Good Friday, April 3, 2026

Lent Day 39

Hebrews 5:7-9

In the days of his flesh, Jesus offered up prayers and supplications, with loud cries and tears, to the one who was able to save him from death, and he was heard because of his reverent submission. Although he was a Son, he learned obedience through what he suffered, and having been made perfect, he became the source of eternal salvation for all who obey him,

REFLECTION

 The word “perfect” has always troubled me wherever it appears in Scripture.  Does God expect me to be perfect?  Really?  If that’s true, I’m going to be cut from the team.  However, it turns out that the Greek word for perfect, teleios, actually means “mature” or “full-grown” rather than “flawless.”  So Jesus, having lived a life in communion with God–which involved a lot of wrestling in anguished prayer–grew into the fullness of his identity and purpose, accepting that his path would lead him to the cross.  He recognized that his own life was worth surrendering in order to reveal God’s love for humanity. 

 In the same way, each of us has been given an identity and purpose, but we have to live and grow into it.  Across the span of our lives, God works to mold and shape us into the kind of people we were intended to be.  But some of the work is ours to do.  What is that work?  Generally, it means shedding what no longer serves us and embracing new habits, beliefs, and actions.  It might mean letting go of personal ambitions, wealth, power and control, unhealthy habits, resentments, dream careers, lost loves, or old ways of thinking.  This is not easy work, as each surrender feels like a mini-crucifixion.  There are often many twists and turns along the way, which is why it takes most of us a lifetime to mature.  It’s a good thing God is patient!  But it’s worth the effort, because in the end we get to share in God’s healing work in the world, which is really what brings us the deepest joy in the long run.

Reflection by Rev. David

CONSIDER  

How has your relationship with God changed you over the years?  What’s different about you now compared to who you were as a younger person?

PRAYER

Thank you for the work you have done in me.  Thank you for never giving up on me.  I ask that you continue to show me what is most important in life, and give me the courage to surrender the things that no longer matter.

FAITH IN ACTION 

 Check out The Letter of James in the New Testament.  There’s a lot in there about the difficulties of overcoming worldly desires; the author emphasizes submission, humility and prayer as tools that can help us in that struggle. 

DAILY GRATITUDE

Take a moment to name one thing you are grateful for today.

BIBLE NOTE: During Holy Week, Scripture invites reflection more than explanation.

🌿 Return to one of the Seven Spiritual Practices today.