Skip to main content

Good Friday

Image
By
Read John 18.1 – 19.30

The word ‘Finished’ is double-edged. I grew up in a house at the bottom of a long cul-de-sac - but I hardly ever went to the top of it, because there was no reason to do so; the end of the cul-de-sac was a ‘nothing’ place to me. A finish can be like that, a dead end with no place else to go. Perhaps Jesus death is no more than that, like the full stop at the end of this sentence. But we can also understand a finish in a different way - as an accomplishment or as a fulfilment, with all its sense of being made whole. 

So, what is it that, in Jesus’ words, is finished? Is it an end to the suffering on the cross and the extinguishing of life in the body of Jesus? Or is it a reference not just to the passion but to the whole ministry and mission of Christ, now made complete? It is both of these things - but also something more. For surely, in John’s gospel, that cry of ‘It is finished,’ tells of the glorification of Jesus, the lifting up of the Christ, the full revelation of God’s love - a moment which speaks as much of resurrection as of dying, and of hope as much as suffering.

Prayer: Almighty God, whose most dear Son went not up to joy but first he suffered pain, and entered not into glory before he was crucified: mercifully grant that we, walking in the way of the cross, may find it to be the way of life and peace; through Christ our Lord. Amen.
Labels:

Comments

Post a Comment

Popular posts from this blog

For such times as these! - A good news story from Windhill!

By
For such times as these! (Esther 14:14) On June 1st James Stannet (from e:merge , a Christian Youth organisation) began his youth work for Christchurch LEP in Windhill. He says, "Well! June has been a really busy but very productive month. On Wednesday, in the park, numbers are climbing week by week, now averaging 25. Good partnerships have been made with local organisations. this has been a blessing: enabling us to deliver varied sport activities and build good relationships.' 'The Hope Revolution, youth event, based at Christchurch LEP was a massive hit. A BIG Thank you is expressed to the Church for the support, encouragement and prayers. 200 people attended the Fun Day. Despite the rainy weather, 100 young people took part in local projects: two house clear-ups, school garden project (Windhill Primary) and running the Fun Day. 10 Christian Organisations working together resulting in several families requesting Christian children's activities.' ...
Post a Comment
Read more

Called to Preach? A Taster Session

By
Called to Preach? A Taster Session for the Local Preacher Training Course in West Yorkshire and Surrounding Areas starting this Autumn will be held on Saturday 4 th October at  Trinity Methodist Church Duckett Street, Skipton, BD23 2EJ from 10.30 am to 12.30 pm (Drinks available from 10 am) The course is a District alternative to Faith and Worship, it is user friendly, well supported and assessed by worship portfolios. Some people feel sure of their 'call to preach' but for others the first steps are very tentative. It is a process of discernment that is shared by the Church. This day will provide an opportunity to look at the course outline, ask questions and hear from participants on the current course. More details from Revd Richard Atkinson, Core Tutor telephone: 01756 793522 or Liz Whitfield, Course Administrator West Yorkshire District
Post a Comment
Read more

Circuit Talents Challenge

By
"For it will be like a man going on a journey, who called his servants and entrusted to them his property. To one he gave five talents, to another two, to another one, to each according to his ability. Then he went away. He who had received the five talents went at once and traded with them, and he made five talents more. So also he who had the two talents made two talents more. But he who had received the one talent went and dug in the ground and hid his master's money ..." Matthew 25:14-30 Why don't you take up the Circuit Talents Challenge by taking a £5 note and making it grow for the Circuit? More details ...
Post a Comment
Read more