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Friday Devotional:
John 18:1 - 19:42
As the passion story is read on Good Friday, emotion builds. We follow Jesus through betrayal, flogging, ridicule, and excruciating pain. Hanging on the cross, he lovingly commends his mother to the care of the disciple John. He asks for water but receives only sour wine. Finally, he releases his spirit in death.
This story feels most powerful to me when read by congregational voices, both adult and youth. Each episode may be accompanied by prayer, a hymn, and the extinguishing of a candle. The story's slow movement offers time for reflection.
Those who read it aloud may struggle with their own emotions. I have watched a reader pause in the moments of Jesus' agony, then labor through tears to speak his final words. When we stumble over words that touch us deeply, we bless one another. What a gift, then, to hear the story together, in all its starkness and tenderness.
This Holy Week, with whom will you share the Good Friday story?
Dear Jesus, strengthen me to draw near the cross
on Good Friday. Amen
An excerpt from Christ in Our Home
If you would like a copy of Christ in Our Home please contact the church office: 805-983-0612
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