The Shepherd’s Voice

Readings for Good Friday, April 10^th
Is 52:13-53:12
Heb 10:16-25
Jn 18:1-19:42

We just heard a very interesting narrative about Jesus final time here on before he was crucified. So what might you take away from this reading from John.

Perhaps since you know the end of the story these are just a bunch of words, kinda like Peanuts listening to Lucy, Wa, Wa, Wa, Wa, Wa, Wa, Wa, Wa. But how about taking a look at what some of the primary characters may have been seeing, observing and worrying about as this story unfolds.

Judas – Just last night Jesus washes the disciples feet and we see during that experience that Jesus says, “Not all of you are clean.” We have a group of people who are eating together and all of a sudden Judas is fingered, the jig is up so to speak. V13:27 Satan entered him. Evil was at the door. Judas had no way of knowing the final outcome, but he was about to start a process, betrayal. Betrayal is nasty. Betrayal is distressing. Betrayal pulls our legs out from under us. Whether you’re the betrayer or the betrayed it’s a nasty business. Have you been a Judas to anyone this past year or do you feel betrayed?

Peter – was proud to be with Jesus. First he doesn’t want his feet washed then he wants his head and hands washed as well. Jesus tells the disciples that some will desert him. Peter says, “not me.” Jesus tells Peter where he is going the disciples can’t follow him and Peter says I will lay down my life for you. Tonight we see Peter cut off the high priest’s salves ear. But shortly after this people start asking Peter questions about being a follower of Christ and what does he do, he denies it. He says, I’m not a follower, I don’t know the man. The cock crows. Have you a Peter lately? Have you found something more important to do with you time than go to church?

Pilate – a ruler, a man of authority, a powerful man brings Jesus into his court to get to the bottom of this whole incident. He says to Jesus, “Are you the king of the Jews?” Pilate fumbles around a bit, Jesus says something about testifying to the truth and Pilate asks him, “What is truth?” If you’ve ever had a philosophy class you’ve likely asked the same question. It seems like many in today’s world only ask the question today in a mocking way. Maybe Pilate was also mocking Jesus, I don’t know. Pilate tries to release Jesus, but he is weak in his attempt and does not do it. Is your faith weak? How do you struggle with God’s truth? Or maybe like Pilate you don’t believe there is such a thing as truth?

People in the courtyard – We have people who are listening to these proceedings. When asked if they should release Jesus or another prisoner, they cry out “Crucify him, crucify him.” Do these people really know what they are saying? Release Barabbas. Do you kind of go along with what the secular world tells you to believe. Release Barabbas, really, he’s a criminal, a bad guy.

Jesus’ Mother, Mary – Mary is standing near the cross. Mary’s heart must have been very heavy. Mary loved Jesus, it was her first son. Mother’s and I know as a Father we love our children. When they are in pain, we are in pain. The pain is deep. It’s emotional. Our hearts are tender. Do you feel a sadness in your heart tonight? A sadness that pulls at you, a sadness that can be overwhelming at times. When we stand near the cross we can empathize with Mary. She thought this was the end. I’m sure she felt desperate, alone, very sad. Can you relate to Mary tonight?

Jesus – In the early part of the story it says Jesus knowing all that was about to happen to him came forward when the detachment of soldiers came into the garden and said, “I am he.” Jesus was not afraid. Once he had talked to the Father he was ready. Jesus said “he came to testify to the truth.” Jesus said, “My kingdom is not of this world.” Finally, on the cross Jesus says, “It is finished.” Obviously, Jesus was in control. It would be nice to have that kind of confidence, that kind of positive outlook in the face of terror. I think I would be more like Peter. Bold, until I came under pressure and then I’d fold.

Where are you this Easter? Where have you been and more importantly, where is God taking you now? Ponder these things. Ruminate on them.

Amen.