DEATH OF HOPE

April 18th, 2025

FRIDAY, APRIL 18

READING: LUKE 22:39-71 | LUKE 23 | JOHN 18-19 | MARK 14:32-72 | MARK 15 |
MATTHEW 26:36-75 | MATTHEW 27:11-66

BEFORE WE KNEW FRIDAY WAS GOOD

Jesus’ last day on earth before dying was filled with tragedy after tragedy - betrayal, denial, physical abuse, mockery, doubt. Jesus endured each cut, punch, insult, nail, to give us eternal hope, but hope was not coming that Friday or Saturday. As far as His disciples knew, He was dead. Body broken and defeated, lying in a cold borrowed tomb. They would have been hopeless.

Often we move quickly through this portion of Holy Week and Easter Weekend, because we know the wonder and power of the Sunday that is coming. But, for just a few moments, let’s sit in the dark with Jesus’ closest friends and followers…and grieve. Because truly reflecting on the pain and punishment that was required to take away our sin…my sin…is the only way to truly understand the beauty of the light and new life that is coming.

PRAYER & JOURNAL TIME

  • How do you cope with grief? Do you cope or do you avoid it?
  • What would it look like for you to sit in death’s company and grieve?
    • Whether it is a person, dream, hope, future, or past. What do you need to mourn the loss of, to make way for new life?
    • Find a comfortable chair, wrap up in a cozy blanket, grab the tissues, and welcome grief.
    • Jesus is acquainted with grief (Isaiah 53:3). Invite Him into your grief and ask Him to help you see Him with you in that darkness.
  • After you’ve taken some time to grieve, if possible, take a nap, eat a piece of chocolate, or take a quiet walk. Allow yourself some space to recover. While the disciples may not have known the new life that was coming, we do. Remember that while we grieve, we do not grieve without hope (1 Thessalonians 4:13).
    • If you find yourself needing prayer, please call the main church line, 912-925-9657 and press option 2.
    • If you find yourself needing to speak with a professional counselor, our church has resources here and would love to help.