Time to reflect on the meaning of Easter
A spotlight on Good Friday and the crucifixion of Jesus Christ
With Easter upon us, the Rev Martyn Dunning of St Mary’s Church reflects on the significance of Good Friday.
“I’ll never forget that Friday. There were three crucifixions. Often there’s more than one,” recalled the Roman centurion.
“I was in charge that day,” he said. “We got to Golgotha about 9am. Usual time. We nailed them, hand and foot; then lifted them up.
“I rarely flinch these days, but I’ll never forget my first crucifixion. Having to drive the nails in. Dreadful. I had a nightmare that night.
“Now I’m almost used to it. I know this sounds terrible, but I’m becoming deaf to the shouting and crying out in agony. You see, I’m responsible for the crucifixion detail. It’s what I do.
“Anyway, that Friday began normally enough, but by the time the one in the middle had died something inside me had changed.
“The crucifixion of Jesus of Nazareth was different. They always curse, but he didn’t. They always swear, but he asked his father to forgive us!
“The thief beside him asked him to remember him. He replied that the thief would be with him in paradise that very day! That’s why that Friday was different.
“He called down to his friend to take care of his mother. Amazing! And then he cried out ‘Tetelestai! It’s finished!’ More a cry of victory than defeat.
“But, that’s not all. The sky went dark. Talk about creepy. Those in the know said it was an eclipse.
“There was a storm – and an earthquake! Rocks were split open. It was terrifying. They say the big curtain in the temple was torn, from top to bottom. That was odd. Something was up.
“Then everything became calm and still. As the sun came out a light dawned in me. This one was different. I felt a weight lifted. Relief. Peace. I’d never felt like that before.
“I realised that something good had happened, something wonderful. Jesus of Nazareth hadn’t done this for himself. It was, somehow, for me – and you. In fact, it was for everyone!
“I praised God. I just knew that man was innocent. The man we’d put to death wasn’t ordinary. He was different … I felt different.
“All of a sudden I shouted, “This man was the Son of God!” Lots of people heard me. I didn’t care. I knew it was true.
“Yes. That Friday was different!”