Good Friday

By Nicole Jones

Reading: John 18:1-19:42

“We know that the whole creation has been groaning together as it suffers together the pains of labor” - Romans 8:22

A crown of thorns, garden soil still damp with tears of blood, a branch of hyssop dipped into soured fruit of the vine, a once rooted tree now roughly constructed into a cross, a garden nestled in the shadow of a cross, a tomb awaits. On Good Friday, all of creation testifies to the brokenness of the world and the presence of death.

Very few of us have been untouched by the reality and seemingly finality of death. Good Friday is a full circle moment as we lean back into the fragility of Ash Wednesday’s utterance, “For dust you are and to dust you shall return.”

Good Friday is the space where dreams and expectations collide sharply with the tragedy of loss and grief. Futility and hopelessness soak the story, and yet, we call it “Good.” There is a stubborn and persistent hope that clings to the sorrows of the day.

The King who paraded in to shouts of “Hosanna!” is now fearlessly marching into the valley of the shadow of death--- and, eventually, onto the greatest victory.

The cost for our King is high. The love of our King is higher.

Find a moment today to let your feet touch the earth. Feel the dirt where growth occurs under the mystery of darkness. Remember the love, sacrifice, and hope that comes from Christ our King. Remember Emmanuel, God with us, who walks with us, knows our pain, bore our suffering, and by his wounds we are healed. Allow the love and knowledge of Christ to envelop you.

For those of you who are in a place of heartbreak this day, the goodness of Good Friday is that the story doesn’t end here. You are participants in a story of redemption. While we are but dust, we are God-breathed and God-redeemed dust. May the love of an Eternal God who tethers us from this life, through death, into new life give you hope this day and always.