Thinking about my deceased parents gave me a better understanding of how I should observe this day. My mom passed in June 2009, and my dad in February 2013. Back then, each time, I felt devastated. Inconsolable.
We Christians often pair Good Friday and Easter Sunday, making it a seamless weekend. However, for the family and disciples of Jesus Christ, Friday before resurrection Sunday did not kick off a festive weekend. It was the day of Jesus’ death, and they felt devastated. Inconsolable.
Today, I invite you back to the dying day of the one who still loves us more than our mothers and fathers ever could. Walk with Jesus from the jail where He was imprisoned to the site of His execution. Hear the sounds as He was nailed to a cross. Feel the heartbreak of Jesus’ mother as she watched her son die.
Imagine the hopelessness of everyone who believed Jesus was their Savior. They trusted Him with their futures, and now He was gone. With them, allow yourself to feel devastated. Inconsolable.
Now, you have experienced this day called “Good Friday.” However, this is not the ending.
THE REST OF THE STORY
1-4 After the Sabbath, as the first light of the new week dawned, Mary Magdalene and the other Mary came to keep vigil at the tomb. Suddenly the earth reeled and rocked under their feet as God’s angel came down from heaven, came right up to where they were standing. He rolled back the stone and then sat on it. Shafts of lightning blazed from him. His garments shimmered snow-white. The guards at the tomb were scared to death. They were so frightened, they couldn’t move.
5-6 The angel spoke to the women: “There is nothing to fear here. I know you’re looking for Jesus, the One they nailed to the cross. He is not here. He was raised, just as he said. Come and look at the place where he was placed.
7 “Now, get on your way quickly and tell his disciples, ‘He is risen from the dead. He is going on ahead of you to Galilee. You will see him there.’ That’s the message.”
8-10 The women, deep in wonder and full of joy, lost no time in leaving the tomb. They ran to tell the disciples. Then Jesus met them, stopping them in their tracks. “Good morning!” he said. They fell to their knees, embraced his feet, and worshiped him. Jesus said, “You’re holding on to me for dear life! Don’t be frightened like that. Go tell my brothers that they are to go to Galilee, and that I’ll meet them there.”
(Matthew 28:1-10, The Message Bible)
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Remembering, while we were yet sinners, Christ Died for us.
Amen!!
I was raised in a catholic family in Germany and in Germany they call it mourning friday, the catholics do not celebrate on this day, they live this day in remembrance of the suffering and dying of Jesus. Even though I am not a catholic anymore but a born again believer in Christ, I like the way my family is spending this day and is honoring what Jesus did for them by giving His life.
Hello Kordula. Thank you for sharing your experience with us. You always bless us! Love you.
Amen, thank God for the Resurrection!!!
Amen!!