Lessons appointed for use on Good Friday: All Years
Isaiah 52:13-53:12; Psalm 22; Hebrews 10:16-25 or Hebrews 4:14-16; 5:7-9; John 18:1-19:42
“Nicodemus, who had at first come to Jesus by night, also came, bringing a mixture of myrrh and aloes, weighing about a hundred pounds.” (John 19:39)
Nicodemus finds himself near the beginning of the Gospel according to John, in the middle, and at the end like this reading for today. Nicodemus is a secret admirer of Jesus. But because of his position with the Pharisees he was distant and secret. He almost got in trouble defending Jesus with his fellow authorities. We read in John’s Gospel, “Nicodemus, who had gone to Jesus earlier and who was one of their own number, asked, “Does our law condemn a man without first hearing him to find out what he has been doing?” (John 7:50 – 51). He was quickly jumped on about that question and he backed off.
Nicodemus is another follower of Jesus who felt shame for not standing up for Jesus more than he did. Perhaps this is why he brought well more than enough mixture of myrrh and aloes to anoint his body. When we act outside of our Christian values we too disown Jesus. Today we remember his crucifixion. This is a very sad thing we did. I say we, as in humanity. I think God looks upon this act as an example of our ignorance. For the most part, we still are. Many theologians believe this was a necessary sacrifice for the atonement for our sins. Because of this sacrifice, we dub today “Good Friday.” I must confess, I have a hard time connecting “good” and murder together.
Let us pray:
Most Holy Lord Jesus, who has gone through death’s dark door and kept it open for all who believe in you, stay with us as we strive to stay with you as Nicodemus did. You were with us at the beginning of our lives, and we ask you to visit with us throughout our lives so as to strengthen our faith. Help us Dear Lord to not have regret for our neglect of You, You who live and love all people in this life and the next, forever and ever. Amen.
“Thus the heavens and the earth were finished, and all their multitude. And on the seventh day God finished the work that he had done, and he rested on the seventh day from all the work that he had done” (Genesis 2:1 and 2). So, for this evening and tomorrow day my friends, Shabbat Shalom.
What is Shabbat? Intro to the Jewish Sabbath – YouTube
Please keep up your thoughts and prayers and hopes for Ukraine, Russia, Israel, Palestine and our schools including St. Augustine in Raleigh, North Carolina.
As we listen to what the Spirit of God is saying to us, let us live to love and serve, and to teach others to love and serve, while pondering anew what the Almighty can do. John
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