Luke 23:32–49
Invite a member to read an account of the crucifixion, Luke 23:32–49.
Good Friday is a day that can feel heavy. It’s the day we remember Jesus being crucified, a day of suffering and sacrifice. But it’s also the day that shows us the depth of God’s love. Romans 5:8 tells us:
‘God demonstrates his own love for us in this: while we were still sinners, Christ died for us.’
The cross isn’t just a symbol, it’s a demonstration of absolute love.
Just a few days before, Jesus had entered Jerusalem and was welcomed as a king and Messiah. Yet now the crowd has turned on him and demands he be crucified. The Bible tells us that Jesus didn’t have to go to the cross. In the Garden of Gethsemane the previous evening, Jesus prayed,
‘Father, if you are willing, take this cup from me.’
But he didn’t stop there despite knowing what was coming. Surrendering to what his Father God desired, Jesus went on to say,
‘Yet not my will, but yours be done.’
(Luke 22:42)
This is a love that gives all and holds nothing back. A love that steps into suffering for the sake of others. It’s a love that is beyond anything that we will ever experience in our human lives.
The cross cost Jesus everything, and with his crucifixion he takes all our failures and wrongdoing and pays the penalty for them. This love shows us God’s mercy, allowing us to experience forgiveness and to live in freedom.
Good Friday and the crucifixion is an invitation to us. But how will we respond to this sacrificial love that gives all? Our activities today have given us an opportunity to consider our response to Christ’s sacrifice. Do we need to seek forgiveness at the cross? Or surrender something at the foot of the cross? Or express our gratitude for Jesus’ sacrifice and accept his mercy? As we ponder on our response to Good Friday, we need to remember it’s not the end of the story but the beginning of the hope that comes with the resurrection.
PRAYER
Lord Jesus, thank you for the cross and for being willing to die for us.
Thank you for holding nothing back and loving us completely.
Help us to remember the cross, to live in the light of your love, forgiveness and mercy and to share it with others. Amen.
REFLECTION
Share the video of the song ‘Jesus paid it all’ and invite members to reflect on their own response to Good Friday. You might like to use the ‘Reflect’ activity ‘Nail it to the cross’ as a response time as you listen to the song.
Live performance video (no lyrics) feat Brooke Ligertwood by Gateway Worship (5:49)
Lyric video feat by Kim Walker-Smith by Zion Media (6:49)