Hebrews 4:14-16; 5:7-9
14 Since we have a great high priest who has passed through the heavens, Jesus, the Son of God, let us hold fast to our confession. 15 For we do not have a high priest who is unable to sympathize with our weaknesses, but we have one who in every respect has been tested as we are, yet without sin. 16 Let us therefore approach the throne of grace with boldness, so that we may receive mercy and find grace to help in time of need.
5:7 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. 8 Although he was a Son, he learned obedience through what he suffered; 9 and having been made perfect, he became the source of eternal salvation for all who obey him.
“… 16 Let us therefore approach the throne of grace with boldness, so that we may receive mercy and find grace to help in time of need. …”
When I survey the wondrous cross,
On which the prince of glory died;
My richest gain I count but loss,
And pour contempt on all my pride. (Hymn 803, Evangelical Lutheran Book of Worship)
On Good Friday, perhaps it is only through hymnody that mercy and grace in time of need are best expressed.
Beneath the cross of Jesus, I long to take my stand,
The shadow of a might rock, within a weary land;
A home within a wilderness, a rest upon the way,
From the burning of the noontide heat, and burdens of the day. (Hymn #338, ELW)
Even as we ponder Jesus on the cross, we come to recognize his sacrificial gift.
O sacred head now wounded, with grief and pain weighed down,
Now scornfully surrounded, with thorns thy only crown;
O sacred head what glory, what bliss till now was thine,
Yet, though despised and gory, I joy to call thee mine. (Hymn #352, ELW)
Perhaps, it is only through song that our tears truly mingle with Jesus’ blood and we understand more fully the gift we have been given.
Ah, holy Jesus, how hast though offended,
That we to judge thee, have in hate pretended;
By foes derided, by thine own rejected.
O, most afflicted. (Hymn #349, ELW)
Let us pray:
Who was the guilty, who brought this upon thee,
Alas my treason, Jesus hath undone thee;
Twas I, Lord Jesus, I it was denied thee.
I crucified thee. (Hymn #349, ELW, stanza two)