The Way of the Cross (39)

The prophet Zechariah, guided by the Holy Spirit, points us toward a very important day in the calendar. Much more important than a royal wedding, bigger than cup final day, or someone's birthday, the day was in the future for Zechariah.

It all centred on some events that would happen in Jerusalem, the very events that we recall on this day, Good Friday, as we look back to the first Good Friday. As we've seen throughout our series, the passion was predicted centuries beforehand by the prophets.

And I will pour out on the house of David and the inhabitants of Jerusalem a spirit of grace and pleas for mercy, so that, when they look on me, on him whom they have pierced, they shall mourn for him, as one mourns for an only child, and weep bitterly over him, as one weeps over a firstborn...

On that day there shall be a fountain opened for the house of David and the inhabitants of Jerusalem, so cleanse them from sin and uncleanness. (Zechariah 12:10; 13:1)

The pierced one is the one from whom mercy and grace flow; the fount of every blessing and the fountain for the cleansing of sin. We cannot now journey to see the Lord Jesus on the cross, and yet we can still stand at the cross, seeing in our heart what he has done for us, to offer salvation and freedom.

You may know your need of cleansing, but have you been cleansed? There's a world of difference between knowing that you're stinking when you come back from playing sport or working in the garden, and actually having a shower. The shower is needed - and you naturally want to be clean, so you go and wash.

What of your soul? What of your heart? Do you see your need? Have you been cleansed by this free-flowing fountain for forgiveness? Come, and be clean, through the pierced one, from whose side flowed the blood and water.

The Way of the Cross (38)

The events of Maundy Thursday, the washing of feet, the Lord's Supper, the prayer in Gethsemane, come so quickly that it's hard to keep up with what is happening at times. You can imagine the 24 hour news crews dashing to get their cameras rolling, live reports coming in, minute by minute updates on the trial. You could be tempted to think that it all kicked off, taking Jesus by surprise. He was in control up until the soldiers arrived, led by the chief priests and Judas, but then it turned out differently to how he had expected.

Not so, says the person who has read their Bible! Even as Jesus is arrested, he continues to fulfill Scripture, his enemies playing their part unawares. None more so than in Gethsemane, where the prophet Zechariah helps us to understand what is happening.

Strike the shepherd, and the sheep will be scattered. (Zechariah 13:7)

This is exactly how it turns out as Jesus is arrested, and the Eleven are scattered in fear. Alone, the Saviour continues, the shepherd of the Lord, stricken for the flock, giving his life to save them and gather them from their separation.