I contributed the following on Good Friday to the 2019 “PictureLent” daily devotional series, written primarily for adults. PictureLent is a ministry of the Rio Texas and the Michigan Conferences of The United Methodist Church.
Each day’s devotional is based on a word found in the Lectionary scripture, which for Good Friday was John 19:14-22.
My word was “Write.” Here is my devotional. I hope that you find meaning in it. May Easter be a restorative time for you.
The daily word is “write”?? Where does that word show up in the story of Jesus’ crucifixion?
A slow re-reading reveals the answer:
Pilate wrote a sign and put it on the cross. It read: ‘JESUS OF NAZARETH, THE KING OF THE JEWS’ (John 19:19, ICB).
Did you know that it was customary at a crucifixion to attach a placard above the condemned person, with their name and their crime?
This makes sense. Romans performed crucifixions in public locations as a deterrent.
To ensure that everyone could read an edict, it was composed in the three major languages of the time—Hebrew (Aramaic), Greek, and Latin. Those observing would want to know what sorts of activity to avoid!
Written words proclaim Jesus’ identity: The King of the Jews.
John’s gospel reports that this phrasing caused consternation among the Jewish Temple leaders, who protested to Pilate. They didn’t want Jesus labeled as their King, giving the impression that this claim was in fact acknowledged.
They told Pilate: “Don’t write, ‘The King of the Jews.’ But write, ‘This man said, I am the King of the Jews’” (verse 21b). Pilate’s answer: “What I have written, I have written!” (verse 22).
It was as if Pilate issued a proclamation of the gospel: Here is your King!
Follow this thought: Perhaps Pilate was constrained by the size of the piece of wood. What if he had a bigger piece? There could have been so much more to write! But Pilate was also limited by his understanding. With our post-Easter view of the situation we would add more, writing:
Here is your suffering King. (But see how this means he understands your suffering?) Don’t worry, death will not be the end; it will be a new beginning! You can live free from the hurt and pain of your past! You are forgiven! All is grace. Welcome to the new you!
What words do you wish could be written about who you are – this new you?
Undertake another exercise with me: Imagine you have died. (Don’t worry; it was painless.) Your family and friends have gathered together to write your obituary. In the manner of Pilate’s defining epithet, what would you like them to write—not what do you think they might write about you—but what truths do you long to hear?
For me, I would hope they could write:
Creative Carol, a survivor, a life-long learner, one who embodies a meaningful picture of Jesus for others, who bravely points out God-present, and always with us.
Many of us lack healthy self-worth. Today, let the cross change you!
Who do you aspire to be?
Surprise: God already sees you that way!
A Short Prayer:
Nurturing God, the words that you use to describe us are so different than the ones we use on ourselves! On Good Friday, when darkness and death take center stage, may we be reminded that our old ways of thinking can change. Help us to see ourselves with the same delight and expectation with which you see us. Amen.
An Action Challenge:
For friends and family that you encounter today, consider what sign would be placed over their head.
Name a positive trait you see in them. Tell them about it.
Discussion/Reflection Questions:
1. Who is Jesus to you? What would you write on the sign above Jesus’ head?
2. Do the obituary exercise. (Don’t worry about the exact sentences; just write key words.)
3. Write some of these better-feeling thoughts about yourself on a piece of paper. Take a selfie holding your new words. Share on social media tagging #pictureLent
Photo credits…
Placard above Christ by Luciano Ramos Solari from Pixabay, released under Creative Commons CC0 1.0 Public Domain.
Selfie with defining written words, copyright from my archives.
There are other kids. Can you find them?
The Bible tells us there were loud cries of “Hosanna!” (John 12:13). Which was like saying “Save us!”
What are you giving up for Lent?
It’s Lent! Here are some resources for the season:
Family Faith Companion 