Christian Reflection and Prayer

Good Friday

Scripture:

Read Luke 23:44-49.
TEXT: (Jesus said) "Father, into Your hands I
commit My spirit" (see Luke 23:46).

Many supernatural events occur at Jesus' death.
The first is a darkness that covered the whole land
from midday until three in the afternoon. This
darkness indicates God's judgment, as Jesus is
punished for the sins of the whole world.

At 3 p.m. a second miracle takes place in the
temple. The thick curtain dividing the two rooms of
the temple is torn in two, from top to bottom. This
curtain represents our separation from God on
account of our sins. Throughout the Old Testament
only one person could pass through it-the high priest.
But now God's Son-our great High Priest-has torn
down the dividing barrier, so all who believe in Jesus
have direct access to God the Father forever.

At this same moment Jesus cries out with a loud
voice, "Father, into Your hands I commit My spirit."
Jesus wants everyone to hear His intense satisfaction
and joy because peace with God has now been won
for all. Now that He has finished the work for which He
was born, Jesus commends His spirit into His Father's
hands.

Then the third miracle takes place. Immediately after
uttering this loud cry, Jesus dies. The Roman centurion
knows crucified criminals don't die this way. Their lungs
slowly fill with fluid, and their last moments are desperate
gasps for air. There is no way Jesus should be able to
utter a loud cry the moment before He dies. Thinking of
the unnatural darkness, the unnatural way Jesus died,
and all the injustices Jesus suffered, he says, "Certainly
this man was innocent."

THE PRAYER:

Lord Jesus, when You completed Your earthly course
You committed Your spirit into Your Father's keeping.
Give me confidence that I am safe in Your hands now
and forever. Amen.

(Lutheran Hour Ministries)