What Does the Cross Say to You?
Good Friday
April 9,
2004
The Rev. Dr. Anthony
J. Godlefski, Pastor
Dear brothers and sisters in Christ, it is good to be with you. It is a blessing. In this room, in this gathering, are people I've known twenty years or more, and new friends, and some in-between. It's a blessing to be with you this day.
It is Good Friday. I must tell you, as a preacher, that I think preachers should be very careful on days like Good Friday not to say too much, because the power of the symbol before you says it all. I would want that symbol to speak directly to your hearts. That is my first and primary wish and hope and prayer.
But since we are gathered here, let us contemplate the words of Jesus from the cross. He said to the repentant thief near Him, "This day you will be with me in Paradise." He said to those who crucified Him, "Father, forgive them, for they know not what they do." I think that was the moment of redemption, don't you?
And so, I'd like to just say a word today about "What does the cross say to you?" When I was a junior in college, I had the privilege of going to Europe with the Westminster Choir College. In St. Gallen, Switzerland, there was a place where one could buy hand-carved wooden objects. I bought this beautiful crucifix. I'm going to share the cross with you and ask you to pass it around, as we consider what the cross says to you.
As you contemplate the cross, I believe it says, "My child, you are understood. You are forgiven. You are loved."
You might say to Jesus upon the cross, "Lord, in my life I've known so much pain." And He may say to you, "My child, so have I. You are understood."
"Jesus, people have disappointed me. I put my faith in them, and they let me down." And Jesus says, "My child, I've been there. You are understood."
"Jesus, I've been treated unfairly." And Jesus says, "Me too. You are understood."
"Jesus, I feel like I've been paying for other people's mistakes." And Jesus says, "Welcome to my world. You are understood."
The cross says, "You are forgiven."
"Jesus, I've made a mistake. I've made a mistake so bad that no apologies could ever make it right. I've broken something that can't be put together again." And Jesus says, "That's what I'm here for. Cast your burden on me. You are forgiven."
"Jesus, I feel so guilty. I feel so guilty about my lack of faith and that time away from you. I don't feel as if anything could put me right with God again." And Jesus says, "My child, let me take care of this one. Let me pay the bill. Let my suffering pay your debt. You are forgiven."
And, my friend, you are loved.
"Lord, I feel so distant from God. I feel as if my doubts have overwhelmed me. I feel so guilty. I feel so flawed. How can I ever get close to God again? I am so imperfect. I am not worthy to be called your child." And hear the voice of Jesus say, "My child, I love you this much. Let me be the bridge between you and perfection. Let me be the bridge between you and the Heavenly Father. You are loved."
Remember, my dear friends, that Jesus upon the cross wanted to take something terrible and make it a gift of good. He wanted to take a minus sign and turn it into a plus. And so, hush preacher, and remind them of the central truth -- God loves you. Remind them that Friday is here, but Sunday is coming. God loves you. I do, too. God bless you all. Amen