Encountering Jesus’s Sacrifice | Good Friday Meditation | Luke 23:32-43

Good Friday is the darkest and most solemn day on the Christian calendar. Yet, because of Jesus’s sacrifice—a sacrifice that changes everything—it truly becomes good.

In this Scripture meditation, we step into the scene at the cross, where Jesus is crucified between two criminals. We witness the reactions of those around Him—the mocking soldiers, the mourning crowd, the two criminals beside Him. And in the midst of it all, we hear Jesus’s powerful words of grace and forgiveness:

"Father, forgive them, for they don’t know what they are doing."

Even in His suffering, Jesus extends mercy.

Through this Good Friday meditation, you’ll be invited to:

Enter the scene and observe those around the cross. Reflect on the words and actions of Jesus. Sit at the foot of the cross and thank Him for what He endured for you.

Take a moment to pause, reflect, and let the weight of this day settle in. As you listen, may you encounter Jesus’s love, grace, and mercy in a deeper way.

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The Entire meditation text is:

Luke 23:32-43, NLT

Two others, both criminals, were led out to be executed with (Jesus). When they came to a place called The Skull, they nailed him to the cross. And the criminals were also crucified—one on his right and one on his left.

Jesus said, “Father, forgive them, for they don’t know what they are doing.” And the soldiers gambled for his clothes by throwing dice.

The crowd watched and the leaders scoffed. “He saved others,” they said, “let him save himself if he is really God’s Messiah, the Chosen One.” The soldiers mocked him, too, by offering him a drink of sour wine. They called out to him, “If you are the King of the Jews, save yourself!” A sign was fastened above him with these words: “This is the King of the Jews.”

One of the criminals hanging beside him scoffed, “So you’re the Messiah, are you? Prove it by saving yourself—and us, too, while you’re at it!”

But the other criminal protested, “Don’t you fear God even when you have been sentenced to die? We deserve to die for our crimes, but this man hasn’t done anything wrong.” Then he said, “Jesus, remember me when you come into your Kingdom.”

And Jesus replied, “I assure you, today you will be with me in paradise.”

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