Darkness was over the land and darkness was in the hearts of Jesus, and those who loved him. What stood out to me in this passage was that even Jesus' last cry made an impact in the heart of someone who heard it. i wonder what was this last cry? did Jesus say anything? was it just a guttural noise? no matter what it was, we read that the centurion heard this cry - and saw how Jesus died - and this led him to exclain, 'Surely this man was the Son of God!' Even as Jesus breathed His last, so this centurion seemed to be taking his first breath as a believer. Even at the moment of His death, Jesus is giving life, making things new. that is the hope in this passage, that is why this is 'GOOD' friday! the death of Jesus brings life ... makes things new!
Another thing which got to me in this passage was the 'alone-ness' of Jesus. completely alone. it struck me when i read those who gave him wine vinegar and said, 'Now leave him alone.' He was already alone. there would be no elijah coming for him. no angels comforting him. and no Father to talk to and be with. this for me is the anguish of Jesus on the cross. He is alone.
a final thought, is the mention of the women at the distance. made me wonder where the men were, and also encourages me that in a very patriarchal period in which women were often thought of as property - the gospel writers give them prominence in the greatest event in world history.
Subscribe to:
Post Comments (Atom)
4 comments:
Its really special to me that the gospel writers include women in such a way as they did in this passage about Jesus' death. As Bruce pointed out, especially for this time period and how women were regarded then, its quite remarkable.
I also am struck in a similar way as Kiri -- it's awesome how the women were not overlooked when the writing of the gospels came into place.
Another thing that stood out is the sheer emotion that Jesus shows: "Jesus cried out in a loud voice... with a loud cry, Jesus breathed His last." Often I let the routine of Easter time get to me and simplify the depth of the entire situation and Holy Week. Reading over these passages slooooowly helps us to get a glimpse of how extreme the whole thing is - extreme grace, saweet!!
This is wonderful, because it shows me again, what Jesus underwent for us...
An atheist friend of mine, said that Good Friday means the most to her, of any Christian holiday (holy day) because the sorrow is palpable.
Sometimes, we (I) take it for granted.. thank you Bruce for helping me see it new again.
I googled "Good Friday Devotional" and found you! So glad I did. I love hearing your and your friends' perspectives. It's so important to remember what led up to Easter Sunday. I was personally struck by the (seemingly obvious) fact that Christ's death was required for some to believe. As another commenter put it, even in the moment of his death, he was issuing forth life. It puts into perspective for me the fact that our difficult experiences and moments in life typically serve a much greater purpose. Thanks for sharing!
Post a Comment