Today’s scripture reading is John 19.
When Jesus had received the wine, he said, “It is finished.” Then he bowed his head and have up his spirit. -John 19:30
The assigned reading for today is an entire chapter, beginning with Jesus being sentenced to die. As you read, I’d like to ask you to imagine that you’re interviewing the biblical characters. How do you think they’d respond?
“Pilate, why did you finally hand Jesus over to be crucified? How do you feel about what you did?”
“Chief priests, you’re the religious experts. Why do you want Jesus crucified? Why didn’t you crucify Jesus yourselves instead of getting someone else to do it?”
“To the two of you being crucified beside Jesus, who do you think he is? Why is he getting so much attention? Do you believe that he’s the Messiah?”
“Soldiers, why are you casting lots for Jesus’ clothes?”
“Mary, mother of Jesus, what’s it like to watch your son die?”
“Jesus, how does it feel to stand up for what is right, even to the point of death?”
I hope you’ll spend some time considering how the biblical characters might have responded to those questions. But now I’d like to ask you which one of the characters most closely reflects your own thoughts and feelings during this Holy Week.
Is it Pilate? Do you know what is right but you’re unwilling to take a stand? What are you afraid of? How are you using your fear as an excuse?
Is it the Chief Priests? Do you get upset when people say things that you wouldn’t say or believe things that you don’t believe? Why? How do your respond?
Is it the soldier? Are you more focused on your earthly possessions than on the things of heaven?
Is it Mary? Are you watching someone suffer for what they believe in? Are you feeling helpless because you can’t do anything to stop it?
Is it Jesus? Have you been mocked and ridiculed for standing up for what is right? Are you willing to take a stand even if it comes at great cost to you?
May God grant you the grace to really connect with these characters and the events of Good Friday today.
