Consider Him Who Endured the Cross

Summary

On this first ever online Good Friday service, held during the pandemic when the church could not gather and communion had to be postponed, Pastor Pletnev opens in Hebrews 12:1-4. He fastens on a single word from verse 3 - consider - and urges believers to keep their inner gaze fixed on Jesus, the author and finisher of faith, even when they cannot meet face to face.

What we dwell on, he teaches, shapes our whole life. Setting the mind on things above where Christ is seated at God's right hand brings life and peace, while constant meditation on the Savior's suffering and resurrection strengthens the weary soul. Like Abraham, who looked to God's promise rather than his own frail body, and like persecuted believers who remembered the slain Passover Lamb when they could not break bread for years, we are held up by remembering Christ.

Then the pastor walks slowly through the Passion: the agony in Gethsemane and the sweat like drops of blood, the scourging, the crown of thorns, Behold the man, the road to Golgotha, the pierced hands and feet, the cry It is finished, and the soldier's spear. Jesus fought for us to the last drop of his blood and won. That is why the day is called Good - on it our salvation was accomplished. He closes by calling the church to keep meditating on the Lord and prays for the nations and for revival.

Key Points

• The heart of the message is one word from Hebrews 12:3 - consider - a call to keep meditating on Christ.
• We cannot see Jesus physically today, but with the eyes of faith we can fix our inner gaze on him.
• What we dwell on determines our spiritual life; a mind set on Christ brings life and peace.
• In trials, look to God's promise like Abraham did, not to your own weakness.
• Even when communion and gathering are impossible, remembering the slain Passover Lamb gives strength.
• Jesus fought sin to the last drop of his blood and finished the work: It is finished.
• It is called Good Friday because on that day our salvation and God's goodness were accomplished.