"The Word became flesh and made His dwelling among us. We have seen His glory, the glory of the One and Only, who came from the Father, full of grace and truth." - John 1:14

Good Friday, Matthew 27:32-54

The cross is not a depressing and morbid symbol of our faith; the cross stands as victory over all of life's circumstances.

Our Lord's first "word" on the cross was one of forgiveness: "Father, forgive them, for they do not know what they are doing" (Luke 23:32-34).

As we come to the cross of Jesus this Holy Friday, let us pray that any resentment or anger we feel toward a loved one, friend, or neighbor be wiped from our minds and hearts. We must come to the cross with open and loving hearts.

His second "word" on the cross was one of salvation to a criminal: "Truly I tell you, today you will be with Me in paradise" (Luke 23:39-43). That same promise applies to you and to me who believe on the Lord Jesus Christ.

The third "word" our Lord spoke on the cross was one of compassion and comfort for his mother: "'Woman, here is your son!' Then He said to the disciple, 'Here is your mother!' And from that hour the disciple took her into his own home" (John 19:25-27).

Even in His suffering our Lord compelled us to have compassion for others. Does someone need your comfort today? Your family? Your neighborhood? The homeless, the lonely, the hungry?

The fourth "word" our Lord spoke on the cross was the cry of supreme sacrifice as He experienced total abandonment from God the Father, so that you and I need never experience being forsaken by God: "My God, my God, why have You forsaken Me?" (Mark 15:34).

Have you ever felt abandoned by God? Have you lost hope? Then today find amazing grace through Christ's supreme sacrifice.

The fifth "word" on the cross spoken by Christ was one of human need: "I am thirsty" (John 19:28). Our Lord has experienced every need we bring to the cross.

Jesus' sixth "word" on the cross was one of divine love: "Father, into Your hands I commend My spirit" (Luke 23:46).

God the Father loved His Son. And God knows and loves you and me.

Our Lord's last "word" on the cross was one of victory: "It is finished!" (John 19:30)
--A.S