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So
they took Jesus and led him away. Carrying the cross by himself, Jesus went to
the place called Skull Hill (in Hebrew, Golgotha). There they crucified him.
There were two others crucified with him, one on either side, with Jesus between
them. And Pilate posted a sign over him that read, "Jesus of Nazareth, the
King of the Jews." The place where Jesus was crucified was near the city;
and the sign was written in Hebrew, Latin, and Greek, so that many people could
read it. Then the leading priests said to Pilate, "Change it from `The King
of the Jews' to `He said, I am King of the Jews.' " Pilate replied,
"What I have written, I have written. It stays exactly as it is." When
the soldiers had crucified Jesus, they divided his clothes among the four of
them. They also took his robe, but it was seamless, woven in one piece from the
top. So they said, "Let's not tear it but throw dice to see who gets
it." This fulfilled the Scripture that says, "They divided my clothes
among themselves and threw dice for my robe." So that is what they did.
Standing near the cross were Jesus' mother, and his mother's sister, Mary (the
wife of Clopas), and Mary Magdalene. When
Jesus saw his mother standing there beside the disciple he loved, he said to
her, "Woman, he is your son." And he said to this disciple, "She
is your mother." And from then on this disciple took her into his home.
(John 19:16-27 NLV). Today is Good Friday.
I’ve often thought that the darkness of this day would be unbearable if
were not for the fact that Easter is coming! None of us can stand the darkness
for very long. The following poem
speaks of that truth:
We do need each other. One candle in the darkness is effective, though still a small thing. Many candles brought together can light a much larger area. In this world we live in, how easy it is to feel like a cold stone tower standing erect in a vast wilderness. Regarding ourselves as a fortress of strength, we often isolate from the outside world, and, sadly, in the process, turn our back on the One who created us. We turn our emotions inward instead of outward. Nothing passes these cold, hard walls for, in essence, we have unknowingly become our own 'god.' We need no one and no one needs us. Or so we think. God gave man a great gift and this is our ability to love. When Jesus made provision for the care of His mother, He provided us with a wonderful example of how to love one another. Perhaps your “candle” will not be
nearly so bright as this act, however it may be just as profound. Within each of
us are special small gifts. It is not our heavenly Father's intention for us to
selfishly horde these talents, but to use them and share them for the betterment
of mankind, so that all people may experience love. The smallest gestures often
have the greatest affects. Do not hide your love. Reach out to God and others. 1. Light of the World by Aimee' Jeanne Garlich |
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