Good Friday

The night had been long. Jesus was taken to and from different locations throughout Jerusalem, being tried by mock courts and false accusations, yet He kept silent. Pilate can find no wrong with Jesus; so he washes his hands and passes him over to be crucified.

 Today we follow the journey Jesus took, as he stumbled through the streets to the hill called Golgotha. Walk with me as we discover the greatest love of all being sacrificed for the whole world.

              

Bible reading – Mark 15:16-20        Jesus takes up His cross

 

The soldiers took Jesus aside, to the courtyard of the governor’s palace and called together the rest of the company. They put a purple robe on Jesus, made a crown out of thorn branches, and put it on his head. Then they began to salute him: ‘Long live the king of the Jews.’ They beat him over the head with a stick, spat on him, fell on their knees and bowed to Him.

When they had finished mocking him, they took off the purple robe and put his own clothes back on him. Then they led him out to crucify him.

 

Meditation:

Soldiers

Taking the chance for a bit of fun.

They had a heavy day ahead.

Soon they would have to put on their public face –

Disciplined, controlled, efficient.

But for now a bit of a lark with the lads

With no risk of recrimination.

Dead men tell no stories,

And Jesus was going to his death.

 

Prayer

For those appointed to keep public order, and to those tempted to abuse their power.

God in your mercy, Hear our prayer.

 

Bible reading: Isaiah 53:1                 Jesus falls the first time

 

Who would have believed what we now tell?

Who could have seen God’s hand in this?

 

Meditation

Jesus was exhausted

He was in pain

He was going to his death

The cross was heavy and he fell

He was flesh and blood like us

He was struggling.

Prayer

For those who are tired or in pain.

God in your mercy. Hear our prayer.

 

Bible reading: Luke 23:44-46                       Jesus dies on the cross

It was about twelve o’clock when the sun stopped shinning and darkness covered the whole country until three o’clock. And the curtain hanging in the Temple was torn in two. Jesus cried out in a loud voice, ‘Father in your hands I place my Spirit.’ He said this and died.

 

Meditation

In your hands he placed himself

All that he was

All that he had ever been

All his beauty

All his obedience

All his loving

In God’s hands he placed himself

He was returning to his father he was going home.

 

Prayer

For all those who have died today

For all who love them and will miss them

God in your mercy. Hear our prayer

              

 

Bible reading: Mark 15:46-47                      Jesus is laid in the tomb

 

Joseph placed the body in a tomb which had been dug out of solid rock. Then he rolled a large stone across the entrance. Mary Magdalene and Mary the mother of Jesus were watching and saw where the body of Jesus was placed.

 

Meditation

The door is shut now,

And the world sighs and waits,

And we wait in night’s darkness,

Longing for the morning,

Longing for the light.

 

Prayer

For all who are waiting. For all who are longing for light.

God in your mercy. Hear our prayer.

REMEMBER THIS IS FRIDAY: BUT, SUNDAY IS COMING!

 

 

• Aintree Baptist Church.
• 96 Longmoor Lane
• Liverpool
• Merseyside
• L9 0EF

Pastor: 07771 696915
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