Friday 3 April 2026

Psalm 22

Background
Today is the day that Christians in the Western Church commemorate the crucifixion and death of Jesus. In Britain it is called Good Friday and is a public holiday. In other places it is known variously as Holy Friday, Great Friday, Long Friday (Scandinavia), and Crucifixion Friday (Ireland). Given that the day is given over to remembering a particularly gruesome public execution, one of the most frequently asked questions about the day is: 'What is so good about Good Friday?'

One answer to that question is potentially found in the fourth Servant Song. (This week we are studying poetic passages in the Book of Isaiah, referred to as the 'Servant Songs'. For more explanation, see Monday's reflection.)

This Song is probably the one that is most familiar to people. Partly that is due to a man called Charles Jennens who wrote the libretto for Handel’s oratorio Messiah and skilfully used material from the Old Testament, especially from Isaiah, to tell the story of Jesus’ birth, ministry, crucifixion and resurrection.

The fourth Song is the longest and begins with a description of the future in which, against all expectations, the Servant survives to be prosperous, high ranking and admired. It's a bit like the way some films have the hero looking back on events, so you know that he endures to the end.

The Song continues with a description of the Servant’s disfigurement and suffering. Then, in Isaiah 53:4-6, comes the suggestion that ‘we’ are the source of this suffering and pain. That in some way the Servant carries the punishment for ‘us’ and by doing this enables ‘us’ to be healed and made whole. This is what makes Good Friday ‘good’.

What the Song does not do is explain how the outcome that God is seeking is achieved through the suffering and death of the Servant. This is the mystery of the cross: in what way did Jesus’ death atone for all the sin of the world?

There are at least seven theories of the Atonement, none of which is completely satisfactory. Consequently, the Church has no Doctrine of the Atonement. Nevertheless, Christians believe that Jesus’ public humiliation, suffering and death changed something significant in humanity’s ability to relate to God.

To Ponder:

• If you are interested, you can look up the various theories of the Atonement. Is there a particular one that you prefer over the others? What does that say about God and what might that say about you?
• How can we enable people in our culture to engage with the notion of 'atonement'? Is there another way of describing what Jesus dying on a cross means that would resonate better with people today?

Prayer
Loving God, as we reflect on the mystery of the cross, help us to grasp that somehow, through Jesus, you participate in all our sufferings, which can change everything. Amen.

Bible notes author: The Revd Dr Sheryl Anderson
Sheryl is a supernumerary presbyter in the West Herts and Borders Circuit. In retirement she continues to preach and be a supervisor. She is also learning to keep bees.