West End United Methodist Church

What Is Truth? (Good Friday Service 2024)

Speakers:Maggie Jarrell
Topics:Good Friday

This is our Good Friday service, a remembrance held at the traditional hour of the crucifixion of Jesus.  It begins with the chiming of the hour, which sets the mood.  It includes a reading of two chapters of the Fourth Gospel that describe the arrest, condemnation, crucifixion, and burial of Jesus, a familiar and agonizing section to hear and recall.  Rev. Maggie Jarrell, our Pastor of Children and Families, delivers the Good Friday Meditation.  The title comes from the scripture reading as Pilate asks Jesus, “What is truth?”  In a sense, Pilate’s question to Jesus is, “What’s the point?” a question we often ask.  We put off discomfort and pain, but avoiding such things is not possible because we are not in control.  God keeps on loving us, no matter, and this suffering of the son of God reminds us that God knows our suffering and pain and loves no matter the situation.  Solidarity with those who suffer means we take risks and give up comforts, but the example of Jesus who worked for the suffering and in so doing, also suffered, stands in front of us.  During Holy Week we do not flinch from the truth because of God’s great love for us.  God is with us; we are not alone.  We know Easter is on the horizon.   (NOTE: Reflecting the importance of the Word, the video begins with the scripture, but once it starts you can scroll back to the beginning of the service if you want.  The entire service is videoed.)

References

  • John :18:1 - 19:42

Downloads

Bulletin for Good Friday Service (March 29, 2024)

Hymn Lyrics for Good Friday Service (March 29, 2024)

Audio

What Is Truth? (scripture and meditation for Good Friday)