Good Friday Homily
Good Friday
March 30, 2018
Rev. Gabe Sylvia
The sermon teaches that the Father's apparent withdrawal of care from the Son at the cross—accompanied by three hours of darkness—signifies Christ's descent into hell and the pinnacle of his suffering, and calls believers to dwell on that forsakenness so they will esteem, adore, and glorify the gift and the Giver.
Summary
The message argues that Jesus' cry of being forsaken by the Father must be understood as his descent into hell and represents the height of his earthly suffering; the Gospel authors all record his expiration and the three hours of darkness (a biblical symbol of judgment) to show the indescribable isolation and woe he endured. By focusing on this pinnacle of pain—when the Father looked away at Christ's greatest need—we are urged to value the gift of salvation, cling to and adore the Giver, and glorify God through sober contemplation of what was accomplished on Calvary.
Key Points
- The Father's apparent forsaking of the Son is best understood as Christ's descent into hell and the climax of his suffering.
- The Gospels carefully record Jesus' death and the three hours of darkness to highlight the severity and significance of that moment.
- Darkness in Scripture symbolizes judgment; its coming upon Jesus indicates the weight of judgment he bore.
- The central, most painful element was the Father's looking away from Jesus at his hour of greatest need—deep isolation and forsakenness.
- Believers are called to dwell on this pinnacle of pain so they will esteem, love, adore, and glorify both the gift (salvation) and the Giver (God).
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