TODAY’S SCRIPTURE
And when Jesus had cried out again in a loud voice, he gave up his spirit. Matthew 27:50
Read: Matthew 27:45-61
Listen: Matthew 27
TODAY’S MESSAGE
As the sun sets this Friday, those closest to Jesus would have described this day as anything but “good.” The One who claimed to be the long-awaited Messiah of Israel was executed by the Roman government. The One in whom they placed their hopes and dreams is in a borrowed tomb. The One who offered living water was parched with thirst as he hung on a cross. The One who raised the dead has now joined them. Those closest to Jesus trudge from the tomb with heads down and heavy hearts. A future that had seemed so bright is now shrouded in the darkness of uncertainty.
While we know very little of what they thought as they left the garden tomb, we know one thing—they forgot. Shortly before the Transfiguration, Jesus told them he would be killed but would then rise from the dead (Matthew 16:21). In Galilee, he told them again he would be killed but would rise from the dead (Matthew 17:22-23). Finally, on the way to Jerusalem, he told them a third time (Matthew 20:17-19). Despite continual reminders from Jesus about what would happen, they forgot. Hope, along with their memory, was gone.
How often we forget too. Struggling with pain and disease, we forget the One who promises one day to remove all tears and pain (Revelation 21:4). In our battles with loneliness and discouragement, we forget the One who promises never to leave us or forsake us (Hebrews 13:5-6). As we worry about the state of our nation and the world, we forget the One who is the true King (Psalms 2:6).
IN YOUR CHAIR TIME TODAY
Remember Jesus. Remember him as the One whose death paid the penalty for our sin. Remember that he took your place on that Roman cross. But also remember that the events of that day weren’t the final word. Remember that the promises of Jesus didn’t end on Friday. Because they don’t—today can really be considered good. In fact, very good.
2023 SPIRITUAL PRACTICES
Join us all of 2023 developing a different spiritual practice each month. SPIRITUAL PRACTICES are intentional regular activities to deepen our relationship with God and mold us to be more like Jesus.
April is CONFESSION. Keep track of our spiritual practices at beyondtheweekend.org/spiritualpractices.
Download a printable PDF of the BTW week here.
