The Lamb of God - Good Friday

Last Night, I attended my first Seder Meal.This meal marks the beginning of the Jewish Passover, which Jesus celebrated in Jerusalem with his disciples. It was at this meal that Jesus instituted Holy Communion, giving his friends his body and blood to drink. (Pretty much all the scriptures that I share yesterday). 

This is where I just want to make an offer to you. If you are reading this and do not own a bible of your own please email me or leave a comment below. I strongly believe that while looking up scripture on the internet is good, having a bible in your hands as you read the word is such a better feeling. I will send you one, all you have to do is ask. 

So, the Seder Meal. I am a mother of toddlers and while Bekah did good even though she really didn’t understand exactly why she was eating parsley and a hard boiled egg. Morgan, on the other had, was not for sitting and had Matt’s mom chase her around most of the night. Which, even though it shouldn’t (and she told me it was fine), caused me a bunch of mom guilt. You know that guilt when someone else is missing something really cool because your unruly kid only wants to be with that person. So, needless to say, I’d love to experience a Seder Meal again in a few years when the Littles are more prepared. 

Today is Good Friday which is a part of Holy Week that most people are pretty familiar with, but if you need a refresher I have one for you. Last night before bed I started watching The Passion of the Christ. I had not seen it since it was first released the theaters. It’s horrible, in a good way. Prepare yourself to feel while watching that movie, it visually walks you through everything that today (Good Friday)  through Sunday is all about. 

So, I did a little Google searching this morning and found what is written below here: http://www.ncregister.com/blog/jimmy-akin/9-things-you-need-to-know-about-good-friday2.  I matched each part up with scripture so  you could follow along in your bible reading.

During the night, Jesus had been arrested and taken before the high priests Annas and Caiaphas. It was during this time that Peter denied him (Matthew 26-69-75)

According to the gospels, Jesus:

• Was taken before Pilate in the morning  Matthew 27:11; Mark 15:1; Luke 23:1
• Sent to Herod Luke 23:8-11
• Returned to Pilate Luke 23:12-16
• Was mocked and beaten John 19:1 (see below)
• Saw Barabbas released in his stead Matthew 27: 15-21; Mark 15:6-9; John 18: 39-40
• Was crowned with thorns John 19:2
• Was condemned to death John 19:6-16
• Carried the crushing burden of his cross  John 19: 17
• Told the weeping women what would happen in the future Luke 23:28-30
• Was crucified between two thieves Matthew 27: 38
• Forgave those who crucified him  Luke 23:34
• Entrusted the Virgin Mary to the beloved disciple John 19:25-27
• Assured the good thief of his salvation Luke 23:43
• Said his famous seven last words (see below)
• Cried out and died Matthew 27:50

In addition:

• There was darkness over the land Luke 23: 44-45
• There was an earthquake Matthew 27-51
• The veil of the temple was torn in two Matthew 27: 51
• Many saints of the Old Testament period were raised Matthew 27:52
• A soldier pierced Christ's side and blood and water flowed out John 19: 34
• Joseph of Arimathea and Nicodemus went to Pilate and asked for Jesus' body John 19:38
• He was buried in Joseph's own tomb Matthew 27: 59-60
• A guard was set over the tomb Matthew 27:62-64
• All Jesus' friends and family grieved at his death  I couldn’t find the exact scripture, but this is kind of a given…after reading all of this who wouldn’t be grieved. 

Matching up this list with the exact scriptures was such an amazing activity for me this morning. Digging through Matthew, Mark, Luke and John really helped me to prepare for this evening, but there were a few things on this that I was (and still am) a bit confused about:

Was mocked and beaten: I am not sure if it’s because of how the events play out in the passion of the Christ, but I really thought this took place after it was agreed that Jesus would be crucified (right before he carried he cross), but I think I found it at John 19:1, “Then Pilate took Jesus and had him flogged.” What do you think?

Said his famous seven last words - I have to tell you I searched and search counting every word he said. Sometimes 5, sometimes 10…I just didn’t get it, so I consulted with wise council and learned that it probably should be the last seven statements.  Here they are (I am almost positive, but correct me if I am wrong - because I’m a big girl and can handle it). 

1. Luke 23:34: Jesus said, “Father, forgive them, for they do no know what they are doing.”
2. John 19:30: When he had received the drink, Jesus said “It is finished.” With that, he bowed his head and gave up his spirit. 
3. John 20:26-37: When Jesus saw his mother standing there beside the disciple he loved, he said to her, “Woman, he is your son.” And he said to this disciple, “She is your mother.” And from then on this disciple took her into his home. 
4. Matthew 27:46: About the ninth hour Jesus cried out in a loud voice, “Eloi, Eloi, lama sabachthani?” which means, “My God, my God, why have you forsaken me?”
5. John 19:28: Later, knowing that all was now completed, and so that Scripture would be fulfilled, Jesus said, “I am thirsty.”
6. Luke 23: 46: Jesus called out with a loud voice, “Father, into your hand I commit my spirit.” When he had said this, he breathed his last.
7. Luke 23:28-31: Jesus turned and said to them, “Daughters of Jerusalem, do not weep for me; weep for yourselves and for your children. For the time will come when you will say, ‘Blessed are the childless women, the wombs that never bore and the breasts that never nursed!’ Then “‘they will say to the mountains, “Fall on us!” and to the hills, “Cover us!”’ For if people do these things when the tree is green, what will happen when it is dry?”

I have to say, I’m not 100% sure about number 7, so help a girl out and let me know what you think. 

Can I just say, thank you for getting through all of this with me. Now, I want to leave you with two things. 

This song

I was so lost 

I should have died 

But You have brought me to Your side

To be led by Your staff and rod 

And to be call a lamb of God 

And this Sermon

I love how this one matches S.M. Lockridge’s sermon with clips from the Passion of the Christ. 

Sunday’s Coming

and that’s why we can call today Good Friday.