Pastor Kaden's Good Friday Study Guide
April 10th, 2020

Galatians 2: 20 b Paul says: "...in the Son of God, who loved me and gave Himself for me."

Before you move on, ponder those remarkable words for a moment. When Jesus went to the cross, He was sacrificing himself for you! Take a moment to express your gratitude. We have so much to thank Him for.

Last words are always so impressive, especially when they come from the lips of one dearly loved. We cannot hear them enough. On this Good Friday, hear again his words.

Luke 23: 34 "Father, forgive them; for they know not what they do!"

Luke 23: 34 "Father, forgive them; for they know not what they do!"

• To whom did Jesus address His prayer?
• Who was Jesus referring to when he prayed to forgive them?
• What do the words "they know not what they do" mean?
• Are there things in your life you need to confess today?

Luke 23: 43 "Verily I say unto you, today you shall be with me in Paradise."

These words were, of course, spoken to the penitent thief. As you think about his declaration, consider the following:

The certainty of His word, "Verily I say to you!"... How do you suppose the thief might have reacted hearing this very personal address?

Consider the speed of the promise, "today." In light of what was happening to him, what encouragement do you think the speed of this promise gave to him?

Consider the glory of the promise, "in paradise." What thoughts flashed through the thief's mind?

Consider with whom he was going: "With me," said Jesus. In the final moments of his life could there be any better company for him to be with than Jesus?

As you examine the scene, what assurance does this promise provide to you?

John 19: 26b, 27 "Woman, behold your son!" To John he said, "Behold your mother."

Even in his final moments, Jesus thought about the pain his mother and disciples were carrying. What does this word teach you about devotion, love, and human relationships?

Is there anyone you can think of with whom you’ve suffered a broken relationship?

What does this word teach us about restoring those broken relationships?

Matthew 27: 46 "My God, My God, why hast thou forsaken me?"

Read Psalm 22: 1,3 and Corinthians 5: 21

John 19: 28 "I thirst"

In all likelihood, Jesus was arrested approximately 1 AM in the morning. From then until now (it is early to mid-afternoon), he has not been given a drink of water. From 9am till noon he hung on the cross under the heat of the Mideastern sun. At noon an eerie darkness falls over the land. He is thirsty. This word is a basic expression of our Lord’s humanity. Picture Him on the cross. Imagine, as best you can, His physical suffering? Remember He did this for you!

John 19: 30 "It is finished"

A cry of despair? No! The word "finished" is from the original Greek and is a word of triumph. Jesus is issuing a shout of victory. I have completed the mission my Father established for me. "It is finished", I’ve achieved my goal, accomplished my task. Hallelujah!

For further insight, read Hebrews 10: 11-14. There, the writer talks about priests offering sacrifices "but this Man," says the author. (Read the rest of the verse).

Celebrate His victory, His triumph, in your heart for a moment. Praise Him that He accomplished His mission.

Luke 23: 46 "Father, into Your hands I commend my spirit"

The word "commend" Jesus uses here could appropriately be translated: "lay down". In this final word, He "lays down" His life, turns it over, entrusts it completely to His Father. What assurance do you think He felt inside knowing as His life is ending His Father would receive Him? What assurance do His words provide to you and me in the face of death?

How moving these seven words are, how mysterious, how wonderful! Now that you've read them again and pondered their meaning, go back to the opening verse from Galatians 2: 20b. Consider again: He did this for me! Close your time expressing your thankfulness that Jesus died for you.

Yours in Christ,

Pastor George Kaden