Tenebrae

Life and death stand side by side as we enter into Good Friday.

In John’s passion account, Jesus reveals the power and glory of God, even as he is put on trial and sentenced to death. Standing with the disciples at the foot of the cross, we pray for the whole world in the ancient bidding prayer, as Christ’s death offers life to all. We gather in solemn devotion, but always with the promise that the tree around which we assemble is indeed a tree of life. We depart silently, and we anticipate the culmination of the Three Days in the Easter Vigil.

The Gospels record the last 7 words/statements of Jesus as He died upon the Cross.  Hymn #112  “Jesus, in Thy Dying Woes” from the Lutheran Book of Worship has 7 stanzas that support each of these words.