Scriptures: Isaiah 53:5 (NIV) – “But he was pierced for our transgressions, he was crushed for our iniquities; the punishment that brought us peace was on him, and by his wounds we are healed.”

1 Peter 2:24 (NIV) – “‘He [Jesus] himself bore our sins’ in his body on the cross, so that we might die to sins and live for righteousness; ‘by his wounds you have been healed.’”

Luke 23:34a (NIV) – ^“Jesus said, ‘Father, forgive them, for they do not know what they are doing.’”

Message: The images of the Stations of the Cross always came to life for me.  I was an altar boy at an early age and assisted the priest, especially during Lent. 

Remembering Jesus as He carried the cross, left me with a feeling of sorrow as I meditated on His final journey and death.  Each Friday night I served mass, and was reminded of the darkness and suffering of the events of Good Friday.

Jesus died so that God’s children could be restored back into relationship with their heavenly Father.  Before the crucifixion, the sins of mankind separated us from God.  Jesus, God’s Holy Son, bore our sins by going to the cross and dying for us.

His death was painful, humiliating, and lonely.  He was stripped of His garments and His side was pieced with a lance.  God sent His only begotten Son to be crushed as an offering for humanity’s sins.  Jesus’ wounds and death became the atonement for our sins.  1 Peter 2:24 “‘He [Jesus] himself bore our sins’ in his body on the cross, so that we might die to sins and live for righteousness; ‘by whose wounds you have been healed.’”  

Our relationship with God was restored, for Jesus overcame sin and death on Good Friday.  Humanity’s sins were atoned by His crucifixion leading us to God’s gift of redemption.  Finally, on Good Friday Jesus prayed to His Father, “Jesus said, ‘Father, forgive them, for they do not know what they are doing.’” (Luke 23:34a).  It is God’s forgiveness that freed humanity from sin and death, leading us to eternal life.

Family Activity: Empty Tomb Rolls & Resurrection Cookies.

Prayer: Heavenly Father, You sent Your Holy Son, Jesus Christ, for our salvation and redemption.  Our Creator, we praise Your Holy name with a heart of repentance and humbleness for Your mercy.  For once we were sinners, who now have been redeemed and healed through the blood of Your precious Son, Jesus Christ.  Amen.

Michael Robinson 1 of 2