TODAY’S SCRIPTURE
And at three in the afternoon Jesus cried out in a loud voice, “Eloi, Eloi, lema sabachthani?” (which means, “My God, my God, why have you forsaken me?” Mark 15:34
Read: Mark 15:33-35
Listen: Mark 15
TODAY’S MESSAGE
Jesus’s disciples struggle to find even one “good” thing at mid-day this Friday. A mockery of a trial has ended in a verdict of “Guilty!” The One who healed the sick was beaten to near death. The insults from the crowd cut to their hearts. They all abandoned him when he needed them the most. The One they were convinced is the Messiah is dead on a cross. All that remains is to figure out what to do with the body. In fear of the Romans, most are hiding behind locked doors. Good? Not a chance. The darkness of the noon sky is a fitting metaphor.
The disciples don’t know what we know. They aren’t looking for the resurrection Jesus clearly told them is coming. But even as we wait for Easter Sunday, these words of Jesus from Psalms 22 help us experience grief, suffering and pain more fully. Psalms 22 is a lament, a type of psalm expressing human struggles at our deepest level. A lament gives voice to everything we feel as we look at the chaos around us. It is a means to voice all that we feel to God, especially as we wait for Resurrection Sunday.
IN YOUR CHAIR TIME TODAY
As part of your Good Friday meditation, slowly read Psalm 22. It’s the psalm from which Jesus quotes just before he dies. As you read, notice the pain and suffering of the first part of the psalm. Notice also the psalmist’s complete trust in God. Use this psalm to deepen your thankfulness on this Good Friday.
2022 BIBLE MEMORY PRACTICE
Develop spiritual roots and tap in the power of God’s word by memorizing monthly a Bible verse! View previous verses at beyondtheweekend.org/biblememorypractice.
ROMANS 8:28
And we know that in all things God works for the good of those who love him, who have been called according to his purpose.
Download a printable PDF of the BTW week here.
