Holy Week Guide: Resources for Good Friday 4/10/20

​** Check out our "Holy Week Guide"  at the link via the button below for PDF of devotionals and special observances you can take part in as we journey toward Easter Sunday. **

Holy Week Guide

Spend some time in prayer and reflection upon the last words of Christ recorded in the Gospels. Make sure to have your Bible available, along with something to record thoughts.

REMEMBERING THE 7 LAST SAYINGS OF CHRIST

LORD, you anoint my head with oil; my cup overflows.
We adorn you with a crown of thorns; your grace overflows.

Glory to the Father, and to the Son, and to the Holy Spirit, as it was in the beginning, is now, and will be forever. Amen. 

Read the following scripture texts and follow instructions for response.

​I. Luke 23:32-34 

Two other men, both criminals, were also led out with him to be executed. When they came to the place called the Skull, they crucified him there, along with the criminals—one on his right, the other on his left. Jesus said, “Father, forgive them, for they do not know what they are doing.” And they divided up his clothes by casting lots.

With the malice, bitterness, and faithlessness of humanity never more evident, Christ responds with grace and empathy.

​Take a moment in prayer to search your heart for any treasured resentment you may hold against another and pray for their forgiveness.

II. Luke 23:39-43

One of the criminals who hung there hurled insults at him: “Aren’t you the Messiah? Save yourself and us!”

But the other criminal rebuked him. “Don’t you fear God,” he said, “since you are under the same sentence? We are punished justly, for we are getting what our deeds deserve. But this man has done nothing wrong.”

Then he said, “Jesus, remember me when you come into your kingdom.”

Jesus answered him, “Truly I tell you, today you will be with me in paradise.”

The criminal by Jesus’ side acknowledges his guilt and Jesus’ innocence and in-so-doing is granted the assurance of salvation. Likewise, 1 John 1:9 assures us that when we confess our sin, Jesus is faithful and just to forgive us and purify us from unrighteousness.

​Take a moment to acknowledge your own sin before God and accept the forgiveness offered us. 

​III. John 19:25-27

Near the cross of Jesus stood his mother, his mother’s sister, Mary the wife of Clopas, and Mary Magdalene. When Jesus saw his mother there, and the disciple whom he loved standing nearby, he said to her, “Woman, here is your son,” and to the disciple, “Here is your mother.” From that time on, this disciple took her into his home.

Jesus gives special direction for his mother and his friend to care for one another in his physical absence. In the same way, as the Family of God we have a responsibility to care for one another as Christ cares for us.

​In this moment, pray for the needs of those in your community. 

IV. Matthew 27:45-46 (also Mark 15:33-34) 

From noon until three in the afternoon darkness came over all the land. About three in the afternoon Jesus cried out in a loud voice, “Eli, Eli, lema sabachthani?” (which means “My God, my God, why have you forsaken me?”).

Jesus’ words here echo Psalm 22 - a lament that begins with feelings of forsakenness, desperation, and humility but turns to remembrance and hope in the LORD who has helped in times past.

​As you listen to the song below, take a moment to lay before God your grief, wounds, and anger. Offer these before God, unfiltered, and conclude by placing them into his care and affirming trust in the memory of past faithfulness.​

V. John 19:28-29

Later, knowing that everything had now been finished, and so that Scripture would be fulfilled, Jesus said, “I am thirsty.” A jar of wine vinegar was there, so they soaked a sponge in it, put the sponge on a stalk of the hyssop plant, and lifted it to Jesus’ lips.

In his last moments, this sour drink was the only comfort he received.

​Take a moment to bless Jesus with sweeter, more refreshing words. Speak out or journal words of thanksgiving and praise to Jesus. ​

VI. John 19:30

When he had received the drink, Jesus said, “It is finished.” With that, he bowed his head and gave up his spirit.

In a sense of peace and final relinquishment, the end had come. Jesus was faithful to the end, always listening to the voice and direction of the Father.

Take a moment of silence to listen for what Christ’s Spirit is saying to you in this moment. Journal any notes or insights.

VII. Luke 23:44-46

It was now about noon, and darkness came over the whole land until three in the afternoon, for the sun stopped shining. And the curtain of the temple was torn in two. Jesus called out with a loud voice, “Father, into your hands I commit my spirit.” When he had said this, he breathed his last.

The entire world was changed in that last breath of surrender. The temple curtain torn, forever altering the way we interact with God. The centurion on guard, with no knowledge of God, even recognized the special significance of this death.

Now, as we remember this death, even with the knowledge of the life that is to come, may we surrender our lives to the one who deserves our all. 

SING

Our heart verse for the week reminds us that following Jesus is not easy. In his own words, "Whoever does not take up their cross and follow me is not worthy of me." (Matthew 10:38). Close by singing or reciting the following lyrics:

I have decided to follow Jesus.
I have decided to follow Jesus.
I have decided to follow Jesus.
No turning back, no turning back.

PRAY

Our Father in heaven, hallowed be your Name, your kingdom come, your will be done, on earth as in heaven. Give us today our daily bread. Forgive us our sins as we forgive those who sin against us. Lead us not into temptation, but deliver us from evil. For yours is the kingdom, the power, and the glory, now and for ever. Amen.

LORD, for this gift and more, we are truly grateful. Amen.