At noon, darkness fell across the whole land until three o’clock. Then at three o’clock Jesus called out with a loud voice, “Eloi, Eloi, lema sabachthani?” which means “My God, my God, why have you abandoned me?” Some of the bystanders misunderstood and thought he was calling for the prophet Elijah. One of them ran and filled a sponge with sour wine, holding it up to him on a reed stick so he could drink. “Wait!” he said. “Let’s see whether Elijah comes to take him down!” Then Jesus uttered another loud cry and breathed his last. And the curtain in the sanctuary of the Temple was torn in two, from top to bottom. When the Roman officer who stood facing him saw how he had died, he exclaimed, “This man truly was the Son of God!” Mark 15:33-39 (NIV)
Comment
Good Friday marks the time when Jesus dealt with the sin problem. God only knows what he went through. Huge injustice, physical pain and on top of that … the abandonment. Our freedom is free and available to all but it came at a huge cost.
When Jesus breathed his last the curtain in the temple sanctuary was torn in two. The barrier between God and man was removed. Now, through Christ reconciliation is possible with our Father God.
God wants intimacy, he wanted the barrier between him and his people removed and he wants the barriers between his people, particularly husbands and wives removed too. Our oneness reflects God’s image.
As you consider the Cross and what Jesus has done for you, consider too any barriers in your relationships with God and one another.
Are things hidden from your partner or from God? Does God want any barriers removed?
Prayer (as a couple)
Dear Father God, help me to grasp the enormity of what Christ has done for his people. Help us to reflect a fresh understanding in the way we behave. In particular Father please show us any barriers that need to be removed. Barriers between _____ (partner’s name) and me and between us and you. Help us to remove those barriers Lord for we ask in Jesus’ name. Amen
Prayer (for others)
Dear Father God, we lift up to you _____ and _____ and other couples in our community. Help us all to be open with you and help husbands and wives to be open with one another. If barriers have grown then take them down, for we ask in Jesus’ name. Amen
Quote
‘It is finished” John 19:30
