#day39challenge

[fusionpfumc]

March 25, 2016 Day 39: Friday of Holy Week For me, today represents the darkness that we often encounter in life during times of crisis or distress. We feel low and often can't see how it can get better, much like the disciples felt this day. However, we're lucky enough to know that the light is coming, if we remain patient. Keep going. Fight through it. The darkness will not win this battle. The Final Moment By Dr. Gary M. Burge Readings: Mark 14:32–15:47 Today Christians throughout the world remember Jesus’ death. Jesus was arrested late Thursday night, remained in custody until Friday morning, and then on Friday afternoon, after His trial, He was crucified. Before sundown, He was removed from the cross and buried in the tomb of a man named Joseph of Arimathea. Christ followers remembered well what happened while Jesus was on the cross since there were many eyewitnesses that day. Jesus spoke numerous words and each has been studied carefully. Perhaps the most famous words are those reported by Luke: “Father, forgive them, for they know not what they do” (Luke 23:34 ESV). This is a fulfillment of His frequent teaching: “I say to you, ‘Love your enemies and pray for those who persecute you’” (Matthew 5:44 ESV). On the cross, He forgave and loved even those who were hostile to Him. We know as Christians, we should love our enemies as Jesus did. But there is more here. Not infrequently, we know we are often disgruntled disciples, angry with God because of something that has happened and we wonder if these attitudes separate us from Jesus’ love. Jesus forgave those who crucified him. He does the same for us. The shock of Jesus’ arrest and death begins our season of grief in Holy Week. In some parts of the world, Christians wear black on Good Friday as a private, personal reminder. These are our grief clothes for Jesus.