Good Friday Service

Good Friday – 2021

Children: “In His Hands”

In His hands, in His hands, with my Lord I’ll stay.
In His care, in His love, I will live each day.
When I go to sleep, I am in His sight;
He will see me safely through the night.

In His hands, safe and warm, I will always be.
Through the rain, through the storm, He will care for me.
Everywhere I go, I see Jesus standing to hold me safely in His hands.

Confession of sins (Based on the Reproach Prophecies)
M: Behold the cross, on which hung the Savior of the world.
C: Come let us worship.

M: The Lord says, “My people, what wrong have I done to you? How have I offended you? Answer me! Through baptism, I led you from slavery to freedom, but you lead your Savior to the cross.”
C: Holy God, holy and merciful, holy and just, have mercy upon us.

M: “I planted you as my fairest vineyard, I grafted you into the one true vine, I gave you the water of salvation, but you give me gall and vinegar to drink, and leave me thirsting upon a cross.”
C: Holy God, holy and merciful, holy and just, have mercy upon us.

M: “I gave you a royal scepter, but you give me a crown of thorns.
I raised you up to newness of life, but you raise me high upon a cross.”
C: Holy God, holy and merciful, holy and just, have mercy upon us.

M: “I give you heaven, and yet you complain about that which you think you lack. I give you eternity, and yet you worry about this life. You suffer, and you then blame me, though I have proven my love! Should not I take everything from you?”
C: Holy God, holy and merciful, holy and just, have mercy upon us.

M: “What more could I have done for you? I gave you my peace and my truth, but you fight with each other, you cause pain to those I love, you dismiss those I chose to lead you. Should not my anger burn? Should not I destroy you?”

C: Holy God, holy and merciful, holy and just, have mercy upon us.

M: “I come as your brother and sister, hungry, yet you give me no food, thirsty, yet you give me no drink, a stranger, and you do not welcome me, naked, and you do not clothe me, sick and in prison, and you do not visit me.”
C: Holy God, holy and merciful, holy and just, have mercy upon us.

Silence for personal reflection and confession

M: The Lord also says, “This is the covenant I will make with the house of Israel. I will put my law in their minds and write it on their hearts. I will be their God, and they will be my people. For I will forgive their wickedness and will remember their sins no more.”
C: Amen

M: Behold the cross, on which hung the Savior of the world.
C: Come let us worship.

The First Word: Luke 23:26-34
As the soldiers led him away, they seized Simon from Cyrene, who was on his way in from the country, and put the cross on him and made him carry it behind Jesus. A large number of people followed him, including women who mourned and wailed for him. Jesus turned and said to them, “Daughters of Jerusalem, do not weep for me; weep for yourselves and for your children. For the time will come when you will say, ‘Blessed are the childless women, the wombs that never bore and the breasts that never nursed!’ Then ‘they will say to the mountains, “Fall on us!” and to the hills, “Cover us!”’ For if people do these things when the tree is green, what will happen when it is dry?”
Two other men, both criminals, were also led out with him to be executed. When they came to the place called the Skull, they crucified him there, along with the criminals — one on his right, the other on his left. Jesus said, “Father, forgive them, for they do not know what they are doing.” And they divided up his clothes by casting lots.

Response: “A Lamb Goes Uncomplaining Forth” (CW 100 v.1)

A Lamb goes uncomplaining forth,
Our guilt and evil bearing
And, laden with the sins of earth,
None else the burden sharing.
Goes patient on, grows weak and faint,
To slaughter led without complaint,
That spotless life to offer,
Bears shame and stripes and wounds and death,
Anguish and mockery and says, “Willing all this I suffer.”

The Second Word: Luke 23:38-43
There was a written notice above him, which read: THIS IS THE KING OF THE JEWS.
One of the criminals who hung there hurled insults at him: “Aren’t you the Messiah? Save yourself and us!”
But the other criminal rebuked him. “Don’t you fear God,” he said, “since you are under the same sentence? We are punished justly, for we are getting what our deeds deserve. But this man has done nothing wrong.”
Then he said, “Jesus, remember me when you come into your kingdom.”
Jesus answered him, “Truly I tell you, today you will be with me in paradise.”

Response: “A Lamb Goes Uncomplaining Forth” (CW 100 v.2)

This Lamb is Christ, the soul’s great friend,
The Lamb of God, our Savior;
Him God the Father chose to send
To gain for us his favor.
“Go forth, my Son,” the Father said,
“And free my children from their dread
Of guilt and condemnation.
The wrath and stripes are hard to bear,
But by your passion they will share
The fruit of your salvation.”

The Third Word: John 19:25-27
Near the cross of Jesus stood his mother, his mother’s sister, Mary the wife of Clopas, and Mary Magdalene. When Jesus saw his mother there, and the disciple whom he loved standing nearby, he said to her, “Woman, here is your son,” and to the disciple, “Here is your mother.” From that time on, this disciple took her into his home.

Response: “A Lamb Goes Uncomplaining Forth” (CW 100 v.3)

“Yes, Father, yes, most willingly
I’ll bear what you command me.
My will conforms to your decree;
I’ll do what you have asked me.”
O wondrous Love, what have you done!
The Father offers up his Son,
Desiring our salvation.
O Love, how strong you are to save!
You make his bed within the grave
Who built the earth’s foundation.

The Fourth Word: Matthew 27:45-49
From noon until three in the afternoon darkness came over all the land. About three in the afternoon Jesus cried out in a loud voice, “Eli, Eli, lema sabachthani?” (which means “My God, my God, why have you forsaken me?”).
When some of those standing there heard this, they said, “He’s calling Elijah.”
Immediately one of them ran and got a sponge. He filled it with wine vinegar, put it on a staff, and offered it to Jesus to drink. The rest said, “Now leave him alone. Let’s see if Elijah comes to save him.”
Response: “A Lamb Goes Uncomplaining Forth” (CW 100 v.4)

From morn till eve, in all I do,
I’ll praise you, Christ, my treasure.
To sacrifice myself for you
Shall be my aim and pleasure.
My stream of life shall ever be
A current flowing ceaselessly,
Your constant praise outpouring.
I’ll treasure in my memory,
O Lord, all you have done for me,
Your gracious love adoring.

The Fifth Word: John 19:28,29
Later, knowing that everything had now been finished, and so that Scripture would be fulfilled, Jesus said, “I am thirsty.” A jar of wine vinegar was there, so they soaked a sponge in it, put the sponge on a stalk of the hyssop plant, and lifted it to Jesus’ lips.

Response: Psalm 22 (Page 71 CW)

Refrain: Lamb of God, you take away the sin of the world; have mercy on us.

My God, my God, why have you forsaken me? * Why are you so far from saving me?

I am worm and not a man, * scorned by men and despised by the people.

All who see me mock me; * they hurl insults, shaking their heads:

“He trusts in the LORD; let the LORD rescue him. * Let him deliver him, since he delights in him.”

Refrain: Lamb of God, you take away the sin of the world; have mercy on us.

My strength is dried up, and my tongue sticks to the roof of my mouth; * you lay me in the dust of death.

A band of evil men has encircled me, * they have pierced my hands and my feet.

They divide my garments among them * and cast lots for my clothing.

But you, O LORD, be not far off; * O my Strength, come quickly to help me.

Glory be to the Father and to the Son and to the Holy Spirit, * as it was in the beginning, is now, and will be forever. Amen.

Refrain: Lamb of God, you take away the sin of the world; have mercy on us.

The Sixth Word: John 19:30
When he had received the drink, Jesus said, “It is finished.” With that, he bowed his head and gave up his spirit.

 

 

Response: “Oh, Perfect Life of Love” (CW 138)

Oh, perfect life of love!
All, all is finished now,
All that he left his throne above
To do for us below.

No work is left undone
Of all the Father willed;
His toil, his sorrows, one by one,
he Scriptures have fulfilled.

No pain that we can share
But he has felt its smart;
All forms of human grief and care
Have pierced that tender heart.

And on his thorn-crowned head
And on his sinless soul
Our sins in all their guilt were laid
That he might make us whole.

In perfect love he dies;
For me he dies, for me!
O all-atoning Sacrifice,
You died to make me free!

In ev’ry time of need,
Before the judgment throne,
Your works, O Lamb of God, I’ll plead,
Your merits, not my own.

The Seventh Word: Luke 23:44-46
It was now about noon, and darkness came over the whole land until three in the afternoon, for the sun stopped shining. And the curtain of the temple was torn in two. Jesus called out with a loud voice, “Father, into your hands I commit my spirit.” When he had said this, he breathed his last.
Choir: “Into Your Hands”

They led Him up to Golgatha,
Bleeding, scorned and shamed.
And as the nails were driven into His hands,
They mocked His holy name.

Jesus, the only Son of God,
Hung on the cross in agony.
And as He breathed His final breath,
He paid sin’s price for me.

“Into Your hands I commit my Spirit.”
These were the words that Jesus said.
And as He died for me on Calvary,
He surrendered His life into the Father’s hands.

“Into Your hands I commit my Spirit.”
These were the words that Jesus said.
And as He died for me on Calvary,
He surrendered His life into the Father’s hands.

He was willing to pay the sacrifice,
Bringing glory to His Father’s name.
And wherever my Savior leads me,
My pray’r should be the same.

“Into Your hands I commit my Spirit.”
I want to live according to Your plans.
As You guide my steps from day to day,
I surrender my life into my Father’s hands.

Lord, I place my life into Your loving hands,
Into Your hands.

 

Hymn: “Where You There” (CW 119)

Were you there when they crucified my Lord?
Were you there when they crucified my Lord?
Oh, sometimes it causes me to tremble, tremble, tremble.
Were you there when they crucified my Lord?

Were you there when they nailed him to the tree?
Were you there when they nailed him to the tree?
Oh, sometimes it causes me to tremble, tremble, tremble.
Were you there when they nailed him to the tree?

Were you there when they laid him in the tomb?
Were you there when they laid him in the tomb?
Oh, sometimes it causes me to tremble, tremble, tremble.
Were you there when they laid him in the tomb?

Sermon Text: Luke 23:32-34
Two other men, both criminals, were also led out with him to be executed. When they came to the place called the Skull, they crucified him there, along with the criminals — one on his right, the other on his left. Jesus said, “Father, forgive them, for they do not know what they are doing.”

Sermon Theme: THE NAIL-PIERCED HANDS OF JESUS

Bidding Prayer

M: Let us pray for the whole Church, that our gracious Father would defend her from the devil and keep her faithful to her Lord.
Silent prayer
M: Almighty and everlasting God, you have revealed your saving name to the world through Jesus Christ our Lord. Protect us from the assaults of the evil one, and help us remain faithful to your Word so that in every adversity we may stand firm in our faith and give ourselves fully to our Savior’s work, through Christ our Lord.
C: Amen.

M: Let us pray for those who serve in the public ministry and for all people of God.
Silent prayer
M: Almighty and everlasting God, you rule over all things for the good of your people. Preserve us from divisive spirits and false teachers. Give your servants the grace to proclaim Christ joyfully in word and deed so that all who hear them may come to know
their Savior better and be strengthened for their lives of service, through Christ our Lord.
C: Amen.

M: Let us pray for those who are being instructed in the Word, that they remain firm in the simple faith of Baptism.
Silent prayer
M: Almighty and everlasting God, you make us your own dear children by the washing of rebirth and renewal in the Holy Spirit. Give strength to all who are buried with Christ in Baptism, that each day they may die to sin and rise again to live new and holy lives, through Christ our Lord.
C: Amen.

M: Let us pray for our earthly government, our rulers, and all who are in authority.
Silent prayer
M: Almighty and everlasting God, you have established earthly government to keep a measure of order in this dying world and to protect us from the disorder of sin. Give to all rulers the wisdom to govern well and to all citizens the desire to obey them, so that we may live peaceful lives in all godliness and holiness, through Christ our Lord.
C: Amen.

M: Let us pray for those who are outside the Church, that they may come to know the one true God and Jesus Christ whom he has sent.
Silent prayer
M: Almighty and everlasting God, your Son was lifted up on the cross so that he might draw all people to himself. Through the proclamation of your Word, mercifully gather from the nations a people that are your very own, that we may join together around your throne in glory to praise and thank you forever, through Christ our Lord.
C: Amen.

M: Let us pray for our enemies and for all those who hate us.
Silent prayer
M: Almighty and everlasting God, no one can harm us without grieving you, whose name we bear. We ask that you would change the hearts of those who work against us and who hate us without reason. Give them repentance and faith so that they may be glad with us and find joy in your love, through Christ our Lord.
C: Amen.

M: Let us pray for all who suffer under cross and trial.
Silent prayer
M: Almighty and everlasting God, you sent your Son into the world to bear our griefs and to carry our sorrows. Help those who are suffering for your name’s sake and who are struggling against temptation, that they may not be overwhelmed with sadness but find relief in your grace, through Christ our Lord.
C: Amen.

M: Finally, let us pray for all those things for which our Lord would have us ask in the words he himself has taught us:
C: Our Father, who art in heaven, hallowed be thy name, thy kingdom come, thy will be done on earth as it is in heaven. Give us this day our daily bread; and forgive us our trespasses, as we forgive those who trespass against us; and lead us not into temptation, but deliver us from evil. For thine is the kingdom and the power and the glory forever and ever. Amen.

The Blessing
The grace of our Lord Jesus Christ and the love of God and the fellowship of the Holy Spirit be with you all. Amen.

 

The Closing Hymn: “Rest, O Christ, from All Your Labor”

Rest, O Christ, from all your labor;
Sleep within your borrowed tomb.
Foes have crucified and bound you
Fast within death’s narrow room.
Pilate’s guards stand watching, waiting
Where they rolled the sealing stone.
All unseen another watches: God will not forsake his own.

Peace at last from all your anguish,
Wounds in hands and feet and side.
Enemies no longer mock you,
Scourged, abandoned, crucified.
Faithful women gather spices,
Weep for you whom sin has slain.
Though they mourn, the God who guards you
Will not let your death be vain.

Help us keep this solemn Sabbath
As we wait for Easter dawn.
Earth’s dark night of sin is passing;
Death’s long reign will soon be gone.
Christ, in whom the new creation
Rises brighter than the sun:
May we, as we watch for morning,
Trust the vict’ry you have won.

As through parting Red Sea waters
Israel marched to liberty,
So we pass through baptism’s water,
Washed by grace, from sin set free.
Jesus, risen, living, reigning
Now and through eternity:
Grant that, through your life undying,
We may live victoriously.