“My God, My God, Why have you forsaken me?” This cry of Jesus sounds from the cross before he gives up his spirit. The darkness deepens, the Light of the world falls silent. Tonight on this Good Friday, we will ponder the death, the good death, of our Lord and Savior.
But why do we call this Good Friday? After all, death is terrible. It is sad and lonely and scary. How can we possibly say this is good? Especially when we talk to our children, our inclination is to soften the blow of this great enemy death. But the death of Jesus is a necessary sacrifice to make you righteous before God once and for all. The death of Jesus is the punishment that you and every sinner deserve. The death of Jesus is good because he has raised to eternal life, and so will you.
Good Friday is sad. But it is ok to be sad for a moment. Because we are not sad and terrified as those who don’t have hope. Easter morning is on the horizon, and we know the end of the story! Jesus will defeat death and he has graciously done this for you. Have a discussion with the ones you love about the depths and the heights of the love of God shown by the good death of his Son.
DEVOTION IDEAS:
READ John 18 & 19, Isaiah 53
Listen to Family Style Theology “Good Friday”
See Pinterest for crafts and ideas
Watch “The Passion of the Christ” (For mature viewer only! This is a very explicit visual of the torture and death of Jesus to consider on this Good Friday)
Sing “Stricken, Smitten and Afflicted” (LSB #451)
PRAY Psalm 22 (Traditionally on Maundy Thursday this psalm is chanted as the altar is stripped of candles, paraments, and all decoration. This signifies the stripping of Christ’s dignity as he moves closer to the cross. An at-home tradition could be removing decoration and pictures from the home, leaving the living space empty and visibly vacant during these next few days.)
Light a candle at the beginning of your family devotion. Turn all the lights off at the end except for the light of the candle. Walk the candle out of the room in silence to signify Christ’s death.
