separated us from our Holy God. Not from bottom to top, but from top to bottom-from heaven to earth. Christianity is not a religion made by man, but a relationship initiated by God at the cost of His Son.

The Seven Last Words of Jesus as recorded in the Gospel traditions.

Father, forgive them for they know not what they do. . . (Luke 23:34)
This day you will be with me in paradise (Luke 23:43)
Woman, behold your son . . .(John 19:26-27)
My God, my God, why hast thou forsaken me . . . (Matthew 27:46, Mark 15:34)
I thirst.  (John 19:28)
It is finished! (John 19:30)
Father into your hands I commend my spirit . . . (Luke 23:46)

At Home...

On this day of sacrifice and death, read again Matthew’s account of Jesus’ execution.  Then answer these questions:

Have you asked Jesus to forgive your sins and become your Lord, receiving the gift of eternal life He died to give? If not, will you today?

If you have made Jesus your Lord and King, have you responded to His sacrifice with your own?

When last did it cost you something significant to follow Him?

Do you know someone who does not know your Lord?

Will you pray for that person by name?

Will you ask God to help you share His love in yours?

Pray, asking God to show you how to live for the One who died for you.

 Ciao! De ;)

Tags: Holy Week, Easter