Slices
Prepare
On this special day, Good Friday, find time to be quiet to reflect on this momentous event and what it means for you. Read the passage slowly, thoughtfully, worshipfully and gratefully. Imagine you are there, looking on in amazement.
Bible passage
The death of Jesus
45 From noon until three in the afternoon darkness came over all the land. 46 About three in the afternoon Jesus cried out in a loud voice, ‘Eli, Eli, lema sabachthani?’ (which means ‘My God, my God, why have you forsaken me?’).
47 When some of those standing there heard this, they said, ‘He’s calling Elijah.’
48 Immediately one of them ran and got a sponge. He filled it with wine vinegar, put it on a staff, and offered it to Jesus to drink. 49 The rest said, ‘Now leave him alone. Let’s see if Elijah comes to save him.’
50 And when Jesus had cried out again in a loud voice, he gave up his spirit.
51 At that moment the curtain of the temple was torn in two from top to bottom. The earth shook, the rocks split 52 and the tombs broke open. The bodies of many holy people who had died were raised to life. 53 They came out of the tombs after Jesus’ resurrection and went into the holy city and appeared to many people.
54 When the centurion and those with him who were guarding Jesus saw the earthquake and all that had happened, they were terrified, and exclaimed, ‘Surely he was the Son of God!’
55 Many women were there, watching from a distance. They had followed Jesus from Galilee to care for his needs. 56 Among them were Mary Magdalene, Mary the mother of James and Joseph, and the mother of Zebedee’s sons.
Explore
Something of the spiritual agony involved in taking upon himself the sin of the world is reflected in the cry of Jesus, ‘My God, my God, why have you forsaken me?’ (v 46). This echo from verse 1 of Psalm 22 hints at a separation which he must have felt, albeit temporarily, as he removed for all time that which separated us from God: the burden of our sin.
The tearing of the Temple curtain visually illustrates the effect of his death: the opening of a new way of access to God (v 51). The opening of the tombs serves as an indicator of the defeat of death and of forthcoming resurrection. Notice the impact on the Roman centurion (one of those who had mocked Jesus?), who, on seeing these things at close quarters, declares, ‘Surely he was the Son of God!’ (v 54). At the same time, the women who followed Jesus from Galilee (vs 55,56) bravely watch from a distance, their hearts breaking to see his suffering.
Respond
What do you see when you look at the cross? Do you have eyes of faith to see the Saviour dying there for you? Have you trusted him to be your Saviour? If not, now is the moment!
Bible in a year
Read the Bible in a year: Joshua 6,7; Romans 11
Pray for Scripture Union
Today, as we reflect on Jesus’ love through his sacrifice on the cross, let’s pray that churches supported by SU can reach and share this message of love with children and youth who have yet to understand it.
Equipping the church to reach the next generation
Across England and Wales, increasing numbers of children and young people are asking big questions about life, faith and meaning. Many are more open than we might assume – curious, thoughtful, and ready for conversations about Jesus, even when church isn’t part of their everyday world. For churches who have a heart for the next generation, this presents a real and hopeful opportunity.
Many leaders carry a deep desire to help the next generation encounter Jesus, but with full diaries and many responsibilities, knowing how to respond – or where to begin – can feel uncertain. That’s why we’ve created the It’s Time to Act guide.
It’s a simple, encouraging resource designed to help churches take thoughtful, realistic steps towards revealing Jesus to the next generation. Rather than offering big programmes or quick fixes, the guide focuses on what’s possible now – small, achievable actions that can grow over time. Inside, you’ll find practical ideas shaped by real church life that work alongside busy schedules and varied contexts. So, whether your church is just beginning to explore this opportunity, or already taking steps, the guide aims to meet you where you are and help you discern what comes next.
Our hope is that It’s Time to Act feels less like another initiative, and more like an invitation – to notice where God is already at work, and to take a next step, one step at a time.
If you’d like to explore the guide and see whether it could support your church, you can order a copy here.
