Those present at the 6.30 pm service “Remembering Good Friday” were given fresh insight into the events of that day 2000 years ago.
The scene was set for a quiet service of reflection, with candles and a gathering of bystanders, revisiting the events which led to Jesus’ crucifixion. The music, old and new, was led by Deb Borrett on the piano, playing with such sensitivity.
The bible readings reminded us of the injustice of Jesus’ death- a death of a man without sin, to take the burden of sin form the rest of us.
Ray Borrett’s monologue, written from the perspective of one of the criminals crucified alongside Jesus, was eye-opening in its testimony, graphic in its detail and powerful in its impact. We too were witnesses to the horrific death of a man, the Son of God. The criminal alongside him came to recognise this Galilean, this “King of the Jews” as the Messiah, the one with the power to save.
On this darkest day, he wanted Jesus to remember him when he came into his Kingdom. Jesus’s promise to him holds true for us. Because he rose again on the first Easter Sunday, one day we will be with him in paradise.
He died for us – he took the fall and thought of us above all.