April 19, 2019 GOOD FRIDAY OF THE LORD’S PASSION-C

Isaiah 52:13–53:12

Psalm 31

Hebrews 4:14-1; 5:7-9

John 18:1—19:42

So let us confidently approach the throne of grace… Heb. 4:16

…Jesus came out, wearing the crown of thorns and the purple cloak.  John 19:5

Lord, how ironic is it that Pilate asked you if you were a king.  How symbolic were the purple cloak and crown of thorns mocking you as a false king.  Your throne was a wooden cross on a hillside with only a few loyal subjects at your feet.  Yet you are the king of all kings.  You are the ruler of the universe and maker of all the stars.  You brought a kingdom to this earth and it was firmly established by your supreme sacrifice at Calvary.   A God who became one of us so we would be saved from all our sins.  Most kings in our world have many people who serve them.  You are a different kind of king.  You came to serve us, serve me.  Ultimately, your kingdom is not of this world but we all want to belong to it.  Thank you for giving up your life for me.  I pray for all your subjects who don’t know you or have wandered away from your kingdom.  May they realize who you are and what you have done for them.  “Thy Kingdom come, thy will be done on earth as it is in heaven.”  Amen.