Good Friday

Bible Reading: Mark 15:16-37
Author: Debbie Middlebrook (Georgia, USA)
Friday 17 April 2026 © The Upper Room.
I attend a Christian university and was recently required to read an article about the physiological changes that Christ would have experienced during his crucifixion. 

Holy Week is a time to remember that Christ died for our sins, but most of the time I’m only vaguely aware of the reality of his death. 

Reading about the hours of Christ’s torture and physical degradation, I couldn’t help but sob, ‘God, make it stop!’ I was only reading about the event. 

How must Jesus’ mother have felt? How must God have felt?

I was consumed by a deep sorrow for such dreadful cruelty. 

At the same time I was flooded with gratitude, fully aware that Christ willingly submitted to this terrible death on the cross. As I thought of what Jesus said at the Last Supper: ‘Do this in remembrance’, I realised that we are to remember not only who Jesus was but also how and why he died. 

I am overwhelmingly grateful.

Prayer: Dear God, we are filled with sorrow for the pain and suffering that Jesus endured so that we may live. We are grateful for the free gift of our salvation. Amen
 
Next day’s devotion
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It looks very slick and professional which in itself gives glory to God. Not only will it help the Deaf Christians in this country but it will also be an excellent resource for those of us interpreters who interpret in Christian settings. I pray that God continues to bless you in this initiative and look forward to testimonies of Deaf people that have come to faith through watching them as well. WE