Hello again friends,
Earlier this week, we talked about the temptation to skip straight from the parade of Palm Sunday to the empty tomb of Easter morning. It is so deeply ingrained in our human nature to avoid pain and rush toward the celebration. But as we arrive at Good Friday, I want to gently remind us all: we cannot bypass the cross.
There is a heavy, sacred gravity to today. If Palm Sunday was characterized by loud shouts of “Hosanna,” Good Friday is defined by a profound, agonizing silence.
Think about the sky going dark in the middle of the day. Mark 15:33 tells us, “At noon, darkness came over the whole land until three in the afternoon.” Creation itself couldn’t bear to watch its Maker suffer. We read about the mocking, the physical torture, and the weight of the sins of the world being placed on the shoulders of the sinless Son of God.
It makes me think of another profound thought from C.S. Lewis, this time from Mere Christianity:
“Fallen man is not simply an imperfect creature who needs improvement: he is a rebel who must lay down his arms.”
That is what we see on the cross. Jesus didn’t just die to make bad people good; He died to make dead people alive. He took the rebellion that was rightfully ours and paid the ultimate price to secure our pardon. When Jesus cries out, “My God, my God, why have you forsaken me?” (Mark 15:34), He is experiencing the holy separation that we deserved.
My challenge to you today is this: Do not rush past the shadows.
Take 15 minutes today to just sit in the quiet. Read the crucifixion accounts. Turn off the radio in your car. Put your phone in another room. Let the reality of what it cost to secure your salvation wash over you. We call it “Good” Friday not because the events were pleasant, but because the outcome was the greatest good the world has ever known.
Let’s lay down our arms today, friends. Let’s sit in the quiet reverence of the cross, holding our breath, and waiting for Sunday.
Walking the Path: A Holy Week Scripture Guide
To help you stay grounded in reverence and contemplation this week, I’ve put together a short, daily scripture reading guide. I encourage you to read these passages each morning, perhaps with your coffee, and let them set the tone for your day.
- Palm Sunday: The Triumphal Entry * Read: Matthew 21:1-11
- Ponder: Am I seeking a Savior who submits to my will, or am I submitting to His?
- Holy Monday: Cleansing the Temple
- Read: Mark 11:15-19
- Ponder: What distractions or idols need to be cleared out of my own heart this week?
- Holy Tuesday: Teaching and Controversy
- Read: Luke 20:19-26
- Ponder: Am I giving to God what rightfully bears His image—my whole life?
- Spy Wednesday: The Betrayal
- Read: Matthew 26:14-16
- Ponder: In what small ways do I compromise my faith or trade my devotion for worldly comfort?
- Maundy Thursday: The Last Supper and the Garden
- Read: John 13:1-17 & Matthew 26:36-46
- Ponder: Jesus washed feet and surrendered to the Father’s will. How can I serve others and pray, “Not my will, but yours be done” today?
- Good Friday: The Cross
- Read: John 19:16-30
- Ponder: “It is finished.” Rest quietly in the magnitude of His sacrifice.
- Holy Saturday: The Tomb
- Read: Luke 23:50-56
- Ponder: Sit in the silence of waiting. Trust that God is working even when we cannot see it.
- Resurrection Sunday: The Empty Tomb!
- Read: John 20:1-18
- Ponder: He is risen! How does the reality of the resurrection change the way I live today?
Grace and peace on the journey, friends. Let me know in the comments how these readings are shaping your week!
Pastor's Ponderings 
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