Memorize & Ponder for Good Friday April 18
The Cost of the Public Ministry
Luke 23:44-46 (NRSV)
It was now about noon,
and darkness came over the whole land
until three in the afternoon, while the sun’s light failed;
and the curtain of the temple was torn in two.
Then Jesus, crying with a loud voice, said,
‘Father, into your hands I commend my spirit.”
Having said this, he breathed his last.
Throughout 2014, the Christian community at Brentwood Presbyterian Church is getting to know Jesus, the Christ, in a refreshing and transformative way. We invite you to listen for what the Spirit is saying in the text, then question how those insights might change the ways you see things and act in the world. Share your thoughts during the week on the meaning the Spirit creates for you in this text by posting a comment here.
A Provocative Ponder
The only ‘good’ thing about Good Friday is what God is doing for humanity by his sacrifice on that barren cross on the dung heap outside Jerusalem.
In a strangely intriguing and compelling way, God is reconciling humanity to himself so they can reform their ways and work with him for the Commonwealth of God.
Perhaps we should be calling it ‘God’s Friday.’ Because this is the day when God took on, took responsibility for, all the ways human beings had and would revile and reject the ways of love, justice, and peace that God made them to enjoy.
God, in that strange wisdom that is the Gospel, decided not to condemn humans to eternal damnation for their wandering ways. Instead, he forgave and renewed all of humanity in Jesus, the Christ. He renewed his covenant with Abraham and Sarah so people could feel afresh and see more clearly that God was their God so they could be blessings. That’s what ‘good’ about Good Friday.
And a reminder to invite your friends and neighbours to contribute suitcases and diapers to our community service projects.