Evil has apparently won on the first Good Friday. It is as though all of creation, while never ceasing to praise God as we found in Psalm 148, is now weeping at the great sadness of Jesus’ crucifixion and death. Like the lance that opened Jesus’ side, the cross stabs the earth with the pain of Jesus hanging on the cross.
However, with the death of Jesus, the sounds change. No longer do we hear the shouts of so many mocking Jesus. Jesus’s voice rises from the cross: “Father, into your hands I commit my spirit.” Then a Roman centurion breathes out words of faith and praise of God.
Feel the silence around the cross as the crowds move away, leaving only a few faithful women and a member of the council that condemned Jesus. He didn’t go along with the horrible plan to crucify Jesus. Now he has a chance to pay deep respect to Jesus by preparing him for burial. Join this small group of those who loved Jesus. Stay with them; feel their pain and sorrow.
May this evening be peaceful for you, and the Sabbath tomorrow, especially silent and restful, because you believe in the resurrection of Jesus.
Fridays are dedicated to the Gospels. This being Year C,
the third year in the cycle, we generally read from the Gospel of Luke.
These Firestarters are from a new edition of The Bible Through the Seasons being developed for families with children. For the Firestarters in the original edition, I recommend the ebook. You will have the entire program of well over a thousand of these introductions with you on your phone or table! Check the menu options at the site for more information.
The Bible Through the Seasons 