Friday Before the Resurrection
This day, FRIDAY, is known throughout the world as the terrible day when the Son of God was tortured and murdered upon the Roman Cross.
During Holy Week, this day is referred to as “Good Friday” but this is not true in all countries. The term “good” seems to not fit the terrible death of Jesus Christ. That may be why this Friday of Holy Week is also known as “Holy Friday, Great Friday, Great and Holy Friday and Black Friday.” (Wikipedia) Many churches will drape the cross in a black material to signify the mourning of the death of the Savior. It is a prelude to the coming glory of the Great Resurrection of Easter Morning.
The secular world will not recognize this day…or the glorious day of the Resurrection. The world substitutes a “bunny rabbit” for Easter, as it also substitutes Santa for the real meaning of Christmas. This is not to say that the customs in which we have family fun times as “Easter egg hunts” or talking to Santa at Christmas should not be, but we should be certain to acknowledge the true meaning of these special days…especially to children. How do we do this individually…especially on this Friday?
It is a time to sit quietly and reflect, whether in church or alone, on the great grief of this Friday…and the terrible death on the cross. Remembering that on that day, the sky turned dark, the curtain of the temple was torn in two; there was a great earthquake and people were raised from the dead….thus opening the way of entrance to God through His Son, Jesus. The Messiah would raise from the dead in three days…with an empty tomb and an appearance to those who loved and knew Him. Glory be to God!
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“At noon the sky turned dark and stayed that way until three o’clock. Then about that time Jesus shouted, “Eli, Eli, lema sabachthani?” which means, “My God, my God, why have you deserted me?” Some of the people standing there heard Jesus and said, “He’s calling for Elijah.” One of them at once ran and grabbed a sponge. He soaked it in wine, then put it on a stick and held it up to Jesus. Others said, “Wait! Let’s see if Elijah will come and save him.” Once again Jesus shouted, and then he died. At once the curtain in the temple was torn in two from top to bottom. The earth shook, and rocks split apart. Graves opened, and many of God’s people were raised to life” Matthew 27:45-52 Contemporary English Version
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Turn up sound to listen: Ignore the red line and click the arrow… for this is only a part of the film, Jesus of Nazareth, dealing with his death and resurrection. It is intense, but very realistic of what that Friday would have been.
BOYER WRITES 