Morning: John 13: 36-38

Simon Peter said to him, ‘Lord, where are you going?’ Jesus answered, ‘Where I am going, you cannot follow me now; but you will follow afterwards.’ Peter said to him, ‘Lord, why can I not follow you now? I will lay down my life for you.’ Jesus answered, ‘Will you lay down your life for me? Very truly, I tell you, before the cock crows, you will have denied me three times.

Evening: John 19: 38-42

After these things, Joseph of Arimathea, who was a disciple of Jesus, though a secret one because of his fear of the Jews, asked Pilate to let him take away the body of Jesus. Pilate gave him permission; so he came and removed his body. Nicodemus, who had at first come to Jesus by night, also came, bringing a mixture of myrrh and aloes, weighing about a hundred pounds. They took the body of Jesus and wrapped it with the spices in linen cloths, according to the burial custom of the Jews. Now there was a garden in the place where he was crucified, and in the garden there was a new tomb in which no one had ever been laid. And so, because it was the Jewish day of Preparation, and the tomb was nearby, they laid Jesus there.

Good Friday Worship 7pm

Quiet your heart today as we gather at the foot of the cross. Consider this brief (yet powerful) interaction between Jesus and Peter. Remember, Jesus is about to walk the streets of Jerusalem carrying his own cross of crucifixion. He is about to give his life for the world. There is no better day to open your heart through a spiritual fast.

At first, Peter is eager to follow Jesus…he is willing to lay down his own life. Then we hear the potent words of Jesus that remind us that the rooster will crow three times as a reminder of Peter’s denial. As you choose your method of fasting I pray that it will allow you the blessing of being reminded of the times when the rooster has crowed in your life. John 13:36-38

It is a powerful moment that will ultimately be reconciled and transformed at the empty tomb on Easter morning. Peter will race John to the tomb to find that Jesus is alive and discover that his heart has been forgiven.

Today is a day to bring your own heart to the foot of the cross. Maybe you will hear Jesus say, “Come! Follow me!” What will you do?