Crucified

Good morning sisters and brothers,
This Good Friday morning brings us right to the cross. Jesus has been tried and found guilty; now he is led out to be crucified. As the women of Jerusalem meet him weeping, Jesus replies that they should weep for themselves and their children. His prediction of worse things to come is haunting and indeed for Jerusalem will come true. About thirty years later a Jewish revolt will lead to the destruction of Jerusalem and the temple.

When we actually come to the cross we see Jesus nailed to it with a prayer of forgiveness for others on his lips. The religious leaders savor their victory by mocking him while the soldiers enjoy the sport as well. In a great illustration that we choose what kind of people we will be right up to the end of our lives one thief mocks Jesus and the other one seeks mercy. It's never too late to seek Christ's kingdom.

As you know, today we'll be walking with Christians from all over the city from 9-11 to remember the victims of violence and to witness to the hope that persistently sprouts up when we look to God. The walk starts and ends at Covenant United Methodist (1124 Culver Rd.) At noon we'll gather at Laurelton to worship at the foot of the cross.

May today's darkness bring you blessings and build your trust in the Lord,
Sam

Luke 23:26-43

26As they led him away, they seized a man, Simon of Cyrene, who was coming from the country, and they laid the cross on him, and made him carry it behind Jesus. 27A great number of the people followed him, and among them were women who were beating their breasts and wailing for him. 28But Jesus turned to them and said, “Daughters of Jerusalem, do not weep for me, but weep for yourselves and for your children. 29For the days are surely coming when they will say, ‘Blessed are the barren, and the wombs that never bore, and the breasts that never nursed.’ 30Then they will begin to say to the mountains, ‘Fall on us’; and to the hills, ‘Cover us.’ 31For if they do this when the wood is green, what will happen when it is dry?”

32Two others also, who were criminals, were led away to be put to death with him. 33When they came to the place that is called The Skull, they crucified Jesus there with the criminals, one on his right and one on his left. 34Then Jesus said, “Father, forgive them; for they do not know what they are doing.” And they cast lots to divide his clothing. 35And the people stood by, watching; but the leaders scoffed at him, saying, “He saved others; let him save himself if he is the Messiah of God, his chosen one!” 36The soldiers also mocked him, coming up and offering him sour wine, 37and saying, “If you are the King of the Jews, save yourself!” 38There was also an inscription over him, “This is the King of the Jews.”

39One of the criminals who were hanged there kept deriding him and saying, “Are you not the Messiah? Save yourself and us!” 40But the other rebuked him, saying, “Do you not fear God, since you are under the same sentence of condemnation? 41And we indeed have been condemned justly, for we are getting what we deserve for our deeds, but this man has done nothing wrong.” 42Then he said, “Jesus, remember me when you come into your kingdom.” 43He replied, “Truly I tell you, today you will be with me in Paradise.”