Good Morning!
Let’s focus our day by spending some time with Jesus before it begins.
Pick a song from one of our Spotify Playlists and let it play in the background.
ENTER. Write down or say out loud 3-5 things you’re thankful for from the last 24 hours.
FOCUS. Slowly breathe in… and out. Pray, Jesus, I surrender to you today and trust in you.
READ. Our Scripture Focus is 2 Chronicles 7:13-14. Try memorizing it during this study!
Today’s reading is from John 18:28-40, John 19, Isaiah 52:13-15 & Isaiah 53:1-7
ASK. After reading, ask the following SOS Questions & journal your thoughts.
S = Say. What does it say? What is the main point? What does it teach you about God (Jesus) & yourself?
O = Obey. What can I obey? What can you apply (practice) from this passage today?
S = Share. What truth can I share? Who can you share what you’re learning with today?
THINK. A Thought from Bill Gaultiere (from Soul Shepherding)
On Good Friday the Son of God is betrayed by Judas, falsely accused and condemned by the religious leaders and Pilate, scourged almost to death by the soldiers, abandoned by his disciples, mocked by the crowds, and tortured to death on the cross. The pure and shining one who never sinned took on the hideousness of humanity’s sin. He chose to receive the punishment that we deserve so that we could be healed (fulfilling the prophecy of Isaiah 53). The Lord had the power to call down thousands of mighty angels to defend his righteousness and deliver him from his enemies (Matt. 26:53), but he willingly gave himself to suffer and die for you and me. The cross didn’t happen to Jesus — he seized hold of it out of love for us! As Jesus hung on the cross, the sky went black. The Nazarene cried out, “My God, my God, why have you forsaken me!” (Matt. 27:46). Did God stop loving Jesus? Was God angrily punishing Jesus? Jesus’ closest friend who saw it all answered, “God is love!” (1 John 4:8). God would never stop loving Jesus, you, me, or anyone. (His holiness, anger, and judgment are expressions of his love.) Yet by becoming a sin offering for us, Jesus experienced a separation from his Father. He experienced the awfulness of humanity’s sin as if it were his own. He felt abandoned in the night. He was all alone, cold, and naked as he hung on the cross. Because of sin, shame, and isolation, we know the feeling of God’s absence. Like David we cry out, “How long, O Lord, will you hide your face from me?” (Ps. 13:1). Jesus has gone before us into this Dark Night of the Soul. He is there on the cross with arms open wide and eyes of mercy fixed on you. Nothing can ever separate you from God’s love when you look to Jesus (Rom. 8:38-39).
PRAY. Jesus, we are overwhelmed by your incredible love for us! Thank you for going to the cross to make a way for us to be with you forever! We know that in you, we are unforsaken. Nothing will ever separate us from your love. Thank you for taking on our sin and experiencing that pain and suffering on our behalf. We love you, Jesus, and look forward to eternity in your presence! Amen.
WORSHIP. Join us for Good Friday Prayer & Worship tonight at Paradox, 7pm w/ a concurrent Kids’ Service.
Make plans & invite a friend to join us for Easter Services at Paradox on Sunday at 9 & 11am.
TALK. That was our take on today’s reading - what’s yours? Share thoughts and ask questions in the forum.
SHARE. Stay focused with a friend! Invite them to text “FOCUS” to (586) 200-6277.

Stay focused on Jesus today, and make it a great one!