Good Friday

Bible Reading: Mark 15:16-37
Author: Debbie Middlebrook (Georgia, USA)
Saturday 18 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
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Would it be possible to have a section where the Gospel is explained for Deaf people who are not yet true Christians to view? Maybe it could be a translation of a good tract? In fact, as Christians, we can never study the Gospel message enough for as we grasp it more and more our love for God grows and compels us to share it with others. God bless your endeavours for Him KS