1:00 p.m. – Community Worship of Seven Last Words at Immanuel Lutheran Church
7:30 p.m. – Tenebrae Worship at ELC
“Tenebrae” is a service of readings and increasing darkness, a powerful experience of Good Friday story
April 17, 2014
John 19:23-30
Key Verses: “When Jesus saw his mother and the disciple whom he loved standing beside her, he said to 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. After this, when Jesus knew that all was now finished, he said (in order to fulfill the scripture), ‘I am thirsty.’ A jar full of sour wine was standing there. So they put a sponge full of the wine on a branch of hyssop and held it to his mouth. When Jesus had received the wine, he said, ‘It is finished.’ Then he bowed his head and gave up his spirit.” John 19:26-30
Time: 30 CE
Background: Jesus’ mother appeared twice in John’s gospel. First, when she encouraged Jesus to perform his first miracle turning water into wine at a wedding in Cana. Second, here at the end of Jesus’ life on earth, where Jesus entrusted his mother to his beloved disciple and his disciple to his mother.
Many of the events of Jesus’ death occurred to fulfill scripture. Placing Jesus in the context of God’s word helped believers understand who Jesus was, in light of the history, tradition, and writings of the people of Israel. Even with the benefit of scripture and tradition, no one could or can fully grasp the mystery of Jesus.
Community: How does your community’s history, tradition, or writings shape the way your community believes, behaves, or speaks? How are your community’s actions shaping future traditions or behaviors?
At Home: What kind of legacy do you wish to leave your family and friends? What can you do now to begin to shape your legacy for future generations? How does Jesus’ role in your life affect how you live?
