Daily ScriptureThen he [Pilate] handed him over to them to be crucified. So they took Jesus; and carrying the cross by himself, he went out to what is called The Place of the Skull, which in Hebrew is called Golgotha. There they crucified him, and with him two others, one on either side, with Jesus between them. After this, when Jesus knew that all was now finished, he said (in order to fulfil the scripture), ‘I am thirsty.’ A jar full of sour wine was standing there. So they put a sponge full of the wine on a branch of hyssop and held it to his mouth. When Jesus had received the wine, he said, ‘It is finished.’ Then he bowed his head and gave up his spirit. (John 19.16, 17 & 28—30)Daily ReflectionWe have made it - in our Lenten and Holy Week journey - to Good Friday. Today we hear simple, dreadful and powerful, evocative words: “They crucified him”, “It is finished”, and “He gave up his spirit.” Jesus walks to his crucifixion carrying his own cross. Jesus lays on the wooden cross. He has nails driven through him. The cross is lifted; he hangs there, in pain, struggling for every breath; and he finally dies. So why is this Good Friday?Jesus went to the cross willingly for you. Jesus gave up his spirit for you. No death; no resurrection. No resurrection; no hope, no salvation. No life. Today, take a few minutes to remember that Jesus did something good for you….. something very good. He did it, willingly, out of love. Revd David
Daily ScripturePilate then called together the chief priests, the leaders, and the people, and said to them, ‘You brought me this man as one who was perverting the people; and here I have examined him in your presence and have not found this man guilty of any of your charges against him.' (Luke 23.13-14)Daily ReflectionRoman officials like Pilate had the power and the duty to exercise summary justice when accusers brought an alleged criminal before them. This power was open, of course, to abuse, but it was generally practised responsibly. Pilate, a man well capable of harsh and provocative decisions, was not in sympathy with the baying mob of Judaeans who were ganging up on Jesus and gave his reasoned verdict – not guilty. Pilate was intimidated to override his conscience. The power of group think, the prejudice of invested interests can lead to terrible injustice. David Harmsworth
Daily Scripture:At that moment, while he was still speaking, the cock crowed. The Lord turned and looked at Peter. Then Peter remembered the word of the Lord, how he had said to him, ‘Before the cock crows today, you will deny me three times.’ And he went out and wept bitterly. (Luke 22:60b-62)Daily Reflection:Jesus knew that Peter, one of the closest disciples of Jesus, would deny knowing him; that he would do so three times before the sun came the next day. Earlier they had shared the Passover meal together; Peter had been at Gethsemane as Jesus wept bitterly over what lay ahead; he’d been there when Jesus was arrested; he was there as Jesus is questioned at the start of the mock trial. After three years together, Peter denies having anything to do with Jesus - ‘Woman, I do not know him.’ All Jesus does is look at Peter, still with eyes of love, and Peter knows; he breaks down; he has let his Lord down. Don’t make the same mistake as Peter. If someone asks you about Jesus, if you know him, do not carry the guilt of denying him.And yet..... Jesus will continue to love you whatever you say. “Amazing love, how can it be?...” Revd David
