Good Friday commemorates the crucifixion of Jesus of Nazareth. Crucifixion was a common method of carrying out the death penalty in the Roman Empire. Jerusalem, the city where Jesus was crucified, was located in the Roman Province of Palestine. Although the Roman governor, Pontius Pilate, found no guilt in Jesus at his trial, the demand of the Chief Priests and Pharisees carried the day and Jesus was sentenced to death on a cross. Luke 23:23-24 records, “With loud shouts they insistently demanded that he be crucified, and their shouts prevailed. So Pilate decided to grant their demand.”
If Christians believe that Jesus is the Messiah, and the Son of the Living God, how is it that the day commemorating his death is called GOOD Friday? The Apostle Paul gives a hint to how this tradition may have started. In his letter to the Romans he wrote, “We know that in all things God works for the good of those who love him, who have been called according to his purpose.” Note that Paul didn’t say all things are good, but that God can work good through all things. It was not that the death of Jesus was good, but that God would bring something good out of it.
In many ancient religions, including Judaism, the religion of Jesus, a sacrifice was required to atone for sins committed. Leviticus 16:8-10 describes how the sins of the people are put onto an animal, in this case a goat, and the sacrificial animal becomes the scapegoat, atoning for the sins of the people. Christians believe that the death of Jesus on the cross, became our atonement. He died for our sin, enabling us to be at one with God, forgiven. That is why this Friday is called GOOD.
There are primarily three styles of worship services common to Good Friday: those focused on the 7 Last Words, the Stations of the Cross and Tenebrae.
7 LAST WORDS
This style of service focuses on the seven phrases (not words) of Jesus spoken on the cross as recorded in the gospels of Matthew, Mark, Luke and John. Typically they will explore the meaning of each phrase and how they relate to our faith today. The Lake Minister’s Association, for example, will use this style of service with pastors from 10 different churches participating in the recollection as each takes one phrase and shares a brief devotion on its relevance for us today.
STATIONS OF THE CROSS
This service, or devotion, traditionally recalls 14 events that happened to Jesus on the day of his death beginning with the judgement and ending with the placement of his body in the tomb. Sometimes the service will physically move from place to place as tableaus are staged to recall the events. St. Mary’s Catholic Church in Lakeport has a beautiful series of windows telling the story of each station. Some churches will focus on one particular event in the cycle with a dramatic retelling — for example, one year the Minister’s Association retold the events of that day through the eyes of a soldier guarding Jesus from Judgement to death. The Methodist Churches in Clearlake, the Oaks and Lower Lake joined together last year to recreate the trial.
TENEBRAE
The word Tenebrae is Latin for shadows. Tenebrae services attempt to recreate the emotional aspects of the final day of Jesus and the darkness that descended upon his death. Typically there will be seven candles lit at the beginning of the service and 7 passages from the gospels will be read. After each passage a candle is extinguished. The service ends in shadows. It is often a solemn services that serves to heighten the anticipation and joy of Easter. It’s Friday, but Sunday is coming!
All three of these styles of Good Friday Services can be found in our community this year. Why not try one? All are welcome.
Rev. Shannon Kimbell-Auth serves as pastor for United Christian Parish
