John 19:1-30
“Jesus knew that His mission was now finished, and to fulfill Scripture He said, ‘I am thirsty.’ A jar of sour wine was sitting there, so they soaked a sponge in it, put it on a hyssop branch, and held it up to His lips. When Jesus had tasted it, He said, ‘It is finished!’ Then He bowed His head and gave up His spirit.”
On this Good Friday, we remember the work of salvation that Jesus came to finish by willingly going to a cross for the sins of all people. Jesus moved with steady determination through the beatings, through the public humiliation and through the unjust trial, never once uttering a word of defense or retaliation. In His final act of love, He willingly surrendered His spirit as He hung on the cross.
Respond in Prayer
Thank Jesus that He took the punishment you deserve for your sin when He went to the cross. Sin cannot go unpunished in the presence of a just and holy God. But, because of His great love for you, God made a way back to Him through the once-for-all sacrifice of Jesus. If you’ve never acknowledged your sin and asked Jesus to be your Lord and Savior, you can do that now; please let us know! If you consider yourself a follower of Jesus, reflect on the magnitude of His grace and mercy and worship Him.
Optional:
• Watch a movie like The Passion of the Christ (warning, it’s rated R) to visualize all Jesus went through at His crucifixion.
• Fast a meal or something else you love today. Each time you hunger for it, spend time praying and reflecting.
For Families with Kids at Home
Today, read John 19 with your kids, or the crucifixion story in the Jesus Storybook Bible. Ask your kids what stands out to them and if there is anything they want to talk about. Pray together as a family, thanking Jesus for who he is and what he did on the cross.
Optional:
• Watch this Kids video explaining the gospel message.