Good Friday 2021

Opening

He said (Matthew 10, 32 and 33): "Therefore, whoever recognizes me to others, I will also recognize him in front of my father in heaven; but whoever denies me before others, I will deny before my father in heaven."

Confess Jesus as your only and sufficient Savior. The Bible says: "The word is with you, in your mouth and in your heart; this is the word of faith, what to preach, namely: If with your mouth you confess the Lord Jesus, and in your heart you believe that God raised him from the dead, you will be saved. Jesus said: "I am the way, the truth, and the life, and no one comes to the father except through me."

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https://calvarypo.org/the-crucifixion-of-jesus-from-a-doctors-perspective/

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“Bought with a Price”

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Eerdmans Bible Dictionary GOOD FRIDAY

GOOD FRIDAY. *The Friday preceding Easter, observed in commemoration of the crucifixion (Mark 15:42; Luke 23:54; John 19:31; cf. Matt. 27:62); called Great Friday in the Eastern church. In the Church year it is traditionally a day of fasting and penance. Post-reformation practice observed by both Roman Catholics and Protestants includes a service from noon to 3 p.m. marking Jesus’ agony on the cross (Matt. 27:45; Mark 15:33; Luke 23:44).

Pocket Dictionary of Liturgy & Worship Good Friday

Good Friday. A major holy day, the Friday of Holy Week, memorializing the death of Jesus. The most solemn day of the Christian calendar, it is the Friday on which Jesus was crucified and died for the sins of the world. Variations of worship abound, even among churches with strong liturgical traditions, partially because aspects of Maundy Thursday are collapsed into this day in numerous churches. Traditionally it is a fast, with celebration of the Eucharist omitted in some Protestant services and sanctuary crosses draped in black. The service usually takes place any time from noon on. Good Friday appears not to have been commemorated until the fourth century (Jerusalem), as the earlier church appears to have begun the solemn part of the Pascha with the Easter Vigil on Saturday evening, which was solemn until midnight and joyous thereafter (see Adam). Color: black and/or red.

The Oxford Dictionary of the Christian Church Good Friday

Good Friday (‘Feria sexta in Parasceve’). The Friday before Easter on which the anniversary of the Crucifixion is kept. It is a day of fast, abstinence, and penance, and in the RC Church Good Friday, together with (after 1955) *Holy Saturday, are the only days in the year on which no Celebration of the Mass takes place.

The present Latin Rite goes back to the early days of Christianity. It consists of three parts: (1) the lessons and prayers, which are virtually the old ‘Mass of the *Catechumens’, with the singing of the Passion acc. to St John; (2) the ceremonial *Veneration of the Cross, described already in the ‘Peregrinatio *Egeriae’, with the chanting of the *Reproaches and the *Trisagion; and (3) the Communion with Hosts reserved on Maundy Thursday (see Mass of the *Presanctified). Since 1955 this has included a General Communion of the people. The liturgical colour of the day, which was formerly black, is now red. The hour of the service, which since the 16th cent. had customarily taken place in the morning, was moved in 1955 to the afternoon (about 3 p.m., the traditional hour of Christ’s death) or later. *Tenebrae of Holy Saturday, which until the 1955 reform was sung on Good Friday evening, has now been restored to the morning of Holy Saturday.

Most of the medieval practices were abolished by the Churches of the Reformation. The C of E provides for the normal celebration of the Eucharist, but until recently this very rarely happened, and in modern Anglicanism a form of service akin to that of the current RC rite has been fairly widely adopted. It is now incorporated in CW, Times and Seasons (2005). In some Nonconformist Churches the day is kept as a feast rather than a fast; in Continental Protestantism it is customary to have the usual services with sermons, and often Good Friday is a special day for the administration of the Lord’s Supper. In the RC Church popular devotions developed beside the liturgical services. The best known is the *Three Hours Service from noon to 3 p.m., a post-Reformation devotion propagated by the *Jesuits and widely taken over in the C of E.

In the *Orthodox Church the day is known as the ‘Great Friday’ (ἡ μεγάλη ταρασκευή). The liturgical celebrations consist of the Divine *Office, each office being extended. Mattins (anticipated on the evening of Maundy Thursday) includes the chanting of the ‘Twelve Gospels’ (i.e. 12 passages drawn from the Passion narratives of all four Gospels). On the Good Friday morning the Little Hours (known as the ‘Royal Hours’ from the customary attendance of the Emperor or Tsar) follow one immediately after another; each includes a lesson from the Prophets, an Epistle and a Gospel. Vespers ends with the solemn veneration of the *epitaphion. Compline includes a lamentation placed on the lips of the BVM. Mattins of Holy Saturday, on Good Friday night, finishes with a symbolic burial service of Christ.

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Centrality of cross

Synopsis

The death of Jesus Christ on the cross is central to the Christian faith. Through the cross and resurrection of Christ, God achieved the redemption of believers and brought hope to the world.

The gospel as the “message of the cross”

1 Co 2:2

1 Corinthians 2:2 (ESV) — 2 For I decided to know nothing among you except Jesus Christ and him crucified.

See also 1 Co 1:17–18; 1 Co 1:23; Ga 3:1

1 Corinthians 1:17–18 (ESV) — 17 For Christ did not send me to baptize but to preach the gospel, and not with words of eloquent wisdom, lest the cross of Christ be emptied of its power. 18 For the word of the cross is folly to those who are perishing, but to us who are being saved it is the power of God.

1 Corinthians 1:23 (ESV) — 23 but we preach Christ crucified, a stumbling block to Jews and folly to Gentiles,

Galatians 3:1 (ESV) — 1 O foolish Galatians! Who has bewitched you? It was before your eyes that Jesus Christ was publicly portrayed as crucified.

The cross redeems from the curse of the law

Ga 3:13

Galatians 3:13 (ESV) — 13 Christ redeemed us from the curse of the law by becoming a curse for us—for it is written, “Cursed is everyone who is hanged on a tree”—

See also Ro 6:14; Ro 7:4; 2 Co 5:21; Ga 2:19–21; Eph 1:7; Eph 2:13–16; Col 2:13–14; Tt 2:14; 1 Pe 1:18–19

Romans 6:14 (ESV) — 14 For sin will have no dominion over you, since you are not under law but under grace.

Romans 7:4 (ESV) — 4 Likewise, my brothers, you also have died to the law through the body of Christ, so that you may belong to another, to him who has been raised from the dead, in order that we may bear fruit for God.

2 Corinthians 5:21 (ESV) — 21 For our sake he made him to be sin who knew no sin, so that in him we might become the righteousness of God.

Galatians 2:19–21 (ESV) — 19 For through the law I died to the law, so that I might live to God. 20 I have been crucified with Christ. It is no longer I who live, but Christ who lives in me. And the life I now live in the flesh I live by faith in the Son of God, who loved me and gave himself for me. 21 I do not nullify the grace of God, for if righteousness were through the law, then Christ died for no purpose.

Ephesians 1:7 (ESV) — 7 In him we have redemption through his blood, the forgiveness of our trespasses, according to the riches of his grace,

Ephesians 2:13–16 (ESV) — 13 But now in Christ Jesus you who once were far off have been brought near by the blood of Christ. 14 For he himself is our peace, who has made us both one and has broken down in his flesh the dividing wall of hostility 15 by abolishing the law of commandments expressed in ordinances, that he might create in himself one new man in place of the two, so making peace, 16 and might reconcile us both to God in one body through the cross, thereby killing the hostility.

Colossians 2:13–14 (ESV) — 13 And you, who were dead in your trespasses and the uncircumcision of your flesh, God made alive together with him, having forgiven us all our trespasses, 14 by canceling the record of debt that stood against us with its legal demands. This he set aside, nailing it to the cross.

Titus 2:14 (ESV) — 14 who gave himself for us to redeem us from all lawlessness and to purify for himself a people for his own possession who are zealous for good works.

1 Peter 1:18–19 (ESV) — 18 knowing that you were ransomed from the futile ways inherited from your forefathers, not with perishable things such as silver or gold, 19 but with the precious blood of Christ, like that of a lamb without blemish or spot.

The cross brings reconciliation and justification

Ro 4:25

Romans 4:25 (ESV) — 25 who was delivered up for our trespasses and raised for our justification.

See also Ro 5:8–9; 1 Co 15:3–4; Eph 2:16; Col 1:20–22

Romans 5:8–9 (ESV) — 8 but God shows his love for us in that while we were still sinners, Christ died for us. 9 Since, therefore, we have now been justified by his blood, much more shall we be saved by him from the wrath of God.

1 Corinthians 15:3–4 (ESV) — 3 For I delivered to you as of first importance what I also received: that Christ died for our sins in accordance with the Scriptures, 4 that he was buried, that he was raised on the third day in accordance with the Scriptures,

Ephesians 2:16 (ESV) — 16 and might reconcile us both to God in one body through the cross, thereby killing the hostility.

Colossians 1:20–22 (ESV) — 20 and through him to reconcile to himself all things, whether on earth or in heaven, making peace by the blood of his cross. 21 And you, who once were alienated and hostile in mind, doing evil deeds, 22 he has now reconciled in his body of flesh by his death, in order to present you holy and blameless and above reproach before him,

The cross destroys the power of Satan

Col 2:13–15

Colossians 2:13–15 (ESV) — 13 And you, who were dead in your trespasses and the uncircumcision of your flesh, God made alive together with him, having forgiven us all our trespasses, 14 by canceling the record of debt that stood against us with its legal demands. This he set aside, nailing it to the cross. 15 He disarmed the rulers and authorities and put them to open shame, by triumphing over them in him.

See also Jn 12:31; Jn 14:30; Ga 1:4; Heb 2:14–15; 1 Pe 3:21–22

John 12:31 (ESV) — 31 Now is the judgment of this world; now will the ruler of this world be cast out.

John 14:30 (ESV) — 30 I will no longer talk much with you, for the ruler of this world is coming. He has no claim on me,

Galatians 1:4 (ESV) — 4 who gave himself for our sins to deliver us from the present evil age, according to the will of our God and Father,

Hebrews 2:14–15 (ESV) — 14 Since therefore the children share in flesh and blood, he himself likewise partook of the same things, that through death he might destroy the one who has the power of death, that is, the devil, 15 and deliver all those who through fear of death were subject to lifelong slavery.

1 Peter 3:21–22 (ESV) — 21 Baptism, which corresponds to this, now saves you, not as a removal of dirt from the body but as an appeal to God for a good conscience, through the resurrection of Jesus Christ, 22 who has gone into heaven and is at the right hand of God, with angels, authorities, and powers having been subjected to him.

The cross as a stumbling-block or offence

1 Co 1:22–24

1 Corinthians 1:22–24 (ESV) — 22 For Jews demand signs and Greeks seek wisdom, 23 but we preach Christ crucified, a stumbling block to Jews and folly to Gentiles, 24 but to those who are called, both Jews and Greeks, Christ the power of God and the wisdom of God.

See also Ga 5:11; Ga 6:12

Galatians 5:11 (ESV) — 11 But if I, brothers, still preach circumcision, why am I still being persecuted? In that case the offense of the cross has been removed.

Galatians 6:12 (ESV) — 12 It is those who want to make a good showing in the flesh who would force you to be circumcised, and only in order that they may not be persecuted for the cross of Christ.

The cross unites believers with Jesus Christ

Ro 6:4–7

Romans 6:4–7 (ESV) — 4 We were buried therefore with him by baptism into death, in order that, just as Christ was raised from the dead by the glory of the Father, we too might walk in newness of life. 5 For if we have been united with him in a death like his, we shall certainly be united with him in a resurrection like his. 6 We know that our old self was crucified with him in order that the body of sin might be brought to nothing, so that we would no longer be enslaved to sin. 7 For one who has died has been set free from sin.

See also Ro 6:2; Ro 8:36; 1 Co 15:30–31; 2 Co 4:10–12; 2 Co 5:14–15; Ga 2:20; Eph 2:14–16; Col 2:20; Col 3:1–3; 2 Ti 2:11

Romans 6:2 (ESV) — 2 By no means! How can we who died to sin still live in it?

Romans 8:36 (ESV) — 36 As it is written, “For your sake we are being killed all the day long; we are regarded as sheep to be slaughtered.”

1 Corinthians 15:30–31 (ESV) — 30 Why are we in danger every hour? 31 I protest, brothers, by my pride in you, which I have in Christ Jesus our Lord, I die every day!

2 Corinthians 4:10–12 (ESV) — 10 always carrying in the body the death of Jesus, so that the life of Jesus may also be manifested in our bodies. 11 For we who live are always being given over to death for Jesus’ sake, so that the life of Jesus also may be manifested in our mortal flesh. 12 So death is at work in us, but life in you.

2 Corinthians 5:14–15 (ESV) — 14 For the love of Christ controls us, because we have concluded this: that one has died for all, therefore all have died; 15 and he died for all, that those who live might no longer live for themselves but for him who for their sake died and was raised.

Galatians 2:20 (ESV) — 20 I have been crucified with Christ. It is no longer I who live, but Christ who lives in me. And the life I now live in the flesh I live by faith in the Son of God, who loved me and gave himself for me.

Ephesians 2:14–16 (ESV) — 14 For he himself is our peace, who has made us both one and has broken down in his flesh the dividing wall of hostility 15 by abolishing the law of commandments expressed in ordinances, that he might create in himself one new man in place of the two, so making peace, 16 and might reconcile us both to God in one body through the cross, thereby killing the hostility.

Colossians 2:20 (ESV) — 20 If with Christ you died to the elemental spirits of the world, why, as if you were still alive in the world, do you submit to regulations—

Colossians 3:1–3 (ESV) — 1 If then you have been raised with Christ, seek the things that are above, where Christ is, seated at the right hand of God. 2 Set your minds on things that are above, not on things that are on earth. 3 For you have died, and your life is hidden with Christ in God.

2 Timothy 2:11 (ESV) — 11 The saying is trustworthy, for: If we have died with him, we will also live with him;

The cross as a symbol of discipleship

Mt 16:24; Php 2:5–8

Matthew 16:24 (ESV) — 24 Then Jesus told his disciples, “If anyone would come after me, let him deny himself and take up his cross and follow me.

Philippians 2:5–8 (ESV) — 5 Have this mind among yourselves, which is yours in Christ Jesus, 6 who, though he was in the form of God, did not count equality with God a thing to be grasped, 7 but emptied himself, by taking the form of a servant, being born in the likeness of men. 8 And being found in human form, he humbled himself by becoming obedient to the point of death, even death on a cross.

See also Mt 10:38; Lk 14:27; Jn 12:23–25; Ro 8:13; Ga 5:24; Ga 6:14; Eph 5:25–26; Col 3:5; 1 Pe 2:21; 1 Pe 2:24

Matthew 10:38 (ESV) — 38 And whoever does not take his cross and follow me is not worthy of me.

Luke 14:27 (ESV) — 27 Whoever does not bear his own cross and come after me cannot be my disciple.

John 12:23–25 (ESV) — 23 And Jesus answered them, “The hour has come for the Son of Man to be glorified. 24 Truly, truly, I say to you, unless a grain of wheat falls into the earth and dies, it remains alone; but if it dies, it bears much fruit. 25 Whoever loves his life loses it, and whoever hates his life in this world will keep it for eternal life.

Romans 8:13 (ESV) — 13 For if you live according to the flesh you will die, but if by the Spirit you put to death the deeds of the body, you will live.

Galatians 5:24 (ESV) — 24 And those who belong to Christ Jesus have crucified the flesh with its passions and desires.

Galatians 6:14 (ESV) — 14 But far be it from me to boast except in the cross of our Lord Jesus Christ, by which the world has been crucified to me, and I to the world.

Ephesians 5:25–26 (ESV) — 25 Husbands, love your wives, as Christ loved the church and gave himself up for her, 26 that he might sanctify her, having cleansed her by the washing of water with the word,

Colossians 3:5 (ESV) — 5 Put to death therefore what is earthly in you: sexual immorality, impurity, passion, evil desire, and covetousness, which is idolatry.

1 Peter 2:21 (ESV) — 21 For to this you have been called, because Christ also suffered for you, leaving you an example, so that you might follow in his steps.

1 Peter 2:24 (ESV) — 24 He himself bore our sins in his body on the tree, that we might die to sin and live to righteousness. By his wounds you have been healed.

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The Context: Lk 23:32–49

BC: Is 53:10–12 / Isaiah 52:13–53:12 / Heb 7:27 / Jn 10:11 /

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Illustration:

Not Slain, Crucified

“Paul’s meaning is not that the flesh, with its affections and lusts, is no longer present at all with those that have become Christians, but that a walk in the flesh should not any longer exist in the case of Christians. A walk in the Spirit might be rightly expected of believers. This is only possible for those who have crucified the flesh. The word is not slain, but crucified. It is a task of the Christian to be accomplished only by continual effort (Colossians 3:5).

“In ‘crucified,’ however, the simple slaying is not the main idea, but the condemning, giving sentence, surrendering to infamous death. This has necessarily taken place in becoming Christ’s. Fellowship with Christ involves a crucifixion of the flesh for the very reason that it is fellowship with Christ’s death on the cross. “Christ indeed has only suffered what people have deserved on account of their sinful flesh. Whoever appropriates to himself Christ’s death upon the cross regards the flesh to himself no longer. For him, in Christ’s death, the flesh has been crucified.”

Galaxie Software, 10,000 Sermon Illustrations (Biblical Studies Press, 2002).

The Sufficient Blood

His blood is so sufficient

He tells us in His word

On the mercy seat in heaven

It was put there by our Lord.

It stops the accuser of the brethren

As he walks before the throne

Our God just points to the blood

And Satan knows He cares for His own.

It’s sufficient for any situation

To nourish, to cleanse, and keep.

Oh, magnify your name my Lord

My soul with rapture leaps.

Can my sins though oh so many

Make this blood of no avail

Once I’ve named the name of Jesus

In my heart, I cannot fail.

His word has proclaimed it

The work begun in me

Will someday be completed

When His dear face I see.

And when I dwell in heaven

As the ages roll along

Oh, that precious blood of Jesus

Will be my victory song

Galaxie Software, 10,000 Sermon Illustrations (Biblical Studies Press, 2002).

One Hanging on a Tree

In evil long I took delight,

Unawed by shame or fear,

Till a new object struck my sight,

And stopp’d my wild career:

I saw One hanging on a Tree

In agonies and blood,

Who fix’d His languid eyes on me.

As near His Cross I stood.

Sure never till my latest breath,

Can I forget that look:

It seem’d to charge me with His death,

Though not a word He spoke:

My conscience felt and own’d the guilt,

And plunged me in despair:

I saw my sins His Blood had spilt,

And help’d to nail Him there.

Alas! I knew not what I did!

But now my tears are vain:

Where shall my trembling soul be hid?

For I the Lord have slain!

A second look He gave, which said,

“I freely all forgive;

This blood is for thy ransom paid;

I die that thou may’st live.”

Thus, while His death my sin displays

In all its blackest hue,

Such is the mystery of grace,

It seals my pardon too.

With pleasing grief, and mournful joy,

My spirit now if fill’d,

That I should such a life destroy,

Yet live by Him I kill’d!

John Newton, 1725–180

Galaxie Software, 10,000 Sermon Illustrations (Biblical Studies Press, 2002).