An imaginative reflection of Good Friday, weaving in characters and miracles from Jesus’ life. An afternoon when the sun refused to shine and a chill ran through onlookers but when words of forgiveness, compassion, hope and trust were heard. This will be used in a church service, so may read a little differently to other blog posts.
Every public spectacle leaves debris behind. Concerts, rallies, executions, all leave their mark. After the excitement is over and the crowds have gone home, their litter is left for someone else to pick up or to blow across fields and hills, into hedgerows and gardens. Public spectacles do not end without trace.
That Friday in Jerusalem, was no different.
While three men hung dying on crosses, a small crowd gathered. There’d been some jeering, men were in a volatile mood, ready to celebrate their people’s freedom, but as the afternoon became surprisingly dark and cold, they quietened down and shivered.
One by one, they drifted away, earlier than expected. That afternoon, home held more appeal than usual because lamb was roasting, and wine was waiting to be poured.
So, the crowd thinned, leaving picnic remains behind. Bread and fish scattered on the hill outside the city. That day, there was no one to make sure everyone was fed or that the leftovers were gathered up, with nothing wasted.
An older woman felt her recently found energy dropping and she clutched her middle in fear of the old pain returning. There was nothing else to grab hold of. The man who’d called her daughter was gasping for breath and his own energy was bleeding away. The robe which had brought her life and health lay muddied and bloodied, coveted by the gambling soldiers
One man limped away, an old pain returning to haunt him. Weeks ago, he’d sprung up from the ground, picked up his sleeping mat and strode away with Jesus’s forgiving and healing words ringing in his ears, but now he thought he’d have to walk alone.
A young woman’s hot tears spilled down her cheeks. She lived because Jesus had spoken up for her and rescued her from the murderous mob, but no one had spoken up in his defence and from a distance she’d watched the deadly blows that she’d been spared rain down on him.
A man who’d been born blind and another who’d been born deaf covered their eyes and ears and wished they couldn’t see or hear what was happening. The hands that had touched them with healing were nailed to a cross.
But still, as the afternoon got colder and darker, there were sights to see and words to hear.
Still, there was forgiveness. Father, forgive them, for they don’t know what they are doing, said Jesus.*1
Still, there was compassion. Woman, here is your son. Friend, here is your mother, said Jesus. *2
Still, there was hope. I tell you the truth, today you will be with me in paradise, said Jesus. *3
Still, there was trust. Father, into your hands I commit my spirit, said Jesus. *4
So, on Good Friday we remember that Jesus didn’t hold anything back but gave his all for love of us, and we know it wasn’t the end. What are we to do?
Maybe remember some act of kindness, generosity, forgiveness and healing.
Maybe breath a prayer of thanks and a word of love.
Maybe look at the patchwork pattern of our lives and see how it all fits together. Where does this wooden cross fit in?
Wander well towards Easter.
Mandy.
Bible references:
John’s Gospel chapters 18 and 19.
*1 Luke’s Gospel chapter 23 verse 34
*2 John’s Gospel 19 verse 26 and 27
*3 Luke’s Gospel chapter 23 verse 43
*4 Luke’s Gospel chapter 23 verse 46
Wandering Through The Land Of Nod. 