Readings for Good Friday, 4/3/15:
Isaiah 52:13-53:12, Psalm 22, Hebrews 10:16-25, John
18:1-19:42
Isaiah 52:13-53:12:
- Here Isaiah describes the suffering
servant, and no surprise, we easily see Jesus reflected in this image.
Isaiah seems to focus on the theme of how this servant will be what no one
is looking for, but what everyone will give attention to when revealed.
- "by a perversion of justice he was
taken away." This sentence particularly strikes - if we apply this to
Jesus, we read that it is an act of injustice that takes Jesus away to
death. Do we remember to think of it that way? We get so caught up in his
sacrifice, in God's plan laid out, that I think we forget that what
happened to Jesus, even if it worked for our good, was wrong!
- "It was the will of the Lord to
crush him with pain." Eek! I hope not. I'm not sure that this is ever
God's will, exactly, or that way that God would hope and desire for things
to turn out. I think God works through human deeds of pain and hurt, but I
hope God doesn't will them on us.
Psalm 22:
- "My God, my God, why have you
forsaken me?" These words, which open the Psalm, are found on Jesus'
lips on the cross. Some say he was reciting the Psalm, to comfort others.
People don't like to think about Jesus feeling forsaken by God. But I
think it is ok to believe Jesus felt alone in that moment - because
despite his feelings, he had faith enough to follow through with what he
believed was God's call for him.
- Surely, we've all felt forsaken by God
sometimes. Alone. Finding "no rest" as the Psalmist describes.
The scene the Psalmist describes is one of fear and desperation to feel
God's presence. Have you experienced this? When? How? Did you find God
present there?
Hebrews 10:16-25:
- These first two verses are more or less
quoted from Jeremiah 31:33-34. Notice, though, that the author of Hebrews
has the laws in our hearts but also written on our minds. I like the
imagery.
- "let us consider how to provoke one
another to love and good deeds" - Another good verse. We often
provoke people around us, but usually when we do so, it is not in a good
way! Here, we're encouraged to provoke each other in a positive way, a way
that inspires serving God. Good advice!
John 18:1-19:42:
- from John we get part of the Passion
from Palm/Passion
Sunday, only from John's perspective instead of Matthew. Double check
for what is different in each text. As with that text from Matthew, I find
this one hard to comment on - it's such a story, it is so big, literally
and theologically.
- This text has several pieces, or
vignettes. Judas betraying Jesus to the authorities. Peter denying Jesus.
Jesus on trial before Pilate. Jesus beaten. Jesus crucified. And an
"epilogue" of sorts. Any part could be an area of specific
focus, though 'time' wise, Good Friday's focus is the crucifixion.
- To me, what jumps out as full of
possibilities is Pilate's question: "what is truth?" John does
not record Jesus giving an answer. How do you think he would have
answered? What is your answer?
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