Theme of the Day: A One-Time Substitute Buries All-Time Guilt
On Good Friday we remember the crucifixion and death of our Lord both with sorrow and solemn joy. Though the events of this day fill us with horror, the implications of those events give us every reason for praise. Jesus’ death had this breathtaking significance. Once and for all, it paid for the guild of all of us and for all of time. Standing in our place, our substitute was forsaken by his Father on the cross so that we could be reconciled to God and have an eternal home in heaven.
We look at Jesus on the cross, and there is sorrow. He is there because of us. He is there because he loves us that much, so much he gave us his last breath. Jesus took all our guilt into the tomb with him. It will stay there. He will not. That is why we can call this Friday good.
John 19:17-30
Isaiah 52:13-53:12
Galatians 3:10-13
Psalm 22A
437 – Rest, O Christ, from All Your Labor
422 – A Lamb Goes Uncomplaining Forth
432 – O Dearest Jesus, What Law Have You Broken
947 – Lamb of God, Pure and Holy
Prayer of the Day: God Most Holy, look with mercy on this, your family, for whom our Lord Jesus Christ was willing to be betrayed, be given over into the hands of the wicked, and suffer death upon the cross. Keep us always faithful to him, our only Savior, who now lives and reigns with you and the Holy Spirit, one God, forever and ever.
Gospel Acclamation: Surely he took up our pain and bore our suffering, yet we considered him punished by God, stricken by him, and afflicted.