Good Friday April 19

Matthew 27:11-26

Cheryl Szabo

And when they came to a place called Golgotha (which means Place of a Skull), they offered him wine to drink, mixed with gall; but when he tasted it, he would not drink it. And when they had crucified him, they divided his clothes among themselves by casting lots; then they sat down there and kept watch over him. Over his head they put the charge against him, which read, “This is Jesus, the King of the Jews.”

Good Friday.  How often are we asked what is so good about it?  We have traveled the journey with Jesus these last 40 days and now he is before Pilate, identified by Pilate, as the King of the Jews to which Jesus responds, “You say so.”  Pilate’s wife identifies Jesus as “that innocent man.” And yet the crowd turned their back on Jesus and shouted, “crucify him!” Jesus knowing what is to come and, following God’s will, remains silent.

Good Friday.  How can it be good when we, like the crowd, turn our backs on Jesus?    The crowd shouts “His blood be on us and our children.” And that is exactly what will happen and does happen.   Jesus, the Son of God, will cover us with his blood, will die for us that we may turn back, be reconciled, to God.  That is the Good News, The Good Friday news!

Questions for reflection:

• Fed and forgiven, where is it that we see Jesus’ presence in our daily living?  

• Fed and forgiven, how is it that we also forgive ourselves, receiving the mercy and grace that God so freely offers?

Prayer:

Loving God, you gave your  beloved Son Jesus for us. Help us to turn back to you in the beginning, middle and end of each day.  Amen.