The account of Holy Week is full of characters each reacting differently to the events unfolding.
We must all make our own response to Good Friday.
So our format for this week is different.
It moves from the reading to shared discussion to individual reflection.
It is worth bearing this in mind when planning worship to start and end.
(Use of the hymn When I Survey might be appropriate)
Starter:
Share around the group your most physically painful experience.
Worship:
You may want to leave all worship until the end today.
Reading: John 18:1 –19:42.
This is a very long reading and might benefit from the use of 'The Dramatised Bible' with various voices and a sense of drama. Even if ordinary text is used it is unlikely you will want to read it twice.
Commentary:
For Jesus, this is 'his hour' – the time of his passage home to his Father. Jesus is the King, but he lays his life down willingly. He is the suffering servant who stands with sinners and takes their life upon himself – willingly. And Jesus knows this is not the end – the victory will be 'at home' with his Father. (Baranowski adapted)
Shared reflection: (Discuss as soon as you are ready in threes:)
1. How do you feel when you read that Jesus,
our Saviour, is to be captured and killed?
2. How have you seen in your lifetime that the experience of death
can be overcome by faith?
3. What experience have you had of a friend betraying
or turning their back on you?
Now individually reflect on the following questions:
4. Were you able to forgive the one who betrayed you?
What stops you forgiving?
5. Because of fear, Pilate does not do what he knows is right.
Has fear ever kept you from taking a stand against injustice?
6. Reflect on a time when you have asked Jesus to help you shoulder a burden.
How do you want Jesus to help you today.
During this time quiet instrumental music might be appropriate. Then lead the group into worship giving opportunity to 'take their reflections to the foot of the cross'. (eg use a cross and place paper with written prayers by it )
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