Friday, April 22
Today’s Reading: Matthew 27:24–66

Prayer
Father, I love You! Throughout the day, prompt me to “set my mind on things above; not on earthly things.” Today is a day to process Your steadfast love. Prompt me to boast only in Your mercy, only in Your grace and only in Your forgiveness. Jesus, thank You, thank You, thank You for Your sacrifice that allows me to live without condemnation today. In Your name I pray, amen.

Devotional
Jesus knew what the day held: complete rejection, massive pain and ultimately, death. Isaiah 52:14 foretold that Christ’s “appearance was so marred, beyond human semblance” that He was almost unrecognizable. Before He died, He would utter some of the most haunting words in the Bible, “My God, my God, why have you forsaken me?”

And yet, we refer to today as “good.”

Hanging on the Cross, many in the gawking crowd mocked Him, shouting, “He saved others; he cannot save himself.” While intended to insult, the words really were true. Jesus could not save himself and save me simultaneously. Jesus chose to die; He chose to become a sacrifice in order that I might have salvation. Intentionally. Freely. Eternally.

And that is so much better than “good”!

Practice: Study
Spend a few extra minutes today processing the following passages and the significance of each as it relates to the Cross.

2 Corinthians 5:18–21
Romans 5:6–11
Isaiah 53: 1–12
Mark 10:45
Hebrews 9:28
1 Peter 2:24–25; 3:18

Good Friday Service with Baptism and Lord’s Supper

Friday, April 22, 6:30 p.m.

Easter Worship Services

Saturday, April 23
6:00 p.m.*

Sunday, April 24
8:00 a.m.*, 9:30 & 11:00 a.m.
En Español: 1:30 p.m.*

*Central Campus only

prestonwood.org/easter