Good Friday

John 13:36-38 & 19:38-42

In today’s scripture readings, I discovered two important messages. In John 13:36-38, Peter emphatically states that he will follow Jesus anywhere; that he would lay down his life for Christ. Peter is known generally as one of the most powerful, outspoken and genuine followers of Christ. In this passage, Jesus responds by telling Peter he will deny Him publicly before the rooster crows the next morning and that Peter cannot follow where He is going. For Peter, those words must have stung −badly.

It is obvious Peter loved the Lord sincerely and wholeheartedly. Yet, in his humanness, he didn’t and couldn’t follow Jesus. Jesus had to travel the road to execution alone. Don’t we run away from Jesus sometimes too? We wholeheartedly say we will follow Jesus anywhere – and we mean it − and then we don’t. We are afraid of what Jesus is asking of us or, we’re too tired from life and we neglect the things of Jesus.

From the passage John 19:38-42, I see hope and a contrast to Peter’s (my) failings pointed out in the first passage. Joseph of Arimathea and Nicodemus were secret supporters of Jesus. They were members of the Sanhedrin and it was an extremely dangerous time to be associated with Jesus. Risking their lives, they boldly went to Pilate and asked for Jesus’ body for burial. They publicly stepped forward and showed their love of the Lord, no matter the cost. What a contrast to Peter’s actions!

Prayer: On this Good Friday, it is incredible and comforting, Jesus, that we can meet You at the foot of the cross just as we are. The Good News You gave us for this day is that we can come before You, repent of our sins and live in Your glory from now through eternity. Thank You for loving us so much that You died on the cross for us. Amen.

Written by Kathy Austin