Lamentation

Good Friday otherwise referred to as Black Friday marks the day of the Lord’s crucifixion. As Christians, we sorrowfully contemplate the burden of suffering endured as a sinless man died a sinners death. God so loved the world, he gave his only begotten son for us and our salvation, and to offer the free gift of redemption. For we all fall short of the glory of God.

Many Churches will commemorate this time in Holy week by solemnly observing the stations of the cross and offering up prayers of lamentation, reverence and honour.

The stations of the cross are:

  • The agony in the garden of Gethsemane
  • Jesus is betrayed by Judas
  • Jesus is condemned by the Sanhedrin
  • Peter denies Jesus
  • Jesus is judged by Pontius Pilate
  • The scourging and crowning of thorns
  • Jesus carries his cross
  • Simon of Cyrene helps Jesus carry the cross
  • Jesus meets the women of Jerusalem
  • Jesus is Crucified
  • Jesus promises the Kingdom to the repentant thief on the cross
  • Jesus gives mother Mary to his disciple John
  • Jesus dies on the cross proclaiming ‘it is finished’ (Tetelestai)

Reflection

The most frequently pondered question regarding Good Friday is ‘what makes it good?’ Well, to understand that we simply need to look no further than the Biblical narrative. The plan of salvation is actually declared by God in Genesis after Adam and Eve bring sin into the world. In Genesis 3:15 God declares he will send a redeemer by the seed of a woman, (Jesus enters the world through Mary) and in Isaiah 7:14 we hear the prophecy of the virgin birth. The Old Testament presents a common theme that God sticks to his covenants, but because of the inequities, arrogance and sinful nature of man, people consistently fall into disobedience severing our relationship with God.

In Matthew 27:46 we hear Jesus proclaim on the cross, ‘My God, My God, why have you forsaken me?’. This can be confusing if we don’t understand why. Jesus is actually directly quoting King David’s Psalm 22, written 1000 years before his birth. Psalm 22 describes with incredible accuracy what will happen to Jesus, and thus he fulfils this prophecy.

So you see, the entire Bible foreshadows not only the saving grace of God, but his patience and enduring love for us. God is the Lord of order and justice. The gift of free will means we can even choose to reject him and live in sin. Yet, if our hearts are contrite, we repent and acknowledge our wrongdoings. The Lord was pierced for our transgressions and your debt has been paid. That, is the ultimate act of mercy. The worst sin committed against our Lord Jesus Christ, he used to save our very souls.

Good Friday brings up a plethora of emotion and contemplative devotions as we honour our Lord and saviour Jesus Christ. The good news is both sorrowful and compassionate.

NHPUK pray for your good will and Holy intentions.