Introduction

Good Friday. The day started with an arrest and ended with a brutal execution. In between were two trials, one religious and one secular, was charged with blasphemy, among other things. When you understand Jesus’ response to the questions of the Jewish high priests, it’s no wonder they wanted him dead. But only if he was just a man. But if what Jesus said about himself was true, then he was changing the course of history.

Again the high priest asked him, “Are you the Christ, the Son of the Blessed?” And Jesus said, “I am, and you will see the Son of Man seated at the right hand of Power, and coming with the clouds of heaven.” – Mark 14:61–62

Not only was Jesus claiming to be the Son of God, but he was also claiming that the prophesies of old were about him.

“I saw in the night visions,

and behold, with the clouds of heaven
there came one like a son of man,
and he came to the Ancient of Days
and was presented before him.
And to him was given dominion
and glory and a kingdom,
that all peoples, nations, and languages
should serve him;
his dominion is an everlasting dominion,
which shall not pass away,
and his kingdom one
that shall not be destroyed.” – Daniel 7:13–14

Jesus impending death and resurrection would be the catalyst the propels him to the throne. He has been given dominion over the world, and we all get to joyfully serve him. Jesus didn’t just die to become our sacrifice, he also died to become our Lord!

Because, if you confess with your mouth that Jesus is Lord and believe in your heart that God raised him from the dead, you will be saved. – Romans 10:9

Adoration

Blessed are you, O LORD, the God of Israel our father, forever and ever. Yours, O LORD, is the greatness and the power and the glory and the victory and the majesty, for all that is in the heavens and in the earth is yours. Yours is the kingdom, O LORD, and you are exalted as head above all. Both riches and honor come from you, and you rule over all. In your hand are power and might, and in your hand it is to make great and to give strength to all. And now we thank you, our God, and praise your glorious name. – 1 Chronicles 29:10-13

Oh Glorious Father, You are majestic above us all! Your sacrifice was so much more then our human hearts can understand or grasp1 Help us to fully see your Holiness, love and compassion for us today. You are our Lord, ruler and king-may we bow and honor you today as we remember your death on the cross. In your precious name,  Amen.

Confession

“O God, you know us well. We are quick to speak of faith, but slow to live it completely. We shout “hosanna” as Jesus approaches, and yet we hold back parts of ourselves from You … O God, you know us well. We are quick to claim faith in Jesus as our Lord and Savior, but we are fickle, slow to live fully as faithful disciples. We know where we fail … O God, you know us well. We are quick to want the blessings of faithfulness, but we are slow to accept the cost of authentic Christlike living. Forgive our weakness and fear … Lord, You are God. You bring light to those in darkness, forgiveness to those who truly confess, and pardon to all who seek to follow Jesus. We rejoice that  Your steadfast love endures forever and ever. In the name of Jesus Christ, we receive the love that never dies and never fails. Amen.” – Missio Dei Confessional.

Thanksgiving

“Therefore, since we are receiving a kingdom that cannot be shaken, let us be thankful, and so worship God acceptably with reverence and awe, for our ‘God is a consuming fire.'” – Hebrews 12:28-29

Father God, words can not express how thankful we are for Good Friday. We thank you for your willingness to face trials, beatings, horrific pain and torture for us while we still continue to sin. You, who knew no sin was willing to die for us-it is breathtaking. Thank you for your willingness to give of yourself to us. May we honor you and share your love with others, Amen.

Supplication

Local Church
Pray that your local church continues to be a light for the community, that the church shares the love of God to the ends of the earth. Pray that the local church becomes a new home for many this Easter Sunday! Pray that those within the church who are sick stay healthy. Pray for our church members who are hurting during this season in life that they are able to find comfort in your arms.

Community

Pray for your community, that the lost are found and the found grow closer to the Lord. Pray that kindness between community members reign supreme and that peacemakers step forth to be a light for Christ in the everyday battles of darkness. Pray for finances throughout the community and those that hurt.

World
Pray for the Ukraine/Russia Conflict. Pray for softening of hearts, persevering of the saints, provisions and safety of civilians, God’s glory to be shown throughout the war. Pray that as tensions continue to grow, that communication would strengthen and compromises would be made. Pray that those displaced can return home soon. Pray for the financial consequences of war on society that God continues to meets the needs of His people. Pray for those who are hurting internationally and nationally. Pray for the missionaries carrying out the message of God. Pray for the violence in Israel to be stopped.