It was now the sixth hour, and darkness came over the whole land until the ninth hour, for the sun stopped shining. And the curtain of the temple was torn in two. Jesus called out in a loud voice, “Father, into your hands I commit my spirit.” When he had said this, he breathed his last.
Luke 23:44-46 (NIV)
A burst of pink erupted from darkness and captured the morning. The blaze of color reflected on the lake while a symphony of birds accompanied the glorious, spectacle.
However, within minutes, a curtain of gray replaced the vibrant rosy color of the sky and water. An appropriate scene for Good Friday.
Over two thousand years ago, Jesus brought his light into a dark world. For three years he patiently taught a ragtag group of twelve men. They left families, homes and jobs to be his chosen disciples.
They learned from Jesus as they watched him show compassion and love to outcasts. His methods and instructions clashed with what they had been taught. But they trusted and stayed to learn and love better. They never imagined how their lives would be changed because of Jesus.
His parables and teachings amazed both his disciples and the throngs who followed him.
Healings and the feeding of multitudes brought more and more people to observe the miracles. Many only watched the miraculous signs but others believed he was the Messiah.
Religious leaders opposed Jesus. His disciples urged him to avoid Jerusalem because they sought to kill him. Nevertheless, Jesus led them to the Holy city for Passover.
Like the gloom that quickly appeared over my lake, the joyful celebration of Palm Sunday faded away with shouts of “Crucify him!”
Even after declaring allegiance to their Messiah, the disciples deserted him, with one betrayal, as Jewish leaders and Roman soldiers led their Savior away.
Fear for their lives, put them into hiding. Peter even denied Jesus publicly three times that night.
Jesus endured fake trials and beatings. Alone. Deserted by those who professed loyalty.
For us, he hung on a rough cross between two criminals. Despised. Spit on. Mocked. For a time, darkness overcame the Light.
Despair filled hearts of the disciples, the loyal women who followed Him and faithful ones in the crowd. Even a few secret followers among the Jewish leaders felt misery.
Hope died as he perished on the hated cross. Unanswered questions filled their minds. How could their Messiah die? How could he leave them when they desperately needed to be rescued?
Two thousand years later, we often feel lost and in need of rescue too. At times we face darkness that seems unrelenting. The agony of Good Friday reminds us of how Jesus loved us so much that He gave up His life for our sins.
Good Friday is a time to reflect and remember how Jesus rescued us.
Loving Father, what love you have for us to give up Your Son to die for sinners. He endured unfathomable pain and distress for us. Thank you for the gift of salvation. Help us share the Gospel with those who don’t know You.
Amen
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