Good Friday

 

Today’s mood could not be more different from the party mood of yesterday. The story which we are asked to interact with, to get caught up in, today is a difficult one.

Jesus is taken forcibly from the garden and, although He does not resist the soldiers, there is a wretched and wrenching feeling as the world of the disciples is pulled in an ugly and disconcerting direction. This cannot be happening? Jesus will do something amazing, a miracle. But step after step He simply walks along with those who are accusing Him – barely agreeing with or denying anything.

What does the one who has all power do when faced with those who have hatred in their hearts? Where is true life and abundance to be found?

These are not east questions for us. They should unsettle us deeply. Salvation is not something which invites a more comfortable status quo.

As we see Jesus walk through the streets, weighted down by that heavy wood, see also the calling and compassion which he offers to people. The calling and compassion which he offers even from the cross – to the thief, to His mother, to John. He forgives and gathers and remembers and most of all makes sure they understands that he fulfils. This is what they have been waiting for. Messiah.

What are we waiting for this Good Friday – do we dare to suppose it is actually cross shaped. Not a trinket cross or an amulet cross, designed to be waved at scarey monsters, but actually cross shaped. Difficult, unexpected, inconvenient and how God actually works. The cross is that story, how God actually works.