Good Friday, March 21, 2008, Luke 23:33-46

A Good Friday reading from the Gospel of Luke, chapter 23, from The Message edition of the Bible:
33 When they got to the place called Skull Hill, they crucified him, along with the criminals, one on his right, the other on his left.
34–35 Jesus prayed, “Father, forgive them; they don’t know what they’re doing.”
Dividing up his clothes, they threw dice for them. The people stood there staring at Jesus, and the ringleaders made faces, taunting, “He saved others. Let’s see him save himself! The Messiah of God—ha! The Chosen—ha!”
36–37 The soldiers also came up and poked fun at him, making a game of it. They toasted him with sour wine: “So you’re King of the Jews! Save yourself!”
38 Printed over him was a sign: this is the king of the jews.
39 One of the criminals hanging alongside cursed him: “Some Messiah you are! Save yourself! Save us!”
40–41 But the other one made him shut up: “Have you no fear of God? You’re getting the same as him. We deserve this, but not him—he did nothing to deserve this.”
42 Then he said, “Jesus, remember me when you enter your kingdom.”
43 He said, “Don’t worry, I will. Today you will join me in paradise.”
44–46 By now it was noon. The whole earth became dark, the darkness lasting three hours—a total blackout. The Temple curtain split right down the middle. Jesus called loudly, “Father, I place my life in your hands!” Then he breathed his last.

Dear Jesus, You suffered so much for each one of us. Help us to understand the overwhelming love that allowed You to walk to the place of crucifixion and die on the cross for our sins.

On this day, particularly, Lord, remind me of the terrible price You paid for sin. Give me a hatred of sin, of my sin in my life, to look to You for forgiveness, cleansing and restoration as my Savior and Lord.

Thanks, Jesus, for Your presence with me, Your love that overwhelms me, Your peace that comes with complete trust in Your word, Your Spirit that empowers me to walk this life as You would want each of us to walk, eyes on You, clinging to the cross. Amen.

The Lord bless you and keep you. The Lord make His face to shine upon you and be gracious to you. The Lord lift up His countenance upon you and give you His strength and His great peace. In the name of the Father and of the Son of the Holy Spirit. Amen.

You may leave a message or e-mail me at: peacewm@tds.net.
May Jesus, our Lord and Savior, be with us now and always.