Good Friday 2010

"Judas, are you betraying the Son of Man with a kiss?" "This is the hour when darkness reigns."

"Before the rooster crows today, you will disown me three times."

Good, Good Friday morning, my dear brothers and sisters. Our Maundy Thursday service went well last night. Today we pray for all those working in the fields of harvest, for our Lord Jesus. By the way, this work was and is an order, not a request.

Mark 16:15 - He said to them. "Go into all the world and preach the good news to all creation." (NIV)

Good Friday: Luke 22:48 - But Jesus asked him, "Judas, are you betraying the Son of Man with a kiss?" (NIV)

Luke 22:53 - "Every day I was with you in the temple courts, and you did not lay a hand on me. This is the hour when darkness reigns." (NIV)

Luke 22:61 - The Lord turned and looked straight at Peter. Then Peter remembered the word the Lord had spoken to him: "Before the rooster crows today, you will disown me three times." (NIV)

I invite you to get your Bible out and read Luke Chapters 22 and 23 for the events of yesterday and today. From when Jesus went to that last supper and then went to pray and then as He is arrested and went to stand before Pilate and Herod. Also you can read about the Crucifixion. I want to point out a few things that God has pointed out to me this morning...

Let me lead in with a question. What about all those who were active in putting Jesus to death? We know that Judas killed himself. Some of the very last things that Jesus did even in this dark, dark time for Him... He healed, He forgave, and gave the grace of Salvation.

Healing: While Jesus was being arrested one of the followers of Jesus saw what was going to happen and pulled his sword and cut off the right ear of a servant of the high priest. Jesus answered, "No more of this!" and touched the man's ear and healed him. (From Luke 22:51/52)

Forgiveness: The Bible tells us of how Jesus was beaten, how he was spit upon, how his clothes were wagered over, and of course how the crown of thorns was placed on His head and how He was NAILED TO THE CROSS and even the sword was stuck in His side. His response: "Father, forgive them, for they do not know what they are doing." (From Luke 23:34)

Salvation: "I tell you the truth, today you will be with me in paradise." (From Luke 23:43)

Now I have never heard a message on this. I have seen passion plays and heard many messages on the events of Holy Week and I heard many opinions where Jesus went during those three days between the time He died and when He was risen from the dead. I want to point out one place He went and He went on the day He was put to death. I want you to picture those criminals who were hung beside Jesus.

One of them hurled insults at Him.. "Aren't you the Christ? Save yourself and us!" But the other criminal rebuked him... "Don't you fear God?" he said. Folks, right now I want to point out how we really should fear the awesome power of God and should live for Him daily. Let me move on...

After telling the other criminal, this one said to Jesus, "Remember me when you come into your kingdom." Jesus answered Him, "I tell you the truth, today you will be with me in paradise." So I am under the opinion that our Lord Jesus made that trip to Paradise the same day for our Lord Jesus tells the truth.

Ok, again I ask you to read the account of these activities. Do not, I say DO NOT, depend on just others to tell you the story, read it. Folks, I struggle to read, and I want to tell you that each time I read scriptures God opens them more and more to me.

Let's have a very short prayer... Dear Father in Heaven, Thanks for dying for me... In Jesus name, Amen.

Now go forth and share those blessings... remember, we have a concert today at the Bridges and you are welcome... time is 2.00 PM. Have a blessed day sharing the love of Jesus.. Go to church today if you get a chance. Love ya, Pastor Dan.

Carry The Light Ministries
16 Dewalt Drive
Mechanicsburg, Pa. 17050
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icarrythelight4God@msn.com