Tag: Good Friday devotion

The Place of the Skull: A Good Friday Devotion

Scripture – Carrying the cross by Himself, He went to the place called Place of the Skull. There they nailed Him to the cross. Two others were crucified with Him, one on either side, with Jesus between them… When the soldiers had crucified Jesus, they divided His clothes among the four of them. They also took His robe, but it was seamless, woven in one piece from top to bottom. So they said, “Rather than tearing it apart, let’s throw dice for it…” 

Standing near the cross were Jesus’ mother, and His mother’s sister, Mary (the wife of Clopas), and Mary Magdalene. When Jesus saw His mother standing there beside the disciple He loved, He said to her, “Dear woman, here is your son.” And he said to this disciple, “Here is your mother.” And from then on this disciple took her into his home.” 

Jesus knew that His mission was now finished, and to fulfill Scripture He said, “I am thirsty.” A jar of sour wine was sitting there, so they soaked a sponge in it, put it on a hyssop branch, and held it up to His lips. When Jesus had tasted it, He said, “It is finished!” Then He bowed His head and gave up His spirit.” (John 19:17-18, 23-24, 25-30)

Devotion – As we meditate on John 19 today, we find ourselves at the foot of the cross where Jesus, the Son of God, is crucified. This moment is a powerful reminder of the immense suffering He willingly endured out of His love for humanity. Jesus’ journey to Calvary was marked by humiliation, agony, and betrayal, yet His love remained steadfast.

In John 19:30, Jesus utters the words, “It is finished.” With these words, Jesus declared the completion of His mission to save us from our sins. The significance of His suffering cannot be overstated-it was a sacrifice made so that we might receive eternal life. Reflecting on the depth of Jesus’ love and the extent of His suffering invites us to consider the vastness of His grace. Despite the pain and suffering, His actions demonstrate a profound love that transcends human understanding. Through His death, we gain life. As you contemplate the significance of Good Friday, let these truths deepen your appreciation for Jesus’ sacrifice.

Reflection Questions:

  1. What emotions do you experience when you envision Jesus on the cross, willingly taking on the burden of sin for humanity?
  2. How does Jesus’ declaration, “It is finished,” impact your understanding of His work of salvation?
  3. In what ways can you live out the love and grace that Jesus demonstrated through His suffering and sacrifice?

Prayer – Heavenly Father, as I reflect on the profound suffering of Jesus on the cross, I am overwhelmed by His boundless love for me. Thank You for the gift of salvation and for the sacrifice that was made on my behalf. Help me to live in a way that reflects Jesus’ love and grace to others. May my heart be forever grateful, and may I draw closer to You each day. In Jesus’ name, Amen. 

Worship Activity – Make plans to attend a Good Friday service this evening. As you observe communion, reflect upon all Jesus has done for you.

*This devotion was originally written for “The Week that Changed Everything” Holy Week Devotional by Celebration Church NOLA

**Photo courtesy of Alicia Quan

by Categories: Church and Christian Life, Creativity, Devotion, Difference Makers, Discipline, Holy Week and Easter, Uncategorized, WorshipTags: , , , , , , , , , , , , , , Leave a comment

Good Friday

The Crucifixion

Scripture – The soldiers took Jesus into the courtyard of the governor’s headquarters and called out the entire regiment. They dressed Him in a purple robe, and they wove thorn branches into a crown and put it on His head. Then they saluted Him and taunted, “Hail! King of the Jews!” And they struck Him on the head with a reed stick, spit on Him, and dropped to their knees in mock worship. When they were finally tired of mocking him, they took off the purple robe and put His own clothes on Him again. Then they led Him away to be crucified. 

And they brought Jesus to a place called Golgotha (which means “Place of the Skull”). Then the soldiers nailed Him to the cross. They divided His clothes and threw dice to decide who would get each piece. It was nine o’clock in the morning when they crucified Him… At noon, darkness fell across the whole land until three o’clock. Then at three o’clock Jesus called out with a loud voice, “Eloi, Eloi, lema sabachthani?” which means “My God, my God, why have You abandoned Me?”  Then Jesus uttered another loud cry and breathed His last. And the curtain in the sanctuary of the Temple was torn in two, from top to bottom. When the Roman officer who stood facing Him saw how He had died, He exclaimed, “This Man truly was the Son of God!” (Mark 15:16-20, 22, 24-25, 33, 37-39)

Today is Good Friday. Over the years, this day has been called Holy Friday, Mourning Friday, High Friday, Silent Friday, and even Sorrowful Friday. The Danish are known to call it Long Friday, which is a suitable name for the day when Jesus spent multiple hours undergoing a mockery of a trial, merciless beatings, crucifixion, and death. 

At the time, crucifixion was the type of execution reserved for serious criminals and slaves. Jesus, the Son of God, was flogged with a lead-tipped whip and forced to carry the very cross He would die upon. Upon His head was a crown of thorns meant to humiliate Him further while inflicting further pain. On the hill where He would die, the soldiers nailed Jesus to the cross and lifted Him up between two thieves. For six hours, Jesus bled and struggled to breathe as the crowds mocked Him. Halfway through His agony, sometime around noon, the sky grew dark. Before He died, Jesus cried out, “Father, in Your hands I commend My Spirit,” and then, He died. 

Yes, it was certainly a long Friday. The Holy Son of God had been lifted up high on the cross so all could see His death. His followers mourned, and His mother was obviously sorrowful. Even though the crowd was loud, there were certainly times of silence, for many, there was nothing more to say. What’s so good about this Friday when Jesus suffered for hours and finally died on a cross? 

Everything. The price was paid. Redemption had been won. 

Prayer: Lord, thank You for Your sacrifice that paid the price for my sins. In Jesus’ name, Amen.

Follow-up Activity: Read Mark 15 on your own or with your family and then write a prayer to the Lord, thanking Him for the price He paid for our salvation.

*Image Courtesy of Ismael Paramo

**This devotion is a part of RENEWED, a Holy Week Devotional by Celebration Church available for free download at http://www.celebrationchurch.org/library.

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