Reflection for Good Friday- April 10th, 2020

​Good Friday. A solemn day. A day when we recall what God's Suffering Servant, Jesus Christ, did for us.  


Last night, Jesus went to the garden of Gethsemane where he prayed, "Father, if it is possible, let this cup pass from me. But not my will, Your will be done."


When he was arrested in the garden, and Peter drew a sword, Jeus said, "Shall I not drink the cup that the Father gave me?"

What cup? 

 Last night Jesus did not drink the fourth and final cup to end the Passover liturgy, the Cup of God's Protection. But that cup comes later....when Jesus is on the cross.

This cup that Jesus prays about in the garden is the Cup of God's Fury. We read about this cup in scripture:

Jeremiah 25:15ff (Look it up!) God talks about the cup of His fury that will be poured out upon the nations who turn away from Him.  
Psalm 69  (especially verse 25)
Psalm 79:5-6

On this day, Jesus, who did not drink God's "Cup of Protection", is dealt the full fury of God !


On this day, Jesus, the Lamb of God Who Takes Away The Sins Of The World, sufferd the Full Fury of God throughout the day, until at 3:00 PM, when scripture tells us that he knew his Mission on Earth was Finished.  At that time, he said, "I thirst."  Someone brought a sponge soaked in wine, and lifted it up on a hyssop branch, the same branch used to sprinkle the blood of the lamb on the doorposts on that first Passover.  When he drank that wine from the sponge, it was the 4th cup that he drank.  The Passover Liturgy was complete, and Jesus gave up his spirit. 

 At the same moment, 3:00 PM, one Passover Lamb was slain in the temple to atone for the communal sins of the people. The death of Jesus, our Passover Lamb, atoned for the sins of all humanity.

As we spend this day reflecting on our Lord's Passion, I pray that we feel his intense love for us!

PLEASE...READ TODAY'S READINGS......


Isaiah 52:13-53:12   The Suffering Servant
Psalm 31   Jesus recites this Psalm on the cross
John 18:1 through 19:42

In Christ's Peace....
Carol Mullins