Scripture Reading: John 18:28-40, John 19:1-42, Psalm 103:10-11
In his book The Cross of Christ, theologian John Stott poses the question: Who killed Jesus? Who was it that delivered Him to be crucified on the cross? Was it Judas, who handed Jesus over to the religious leaders? Was it Annas and Caiaphas, who handed Him over to Pilate? Was it Pilate and his cowardice that led to Jesus’s demise, or was it the Roman soldiers who nailed Jesus’s wrists and feet to the cross? Who killed Jesus? Who is ultimately responsible for His death?
Is it us?
Was it not my sin, your sin, and that of Pilate, Judas, the religious leaders, and every generation that came before us and will come after us that nailed Jesus to the cross? Well, yes, it was. But it was not our sin alone. For as Stott quotes Octavius Winslow saying, it was “not Judas, for money; not Pilate, for fear; not the Jews, for envy;—but the Father for love.”
In today’s reading, I see the Father’s love in every instance that the Apostle John takes a moment to remind us that the events surrounding Jesus’s death were to “fulfill the Scripture.”
To fulfill the Scriptures, Jesus garments were divided (John 19:24).
To fulfill the Scriptures, Jesus made His descent to death with the words, “I’m thirsty” (v.28).
To fulfill the Scriptures, none of Jesus’s bones were broken (v.36).
Though it may seem that Jesus was being passively shuffled from the hands of Judas to Annas to Caiaphas to Pilate and the Roman soldiers, God was in control over it all.
We also see the heart of Jesus too. When every last word in the scriptures concerning Him was fulfilled, Jesus laid down His life. He drank the sour wine, definitively proclaimed His work finished, and decisively “gave up His Spirit” for love (v.30).
Beloved, at the cross, we not only see the magnitude of our sin. We also see the magnitude of God’s love. We encounter a God who uses His wisdom, power, and glory to ensure that everything works out in accordance with His will for our salvation.
Written by Yana Jenay Connor
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79 thoughts on "Good Friday"
Because of His love
LordGod thank you for your love. For giving us Jesus in physical form to bring truth and sacrificing Him for all your children. We do not deserve such love or compassion. We are so blessed and thankful. Amen
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I read psalm 22 with the scripture reading of Jesus’ death. I am trying to make it my habit to read them together, knowing that Jesus wanted his disciples to remember psalm 22 as he died. I am trying to be more intimate in my reading of scripture, and it is so often skipped due to its length, but it is such a powerful psalm, I just thought I would mention it here, in case it is helpful to anyone else. ❤️
Sunday is coming!
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❤ Thanks, Heather!
Lord thank you for the sacrifice you made for me that day on the cross ✝️
Jesus, thank You for going through this willingly for me. Help me never forget the cost of Your love. Teach me to trust You and surrender to the Father like You did. Amen ❤️
May I never take for granted what Jesus did on Good Friday.
“I asked Jesus, ‘How much do you love me?’ And Jesus said, ‘This much.’ Then He stretched out His arms and died.”
– Unknown
So many songs that come to mind today as we contemplate and dwell on Jesus’ sacrifice today.
“What Wondrous Love is This”:
What wondrous love is this, O my soul, O my soul
What wondrous love is this, O my soul
What wondrous love is this that caused the Lord of bliss
To bear the dreadful curse for my soul, for my soul
To bear the dreadful curse for my soul
Good Friday breaks me. Knowing that Jesus bore my sins on that cross. That every hit he took of the whip, every spit in his face was meant for me. He paid the price, the ransom for every one of my sins. I’m definitely not worthy of the sacrifice he made. Not even a second in my life is deserving of his love. Yet he did it anyway. He did it for me. Thank you doesn’t begin to say what I owe him. I owe him my life. My everything. I feel so sad on Good Friday. I pray that I can remember every day that Jesus gave everything for me.
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Wonderfully said, Teresa. It was because of my sin that Jesus severed and died on that cross.
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These are heavy words from scripture today and a thoughtful devotion as well. “Who is ultimately responsible for His death? Is it us?” This is not an easy question. Or rather, maybe its just a hard answer that we simply can’t pass by. The suffering and Jesus’ death is all for us. “Beloved, at the cross, we not only see the magnitude of our sin. We also see the magnitude of God’s love.” So very grateful for a love beyond what I deserve. Thank you Jesus for the cross. ✝️
Yet Not I, But Christ in Me by City Alight is running through my mind.
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These passages were just perfect – and paired with the Psalms—my heart is just so grateful. Just had a rush of tears when Jesus saw his mom, and in love of her and all she’d been to him, made sure she was taken care of. Jewish custom would have been that James (the most likely next-older-brother) would have been the one to care for her, which makes the whole exchange even more intentional that he placed the consent onto John. Mary knew what it was to face cultural shame and fear of rejection by loved ones over choosing to align her will with God’s 33 years and 9 months prior (not exact, I know..;)). After her husband died, whenever in time that was, Jesus was who cared for her, loved her, included her on his journey and mission. INTERESTING THING TO ME has been that Jesus visited James (brother) before ascending and we know James went from skeptic/hater (John 7:1-5) to devout and committed. Yet, Jesus still put John in charge for his mom and recorded letters indicate she was with him up to her death. Makes me lean towards believing the two of them must have been very close–perhaps like a surrogate mom/adopted son? Who knows… just interesting :)
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I can’t agree more with the author that we see the magnitude of our sin simultaneously with the magnitude of God’s love. One part I think is just maybe poor wording – God the Father did not kill his son. Jesus had free will and we see that the night he was praying over and over – Father, if this can be changed, if there is another way, show me. AND. Not my will but yours. He made the CHOICE to submit to a will that his human self was not aligned with. He CHOSE to go to the cross, endure all that was required, because of his great love. It is the most powerful display of holy submission. Our sin required sacrifice. His holiness and righteousness and authority was the only thing greater that could atone for what authority sin had taken in our world and in humanity.
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And with that it’s so valuable to remember- God never, ever, left his son. I know we all read “Father, why have you forsaken me” — and I know for a long time I had confusion over this until searching out people who’ve made trinitarianism their life’s work. We recognize he is quoting David from Psalm 22. But for some reason there is a thought with some that for David it was a human emotional cry, but for Jesus it was literal. But if you believe in the trinity – in God the Father, God the Son, God the Spirit – as three-in-one, 3 persons fully connected and intertwined, unable to be separated- then this HAS to be a cry of guttural, human-emotion that we ALL know when we are in the absolute depths of our sin. That moment when the weight of sin has become so great in us that we feel so far from anything holy, right, loving, forgiving… But scripture is SO CLEAR – God NEVER leaves us, forsakes us, turns himself away from us. It is the magnitude of our sin that keeps our *perspective* from seeing/experiencing the presence of God, NOT his absence. This is so important for us to see because if Satan would relish in anything it’s the lie that we could possibly do something that would disqualify us from his presence and we simply cannot, if we have confessed who Jesus is. We are sealed with his spirit and, in God’s own words, NOTHING. can take us out of his hand. Jesus is moment by moment advocating FOR us, as the enemy brings sin after sin up against us, Jesus is repeating- nope she’s covered. I’ve got her. She’s mine. HE’s a liar. SHE’s my girl. .. and on and on.
He cannot leave us. He is fully in us. We are fully in him. The work he accomplished on that cross proved his faithful love once and for all time. For now, evil will still have its rule over earthly things… but the time is ticking down second by second. The victory is ours in Jesus. We’ve already won. I hope we can all dwell on that now and beyond Easter Sunday :) Every morning you wake up already victorious in Jesus!! :) :)
“Every morning you wake up already victorious in Jesus!!”
Amen and praise Him! ❤
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Amen!❤️
Thank you Jesus
“Beloved, at the cross, we not only see the magnitude of our sin. We also see the magnitude of God’s love.”
I slept or was at least in bed for almost 11 hours! I was so tired. But wanted to be up by 6:30AM, as I wanted to see the sunrise and remember on this GOOD FRIDAY what our JESUS endured for YOU and I. Sad to say that today is no longer called Good Friday on our school calendar, but Spring Holiday. My heart ached. But we, sweet She’s know, we know truth about this day as OUR Jesus endured the unimaginable for you and I. Thankful for all you She’s whom I love SO much and because of JESUS I’ll get to meet you all someday. I had written more, but it kept getting erased, so I’m stopping here.
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Thank you Jesus for not dealing with us as our sins deserve and for your faithful love. Today’s readings are always heavy but remind me of how grateful I am for Jesus’s sacrifice for us.
I recently found the song I’d Do It Again by Andrew Ripp and have been listening to it this am. Have a blessed Easter weekend everyone
I Love that song too!
Great song!
Enjoying rereading Lent 2016 Days 40-57 along side Lent 2026 Holy Week Days 46-49.
Thank you Jesus for your sacrifice, for your life. You died for each and every one of us who does not deserve it.
Remembering and receiving your great love today with humbled hearts.
Holy is your name Jesus
You deserve the praise.
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Beloved, at the cross, we not only see the magnitude of our sin. We also see the magnitude of God’s love. We encounter a God who uses His wisdom, power, and glory to ensure that everything works out in accordance with His will for our salvation.
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I’m so grateful. But this day always feels heavy to me. The brutality that Jesus suffered hurts my heart.
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“Beloved, at the cross, we not only see the magnitude of our sin. We also see the magnitude of God’s love.”
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Yes, indeed. The magnitude of God’s love. A love that caused Him to put in place a redemption plan before we were born, even before all that He created. What great love He has lavished on us. Sinners, so undeserving, but to God we were worth it.
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I am forever grateful that Jesus willingly went to the cross for me, for you. He suffered, bled and died – that we might live. Praise God He does not treat us as our sins deserve or repay us according to our iniquities. What a compassionate, loving God we serve! To this I hold, my hope is only Jesus!
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Song that comes to mind this morning – Not I But Christ In Me by CityAlight…
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What gift of grace is Jesus, my Redeemer
There is no more for Heaven now to give
He is my joy, my righteousness, and freedom
My steadfast love, my deep and boundless peace
To this I hold, my hope is only Jesus
For my life is wholly bound to His
Oh, how strange and divine, I can sing, “All is mine”
Yet not I, but through Christ in me
The night is dark, but I am not forsaken
For by my side, the Savior, He will stay
I labor on in weakness and rejoicing
For in my need, His power is displayed
To this I hold, my Shepherd will defend me
Through the deepest valley, He will lead
Oh, the night has been won, and I shall overcome
Yet not I, but through Christ in me
No fate I dread, I know I am forgiven
The future’s sure, the price, it has been paid
For Jesus bled and suffered for my pardon
And He was raised to overthrow the grave
To this I hold, my sin has been defeated
Jesus, now and ever is my plea
Oh, the chains are released, I can sing, “I am free”
Yet not I, but through Christ in me
With every breath, I long to follow Jesus
For He has said that He will bring me home
And day by day, I know He will renew me
Until I stand with joy before the throne
To this I hold, my hope is only Jesus
All the glory evermore to Him
When the race is complete, still my lips shall repeat
“Yet not I, but through Christ in me”
To this I hold, my hope is only Jesus
All the glory evermore to Him
When the race is complete, still my lips shall repeat
“Yet not I, but through Christ in me”
When the race is complete, still my lips shall repeat
“Yet not I, but through Christ in me”
Yet not I, but through Christ in me
Yet not I, but through Christ in me
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Today may each of us reflect on the great work of the cross that Jesus did for us. Blessings to each of you on this Good Friday.❤️
Great song share! I hear that a lot on the local station.❤
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“Beloved, at the cross, we not only see the magnitude of our sin. We also see the magnitude of God’s love.
We encounter a God who uses His wisdom, power, and glory to ensure that everything works out in accordance with His will for our salvation.” ~ Written by Yana Jenay Connor
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SONG SHARE:
Chris Tomlin – At The Cross (Love Ran Red)
Lyrics:
There’s a place where nercy reigns and never dies
There’s a place where streams of grace flow deep and wide
Where all the love I’ve ever found
Comes like a flood
Comes flowing down
[Chorus:]
At the cross
At the cross
I surrender my life
I’m in awe of You
I’m in awe of You
Where Your love ran red
And my sin washed white
I owe all to You
I owe all to You Jesus
There’s a place where sin and shame are powerless
Where my heart has peace with God and forgiveness
Where all the love I’ve ever found
Comes like a flood
Comes flowing down
[Chorus]
Here my hope is found
Here on holy ground
Here I bow down
Here I bow down
Here arms open wide
Here You saved my life
Here I bow down
Here I bow…
[Chorus]
Here my hope is found
Here on holy ground
Here I bow down
Here I bow down
Here arms open wide
Here You saved my life
Here I bow down
Here I bow…
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Love, hugs, and prayers! ❤
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Growing up, in church, it always perplexed me the phrase “GOOD Friday” when Jesus was tortured and beaten. I’m like, nothing good about this. Of course as I got older and realized why it was termed good, it still isn’t so good to reflect on his sacrifice. In fact I like to sit and believe that I don’t know about Sunday. Just like the disciples, to mourn for this cruel death to a “man” that had done such miracles and healing, went to the poor and drunkards, and taught great, profound messages. The man that didn’t fight back with lots of contempt and words. I don’t know how anyone could watch someone get so brutally beaten with such weapons over and over, so barbarically. Yet..I like to sit in the sacrifice. Watching the Passion of the Christ in 20 min segments while studying through Holy Week for 6 weeks prior to Easter now for the last 4 years has been quite the leverage I need to get the true JOY of Sunday Morning!!
Knowing now in trials, that Jesus too,had to go through his own suffering, abandonment, betrayal, pain, embarrassment- well, makes me suck mine up in knowing we too, shall bear our crosses here in the now, on Friday…Until the RETURN of Christ!! But we know that we have something powerful, as he was with the disciples, we have the Holy Spirit, Him in us, to get us through anything. So as we go through it, let’s turn our thoughts to calvary. To know that our Friday’s will come, often with a Sunday. If not, when we die, we surely have the best ending as a believer!!
Lent gives us such an important focus every year. And it grows more dear and GOOD every time.
“Sunday’s Coming” Phil Whicham
And “The Blood” Hillsong Ft Mitch Wong.
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Amen
As I read the Scripture today, I’m struck by the irony that the Jewish leaders who brought Jesus before Pilate were so intent on keeping a precise timeline because of the Passover and the Sabbath. In their determination to observe these sacred feasts and uphold the law, they failed to recognize that they were about to put to death the very one who fulfilled those laws and feasts.
But then I remember that the crucifixion was ultimately the will of the Father—a plan set in motion from the very beginning, in the garden, when humanity fell and Satan thought he had won. Yet God, the Creator of the universe, already had the victory in place. Through Jesus’ blood, He accomplished the ultimate checkmate—for us and for our salvation.
Yes, and in celebrating Passover, the blood that saved the ancestors on their doors…was being put on the cross..as the blood for them!! Everything makes so much sense from knowing our Bibles. But, they should have known…they should know now. But still don’t recognize…yet a day is coming when the remnant will know! Hallelujah for that…that he is waiting for all that can come of the gentiles will! That’s why it’s our job to keep praying for Israel, and sharing with everyone we can.
Thank you Jesus
V28 when Jesus KNEW that everything was finished… he knew! He knew from the beginning how this would all play out, yet he did not hide, cower, run away like I am sure I would do. All I can think is “why?” Who am I? I am not worthy. Thank you Jesus for the blood applied.
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Amen. Thank you Jesus!
Amen.
Amen and Amen
The magnitude of His love…makes me think of an earthquake. It’s massive and overwhelming and life changing…everything changing. Nothing is bigger! Nothing is more powerful than the Blood of Jesus but also His great love shown there on that cross! He gave it all, paid it all,.all to Him we owe…Sin had left.a.crimson stain, He washed it white as snow!
Amen!❤️
Thank you Lord for the cross. ❤️
Salvation to me is a reason to rejoice, as it should be. But sometimes I forget how much that salvation cost. I read those verses today with a heavy heart. My Lord and Savior degraded, beaten, left to die all for the love of us.
Me too Libby K. I don’t want this to be just a “story” I’ve heard. I want to sit in the gravity of it.
This devotional reminds me of this Stuart Townend song, which I feel perfectly fits Good Friday.
How deep the Father’s love for us,
How vast beyond all measure,
That He should give His only Son
To make a wretch His treasure.
How great the pain of searing loss –
The Father turns His face away,
As wounds which mar the Chosen One
Bring many sons to glory.
Behold the man upon a cross,
My sin upon His shoulders;
Ashamed, I hear my mocking voice
Call out among the scoffers.
It was my sin that held Him there
Until it was accomplished;
His dying breath has brought me life –
I know that it is finished.
I will not boast in anything,
No gifts, no power, no wisdom;
But I will boast in Jesus Christ,
His death and resurrection.
Why should I gain from His reward?
I cannot give an answer;
But this I know with all my heart –
His wounds have paid my ransom.
I love this song, Elaine;I love, too, singing it
A Cappella- very appropriatebfor today. Thank you! ❤
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All for love!
Apologies, Christina! I was thinking ‘Indiana Elaine’ posted that and just realized my mistake- too late to edit. Morning eyes. ☺ ❤
We sang this at our worship gathering tonight
Song: And Can It Be that I Should Gain
Author: Charles Wesley (1738)
1 And can it be that I should gain
An int’rest in the Savior’s blood?
Died He for me, who caused His pain?
For me, who Him to death pursued?
Amazing love! how can it be
That Thou, my God, should die for me?
Refrain:
Amazing love! how can it be
That Thou, my God, should die for me!
2 ‘Tis mystery all! Th’Immortal dies!
Who can explore His strange design?
In vain the firstborn seraph tries
To sound the depths of love divine!
‘Tis mercy all! let earth adore,
Let angel minds inquire no more. [Refrain]
3 He left His Father’s throne above,
So free, so infinite His grace;
Emptied Himself of all but love,
And bled for Adam’s helpless race;
‘Tis mercy all, immense and free;
For, O my God, it found out me. [Refrain]
4 Long my imprisoned spirit lay
Fast bound in sin and nature’s night;
Thine eye diffused a quick’ning ray,
I woke, the dungeon flamed with light;
My chains fell off, my heart was free;
I rose, went forth and followed Thee. [Refrain]
5 No condemnation now I dread;
Jesus, and all in Him is mine!
Alive in Him, my living Head,
And clothed in righteousness divine,
Bold I approach th’eternal throne,
And claim the crown, through Christ my own. [Refrain]
Amen.
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Or the modern version: You Are My King (Amazing Love)
by Billy James Foote.
I’m forgiven because You were forsaken
I’m accepted, You were condemned
I’m alive and well, Your Spirit is within me
Because You died and rose again
Amazing love, how can it be
That You, my King, should die for me?
Amazing love, I know it’s true
And it’s my joy to honor You
In all I do, to honor You
You are my King
You are my King
Jesus, You are my King
You are my King
Amazing love, how can it be
That You, my King, should die for me?
(Amazing love)
Amazing love, I know it’s true
And it’s my joy to honor You
In all I do, to honor You
In all I do, to honor You
In all I do, let me honor You
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I invite you to stay in this day’s sorrow.
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Ponder “It is finished.”
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Reflect on the silence and darkness of the tomb.
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Amen, Kelly, great hymn. ❤
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No words this morning, just tears for the pain Jesus felt and in thankfulness for my salvation.
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ASHLEY THOMAS The Bible hymns, beautiful no doubt ❤️
ALLIYAH GARCIA – praying for your anxiety and worry, that you have the strength through faith that you can release it. I have a sign that helps me remember, Do Not Worry About Tomorrow, God Is Already There. Praying for your dad’s healing.
GWINETH52 ❤️
SHARON JERSEY GIRL ❤️congratulations! Thankful for mama and baby’s good health.
KIM H thankful for your good news
TINA ❤️
CEE GEE ❤️
MERCY ❤️
MICHELLE P – thinking about and praying for you today ❤️
SANDI ❤️ your nephew ❤️❤️
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We love to pass the buck, don’t we?
How many people did jesus have to face before his crucifixion..
Annas.
High priest.
Pilate.
The people/the crowd, those for whom He had come to save, they had the final say..
If I didnt know better, and thank God,I do, I would have thought this an upside down kind of logic, that good guy suffers whilst the wrongdoings are free..
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BUT GOD..
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He gave His ONLY Son, He sent JESUS to come and save me/us, to carry our load, our sins, our shame, our wrongdoings, our messes. our ‘no way back from this’ rubbish..
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And HE came.
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HE did not argue, He did not question, He faced our rubbish head on, and took the whipping,
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The slapping.
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The cries of “crucify Him”
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The crown of thorns.
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The nails in His hands and feet.
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The piercing in the side..
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With the words “It is finished” He died for the undeserving bunch, that we are. He died for US..!
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The tears come, oh they come, and rightly so.. for such a love, that I have never known here on earth, for such a gift, precious and true, I shall never receive again..
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I am floored.
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I cry now, knowing the depth, height, breadth of this love.
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Thank you JESUS, THANK YOU.
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Two songs came to mind..
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Thank you for the cross..
Thank you for the cross LORD;
Thank you for the price you paid;
Bearing all my sin and shame,
In love you came,
And gave amazing grace..
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2) Were you there when they crucified my LORD
Were you there when they crucified my LORD,
Ooh, oh, sometimes it causes me to tremble, tremble, tremble, were you there when
n they crucified my LORD.
Were you there when they took Him from the cross..
Ooh, oh sometimes it causes me to tremble tremble.,
Were you there when they took Him from the tree..
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Both hold my voice today..
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May your Friday be blessed precious ones.,❤️
One thing I did want to say, in John 18:6 it says When JESUS said to them, “I am He,” they moved back and fell to the ground..
What did they see in Him?
What made them do that?
Did they already know something?
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Just wondered!
The power of Jesus’ words?!
I listened to “Were You There” just a bit ok! I always looked forward to that song at Easter.
Our choir sang ‘were you there’ one year. So oowerful! Thanks for the reminder! ❤
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As I’m reading through the comments I have the Good Friday Service playing at Hillsong Church – right now they are singing Thank You For The Cross.
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“God was in control over it all…We encounter a God who uses His wisdom, power, and glory to ensure that everything works out in accordance with His will for our salvation.”
Thank you God, for this. Thank you Jesus, for going through it all to save us ❤️✝️❤️
Amen!❤️
Thank you Jesus. Thank you Father. ❤️➕✝️
What a poignant reminder from our devotion today. This was the will of the Father from the beginning of time. Before even one of the sins Jesus died to pay for had been committed, the plan was His life for ours – His righteous to cover our rebellion – His faithful love to build a bridge for our intentional separation from the Father.
Amazing grace, how sweet the sound that saved a wretch like me! Thank You, Jesus!!
Im astonished at how Jesus can lay his life down voluntarily for the same people who were turned against him, the crowd around him watching his life seep away and the people throughout history to now who he continues to lay his life down for. Perhaps it is because I am trying to frame this act through human eyes, but this was the turning point in history, the point that turned him from a fantastic man with the ability to perform.miracles to the Son of God, and there was no way of denying it after this!! Thank you Jesus!
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“What I have written, I have written.”
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Pilate’s words are so very profound, aren’t they?
Yes
I love how Enduring Word describes Pilate’s sign of the truth of Jesus’ kingship, in multiple languages, to be the beginning of the gospel .spreading from Aramaic to Hebrew to the wider world, Jesus IS king!
Yes, that’s good!
Yes as is his question, “What is truth!” Gets me every time! ❤