Daily Studies
Good Friday, April 10
Pray….
Loving God, on this terrible day, be with me and with all of your children as we confront yet again the power of your love through the suffering of the cross. Amen.
Read…
John 19:1-30
The background:
We enter in to the middle of the crucifixion story here. Jesus has already been arrested and is on trial. In the midst of his trial, he is being whipped and a crown of thorns is placed on his head. The Roman soldiers are taunting Jesus. He is dressed as a king in a purple robe yet is bloodied and beaten. This is crucial symbolism for John. He wants us to understand that Jesus is king yet this cost him his life.
John tells us that Pilate was afraid and the conversation he has with Jesus in verses 9-11 reveals more about Jesus and his power as the Son of God.
Throughout this gospel with only a few exceptions, “the Jews” refers to the Jewish religious leaders. Note that according to John, there is no crowd here calling for Jesus’ death. It is the religious leaders of the day, the chief priests, who are most threatened by Jesus that are calling for Jesus to die.
The crucifixion story in John lacks the details of the other gospels. There is no darkening of the skies or earthquake or tombs opening or tearing of the temple curtain. The focus here is on Jesus continuing to carry the “King of the Jews” title.
John names the women who are there at Jesus’ death and only in John does Jesus entrust the care of his mother to the beloved disciple (John himself).
Reflect…
1. The gospel writer John is intent on helping us recognize Jesus as King from his being dressed in a purple robe (purple was the color of royalty) to the crown of thorns to the sign on his cross proclaiming him “Jesus of Nazareth. The King of the Jews.” Why was this so important for John? [Theologians note that Jesus posed a threat to Rome and to the Jewish leaders because of his claim to be Lord of all and Son of God. Only Caesar was Lord and no one could claim to be born of God as Jesus did.]
2. The Roman empire and other powers have used the gruesome method of crucifixion as a way to punish as well as intimidate. In his death, Jesus turns all this upside down. How does he do this? [Theologians talk about the power of sacrificial love and the incredible sacrifice of giving one’s own life for others. That the Son of God, God with us, would die for us changes everything. Kings are supposed to covet and collect power. Jesus gives power away.]
Act…
Fill in the blank.
On this sacred Good Friday when we stand at the foot of the cross, I show my gratitude for your sacrifice, Jesus, by pledging to _____________________________________________________.
Pray…
Precious Lord, thank you for your birth, life, and death. Thank you for your faithfulness and sacrifice. Help me to live a life in response to your amazing grace. Amen.
Pray….
Loving God, on this terrible day, be with me and with all of your children as we confront yet again the power of your love through the suffering of the cross. Amen.
Read…
John 19:1-30
The background:
We enter in to the middle of the crucifixion story here. Jesus has already been arrested and is on trial. In the midst of his trial, he is being whipped and a crown of thorns is placed on his head. The Roman soldiers are taunting Jesus. He is dressed as a king in a purple robe yet is bloodied and beaten. This is crucial symbolism for John. He wants us to understand that Jesus is king yet this cost him his life.
John tells us that Pilate was afraid and the conversation he has with Jesus in verses 9-11 reveals more about Jesus and his power as the Son of God.
Throughout this gospel with only a few exceptions, “the Jews” refers to the Jewish religious leaders. Note that according to John, there is no crowd here calling for Jesus’ death. It is the religious leaders of the day, the chief priests, who are most threatened by Jesus that are calling for Jesus to die.
The crucifixion story in John lacks the details of the other gospels. There is no darkening of the skies or earthquake or tombs opening or tearing of the temple curtain. The focus here is on Jesus continuing to carry the “King of the Jews” title.
John names the women who are there at Jesus’ death and only in John does Jesus entrust the care of his mother to the beloved disciple (John himself).
Reflect…
1. The gospel writer John is intent on helping us recognize Jesus as King from his being dressed in a purple robe (purple was the color of royalty) to the crown of thorns to the sign on his cross proclaiming him “Jesus of Nazareth. The King of the Jews.” Why was this so important for John? [Theologians note that Jesus posed a threat to Rome and to the Jewish leaders because of his claim to be Lord of all and Son of God. Only Caesar was Lord and no one could claim to be born of God as Jesus did.]
2. The Roman empire and other powers have used the gruesome method of crucifixion as a way to punish as well as intimidate. In his death, Jesus turns all this upside down. How does he do this? [Theologians talk about the power of sacrificial love and the incredible sacrifice of giving one’s own life for others. That the Son of God, God with us, would die for us changes everything. Kings are supposed to covet and collect power. Jesus gives power away.]
Act…
Fill in the blank.
On this sacred Good Friday when we stand at the foot of the cross, I show my gratitude for your sacrifice, Jesus, by pledging to _____________________________________________________.
Pray…
Precious Lord, thank you for your birth, life, and death. Thank you for your faithfulness and sacrifice. Help me to live a life in response to your amazing grace. Amen.
