LUKE 23:44-46

It was now about noon, and darkness came over the whole land until three in the afternoon, for the sun stopped shining. And the curtain of the temple was torn in two. Jesus called out with a loud voice, “Father, into your hands I commit my spirit.” When he had said this, he breathed his last.

TO PONDER

I don't think there is too much I want to say today. I think that it is important that we take time on a day like Good Friday to just sit with the pain and suffering which Jesus endured for our sake.

We have a tendency as New Testament Christians to want to rush towards the Resurrection of Easter Sunday. In fact many modern evangelical churches do not even hold services on Maundy Thursday or Good Friday any more. But it is important for us to remember that the suffering and death of Jesus is what paid the price for our sin. It was our rebellion against God which nailed Jesus to the cross. In the words of the song, "In Christ Alone", it was my sin that held him there, until it was accomplished. His dying breath has bought me life, I know that it is finished.

Friday is good because Sunday is coming, but don't rush through today. Take the time to sit and reflect deeply on all that Christ has done for you. Thank of what it means that Jesus, the Son of God died so that you could be free because that deserves some thinking about.

PRAYER: Jesus, there is so much to consider and think about when I stop and read the accounts of your final moments on the cross. The temple curtain was torn and we were granted for the first time since the beginning of creation free access to God the Father. Even though following the Father's will led you through all the pain and suffering of crucifixion, you still placed your life and spirit in the Fathers hands as you took your last breath. Jesus, help me to have that same trust that will put my soul in your hands even when following you takes me into painful and difficult places. I ask that you would help me to know what it is to live in the freedom that your death has won for me each day so that my life might more clearly reflect yours to all the world. Amen.

Today's devotion written by Mathew von Stanke, LifeWay Newcastle