Opening Prayer

Sovereign God, in a world tainted by evil, we find solace in the story of Good Friday. As we contemplate Jesus’ Suffering and the darkness that surrounded Him, grant us hope that evil will not have the final word. Help us to embrace the truth that through Jesus’ Resurrection, there will be an ultimate judgment, and that the Light will triumph over evil. In the Name of Your Son Jesus, Amen!

Scripture

Devotion

In this world, evil often appears to prevail. On that ‘good’ Friday, it seemed that evil had won. Jesus was led to Golgotha, the place of the skull (v.33). The crowd and even the rebel dying alongside Him mocked Him (v.40, 44). Darkness fell, and Jesus cried out, “Eli, Eli, lema sabachtani,” meaning “My God, my God, why have You forsaken me?” (v.46), His final words according to Matthew.

Those who loved Jesus are completely hopeless. The disciples had fled. The women stood at a distance unable to do anything, and later helplessly followed Jesus’ Lifeless Body. There is only one thing left to do with Jesus: bury His Dead Body.

Joseph Mengele, known as the “angel of Death” was a Nazi physician who conducted the most inhumane experiments on prisoners at the Auschwitz concentration camp during World War II. After the war, he fled Europe and evaded the authorities. He died at the ripe old age of 67 while having a nice swim in the ocean. Sometimes evil seems to triumph.

Yet, on that Good Friday, amid the darkness, a note of hope resounded. The Centurion declared, “Surely He was the Son of God!”

Indeed, He was!

Though evil may have its moments, it will not have the final word. Amid injustice, suffering, pain, death, and evil, it may be challenging to hold onto this truth. Nevertheless, the Resurrection Day will come.

Intercessory Prayer

Dear Heavenly Father, on this Good Friday our prayer is simple – we recognise the Cross of Jesus and His sacrifice. We believe that He died for all mankind and that includes us. We recognise that we are sinners in need of forgiveness. As we stand before the cross today, we want to say sorry for all of our sins – past, present and future. We are sinners in need of forgiveness and we receive Your Sacrifice on the Cross as total forgiveness of all our sins. Help us to serve You in the newness of life. We pray for those who do not profess Christ as Lord. Jesus the Messiah, may You use this Easter Celebration to draw them to Your Side; and Lord, use us any way You want to bring about Your Divine Purposes. In Jesus’ Name, Amen!