Good Friday services traditionally focus on the death and suffering of Jesus in our place. He died to pay the price for all the wrong-doings and rebelliousness of humanity against God.
He didn't have to; he chose to.
Out of love and the longing to have a relationship with each of us. Out of the need to break down the barriers caused by pride, selfishness, greed, anger, violence and turning away from God. Out of compassion for broken, fallen, hurting humanity.
He died in our place so we could be freely offered forgiveness, healing and reconciliation; a place with him in heaven.
What Jesus offers is beyond price but is offered to us freely. He has covered the cost.
Forgiveness is free - but it is not cheap.
Sometimes we gloss over the suffering Jesus went through in our rush to get to the wonders of being forgiven, offered a new start.
During our service people were invited to identify with and acknowledge their part in the price Jesus paid for our forgiveness by dipping a finger in red paint and adding their mark to a white cross (idea from Engage Worship).
The image of the "bloodstained" cross and pile of "bloodstained" wet wipes was surprisingly powerful. It was my deeds that caused Jesus' blood to be shed; your deeds that nailed him to the cross. During the joy and hope of celebrating his resurrection from the dead three days later, being able to gaze also at the cross, streaked red by the good men and women of the congregation, helped emphasise that it was not a painless thing to pay the price that we owe.
Forgiveness is free.
Forgiveness and hope are offered to anyone who accepts Jesus as Lord.
Forgiveness is not cheap.
No comments:
Post a Comment