Friday 02 April 2010
- Bible Book:
- John
"After this, when Jesus knew that all was now finished, he said (in order to fulfil the scripture), 'I am thirsty.' A jar full of sour wine was standing there. So they put a sponge full of the wine on a branch of hyssop and held it to his mouth. When Jesus had received the wine, he said, 'It is finished.' Then he bowed his head and gave up his spirit." (v.28-30)
Background
Good Friday may seem to be the least appropriately named day ofthe Christian calendar. In the events of Jesus' trial, death andburial it is hard to find good news and it is usual for Good Fridayto be marked as a day of lament and mourning.
In a culture that struggles to face grief and loss and death evento the extent of turning funerals into thanksgivings at which thebody of the deceased is not present, there is something importantabout not rushing prematurely towards Easter Day. It is importantfor us to stand with Jesus' mother, and Mary Magdalene, and Marythe wife of Clopas, and with the disciple whom Jesus loved, andfeel the pain and desolation and finality of death. Death is not'nothing at all'. The details of the crucifixion and the burialunderline this. Death is real, even for Jesus. In fact, it is onlybecause it is real for Jesus that good news can come from it.
John hints at this good news by reminding us three times that hereScripture is being fulfilled. For the Scriptures tell the story ofthe forsaken being desperate with thirst and having their clothesdivided, yet experiencing God's deliverance (
The final hint is in the last three words of Jesus. "It isfinished!" declares both an ending and an accomplishment of thepurposes of God which as yet no-one had understood (
To Ponder
What helps you to face the reality of grief andloss and death?
Why do you think our society finds death sodifficult to name and embrace?
In your view, what is good about Good Friday? Isit a good name?