Shadows Around The Cross
Worship
Lenten Resources For Worship Leaders
Introduction
The Tenebrae Tradition
It has become traditional in many churches to present a Tenebrae Service on Good Friday, or at some other time during Holy Week. The tradition goes back to at least the eighth century; the service is presented as a ceremony that progresses from light to dark. The word tenebrae is a Latin term and is literally translated as "shadows." As each candle is extinguished in this service, it symbolizes the various shadows that surrounded Jesus and his cross just prior to his death.
The Purpose
This service is designed so that each worshiper will re-examine his own spiritual life as it progresses from light to darkness. As he becomes mindful of those followers who fell away, and of those who were antagonistic and cruel to Jesus, he ought to reflect upon his own sinfulness. Perhaps he has helped to crucify Christ anew by doing some of the same types of evil deeds. The service should end with each person in the pew having received a new appreciation of Christ and the gift of salvation.
Suggested Uses
Good Friday evening is the time when this service can be used most effectively. This is when most congregations are in the best psychological mood for this type of ceremony. However, it can also be used very effectively on Good Friday afternoon, perhaps as a community service from 1 to 2 p.m. Some pastors will want to use this service on Maundy Thursday evening and follow it with Holy Communion. Since the sections of the service are not all related to the death of Jesus on the cross, it could be broken up and used in segments. For example, one portion could be used for brief devotions at each midweek Lenten service, or it could be used by a youth group for a series of Sunday evening devotions.
The Setting
A very simple setting would be to use a seven-branch candelabra, with an acolyte extinguishing one candle at each portion of the service. In a church with a divided chancel, two candelabras and two acolytes can be most effective. A very impressive setting can be staged with a large wood cross in the front of the sanctuary. This could easily be constructed out of 2 x 6's and stained brown. The upright piece should be about 6 feet long, with a 4 foot cross arm. Drill seven holes in the cross, but at an angle. You may prefer to fasten small triangular blocks of wood to the cross, and drill the holes in these blocks. The cross, with the candles, should be braced from behind so that it can be displayed at an angle; this angle should be such that the candles will stand upright for burning during the service. The acolyte should begin to extinguish them at the bottom and move upward.
The Participants
The pastor can present the entire tenebrae service, with the assistance of a choir and acolytes. However, it can be more effective if it is done by a group of seven narrators, such as laymen or youth. If this plan is used, the entire service should be rehearsed well in advance of the presentation.
Alternate Ending
The service can be very effective if it ends with the seventh candle being extinguished during the singing of "In The Cross Of Christ I Glory." However, some pastors may desire to light a candle and place it on the altar in anticipation of the resurrection of Christ. The alternate ending is designed for this purpose, and will also remind the worshipers that Christ again reigns as the light of the world.
The Service Of Tenebrae
The Prelude
The Call To Worship
Minister: Let us praise God for the gift of his Son who became the light of the world.
Congregation: We would thank him that Christ came as a great light shining into a world darkened with sin.
Minister: Let us never forget those shadows of evil which followed him to the cross.
Congregation: We would remember that the power of Christ is greater than the power of evil and will eventually overcome it.
The Invocation (In unison)
Father, help us to be ever aware of those events that caused Jesus to be taken to the cross. As we become mindful of those who confronted him with betrayal, denial, rejection, injustice, torture, ridicule, and mockery, we realize that these same traits might be found in our lives. Help us to re-examine our inner selves in this hour, as we reflect upon the lives of those who failed our Savior. If we have crucified him anew, grant us forgiveness and cleanse our lives of sin. Uplift us that we might see beyond the shadows of the cross, and find the spirit of him who came as the light of the world, Jesus Christ our Lord. Amen.
The Hymn Of Faith
"My Faith Looks Up To Thee"
(Olivet)
My faith looks up to Thee,
Thou Lamb of Calvary,
Savior divine!
Now hear me while I pray,
Take all my guilt away,
O let me from this day
Be wholly Thine!
May thy rich grace impart
Strength to my fainting heart,
My zeal inspire;
As Thou hast died for me,
O may my love to Thee
Pure, warm and changeless be,
A living fire! Amen.
The Shadow Of Betrayal
The Scripture Reading
Matthew 26:47-50
While he was still speaking, Judas came, one of the twelve, and with him a great crowd with swords and clubs, from the chief priests and the elders of the people. Now the betrayer had given them a sign, saying, "The one I shall kiss is the man; seize him."
And he came up to Jesus at once and said, "Hail, Master!" And he kissed him. Jesus said to him, "Friend, why are you here?" Then they came up and laid hands on Jesus and seized him.
The Meditation
What was it that caused Judas to betray the one he had followed for almost three years? Why was Jesus betrayed by goodness into the hands of evil? One thing is certain: Judas performed his cruel act for more than just thirty pieces of silver.
Judas thought largely of himself. He had visualized himself in a position of great importance in the coming kingdom, and he felt his fond ambitions were being dashed to pieces by the delay of Jesus. Thus, he tried to force the hand of Jesus into setting up his kingdom immediately. When he thought of this new kingdom, Judas saw it from his own viewpoint and did not endeavor to discover the details of Jesus' view. The differences in the type of kingdom to be established gradually created a gulf between Judas and his Lord. His zeal for moving into a materialistic kingdom was so great that his zeal became misplaced when he entered into the deal with the enemies of Jesus.
Judas failed to anticipate the outcome of his evil deed before he did it. When he kissed the Master it had far-reaching effects. It was the signal that began the events that led to his death. Through this act, he actually sold his Lord into the hands of his enemies. But, he did more than that; he also sold himself and bought his own destruction.
The clouds over the Garden of Gethsemane now began to change in the moonlight; as they did so, they cast a cruel shadow around the Son of God and his followers.
Do you think of someone who has betrayed the Christ? Have you done so yourself, with your own selfishness?
Perhaps you have been an active witness to him through your church, but now you are beginning to have doubts concerning the mission and purpose of the Church. Will you continue to be faithful, or will you betray him as you let the spark of his spirit burn out without you?
The Prayer
Lord, forgive us for our manifold sins; most of all forgive us when we have betrayed You. Turn not from us, even though we may have turned from You. By the power of your Spirit, cleanse us and renew us from within, in the name of Christ. Amen.
(The first candle is extinguished)
The Shadow of Denial
The Hymn Of Concern
"In The Hour Of Trial"
(Penitence)
In the hour of trial, Jesus plead for me;
Lest by base denial I depart from Thee;
When Thou seest me waver, with a look recall,
Nor for fear or favor suffer me to fall.
With forbidden pleasures would this vain world charm,
Or its sordid treasures spread to work me harm.
Bring to my remembrance sad Gethsemane,
Or, in darker semblance, cross-crowned Calvary. Amen.
The Scripture Reading
Luke 22:54-62
Then they seized him and led him away, bringing him into the high priest's house. Peter followed at a distance; and when they had kindled a fire in the middle of the courtyard and sat down together, Peter sat among them.
Then a maid, seeing him as he sat in the light and gazing at him, said, "This man also was with him." But he denied it, saying, "Woman, I do not know him." And a little later someone else saw him and said, "You also are one of them." But Peter said, "Man, I am not." And after an interval of about an hour still another insisted, saying, "Certainly this man was also with him; for he is a Galilean." But Peter said, "Man, I do not know what you are saying." And immediately, while he was still speaking, the cock crowed.
And the Lord turned and looked at Peter. And Peter remembered the word of the Lord, how he had said to him, "Before the cock crows today, you will deny me three times." And he went out, and wept bitterly.
The Meditation
Peter was certain that Jesus would be able to overcome the evil forces that were opposing him. He had listened to him declare what lay ahead, but responded with, "No, no; that cannot be!" Jesus had unlimited power and Peter felt he would use it against his enemies. He really couldn't bring himself around to believing that death was near at hand.
The other disciples looked to Peter as the example of loyalty and devotion. He had been so near to Jesus in so many experiences, and he had declared that he was the long-promised Messiah. Now, suddenly, he was thrust into an unforeseen situation. Before he realized what was happening, he had uttered words of denial -- not once, but three times. When he heard the cock crow, the words of Jesus came back to him and he realized the implication of what he had done. The one who had been a symbol of strength and loyalty to his Lord had, in a few short hours, become a symbol of weakness and denial.
How was it that Peter could use the same tongue to deny his Lord that he had earlier used to tell him of his devotion? He had actually done that which he had said that he would never do, in an effort to save his own skin. He was heartsick, but he could not retract the words that he had spoken.
The dawn had begun, with the soft rays of the early morning sun projecting a glimmer of light, but Peter seemed to be surrounded by darkness -- the darkness of the forthcoming cross of his Master.
Who comes first in your life? Do you place Christ and his kingdom in first place, or do you really come first? Have you denied your faith, and your Lord, for your own personal gain? Are you willing to take a stand in support of your Savior, in return for what he has done for you? Will you support him with your loyalty and devotion, or will you deny him when the time of testing comes?
The Prayer
Father, sometimes we have failed You when You really needed a strong witness for your cause. Be merciful to us, and forgive us for being lukewarm in our loyalty. Guide us, that we might develop a rock-like faith within and express a stronger loyalty to You, through Christ. Amen.
(The second candle is extinguished)
The Shadow Of Rejection
The Anthem
The Scripture Reading
Mark 15:6-14
Now at the feast he used to release for them any one prisoner for whom they asked. And among the rebels in prison, who had committed murder in the insurrection, there was a man called Barabbas. And the crowd came up and began to ask Pilate to do as he was wont to do for them. And he answered them, "Do you want me to release for you the King of the Jews?" For he perceived that it was out of envy that the chief priests had delivered him up. But the chief priests stirred up the crowd to have him release for them Barabbas instead.
And Pilate again said to them, "Then what shall I do with the man whom you call the King of the Jews?" And they cried out again, "Crucify him." And Pilate said to them, "Why, what evil has he done?" But they shouted all the more, "Crucify him."
The Meditation
What kind of crowd was it that asked for the release of Barabbas and the crucifixion of Jesus? What did they have against this teacher from Galilee? The people had been with him in large numbers earlier in the week -- coming from Bethany, entering the city, going up to the Temple -- but their reaction was now suddenly hostile. They had hailed him as their leader, and had listened to his teaching; how could they suddenly turn against him and request his death?
There were two groups of people in the crowd outside Pilate's chamber. There were those who had been emotionally stirred up, and perhaps bribed by some of the priests and elders; these were the ones who shouted, "Crucify him!" There were probably few, if any, of his followers in this group. But there was also a second group; this was the multitude who stood by and did nothing. Even though many of them believed that what was happening was wrong, they just went along with those who yelled the loudest. There were many followers in this group, but they let the mob spirit influence Pilate in making his decision.
While we would condemn those who wanted Jesus crucified, we must also be critical of those who failed to have the courage to stand up for their convictions. Let us never forget that public apathy is just as wrong as public hysteria. The influence of public opinion is very important to those in positions of political power. Christians have an obligation to stand up for that which is just and honest, especially where the rights of other people are involved.
Many of the people of the crowd became lost in the shadows of evil and trickery that morning. Before they realized it, they were "swallowed up" by the darkness of indifference and uttered not a word to support their Lord.
Do you join the crowd in shouting, "Crucify him," as you fail to take a stand for good in the face of evil? Do you crucify him anew as you see injustice around you and do nothing about it? Are you willing to stand up for your Christian convictions, even if it means standing alone and going against the will of the majority?
The Prayer
Forgive us for our silence and our apathy, Lord, and for failing to take a strong stand for You and your Church. Give us the courage we need to make an unfaltering testimony for You; help us witness to You and your truth by our words and our deeds, in your name. Amen.
(The third candle is extinguished)
The Shadow Of Injustice
The Hymn Of Suffering
"O Sacred Head, Now Wounded"
(Passion Chorale)
O Sacred Head, now wounded,
With grief and shame weighed down,
Now scornfully surrounded
With thorns, Thine only crown;
How pale Thou art with anguish,
With sore abuse and scorn!
How does that visage languish
Which once was bright as morn!
What Thou, my Lord, hast suffered
Was all for sinners' gain;
Mine, mine was the transgression,
But Thine the deadly pain.
Lo, here I fall, my Savior!
'Tis I deserve Thy place;
Look on me with Thy favor,
Vouchsafe to me Thy grace. Amen.
The Scripture Reading
Matthew 27:24-26
So when Pilate saw that he was gaining nothing, but rather that a riot was beginning, he took water and washed his hands before the crowd, saying, "I am innocent of this man's blood, see to it yourselves." And all the people answered, "His blood be on us and on our children."
Then he released for them Barabbas, and having scourged Jesus, delivered him to be crucified.
The Meditation
Pilate tried in every way to delay making a decision concerning Jesus. He sent him to Herod in the hope that he would take this problem off his hands. Pilate could not find Jesus in violation of any law, and believed that he was innocent of the charges that had been placed against him. However, he also realized the pressure of popular opinion; the people had to be satisfied with him as governor, or they would complain to Rome. He knew that he should release him, but he was afraid of what the consequences might be.
Pilate decided to play politics with the life of Jesus. He didn't want to feel any personal guilt from this decision, so he conceived the idea of letting the people decide. Perhaps he thought they would ask him to release Jesus, but he was mistaken. He failed to realize how the crowd had been stirred up by the clever priests and elders. He made the decision to follow the whims of the people -- an act that was decisive and final. As soon as he had made it, he knew within his own mind that he had made the wrong one.
Here was a great opportunity for Pilate to have been known throughout history as the one who protected Jesus, but the shallowness of his conviction prevailed. Instead, we remember him for what he really was -- a political ruler who was most concerned about saving his own neck.
Now the clouds of injustice invaded the city of Jerusalem, with heavy shadows of malice and hatred within, as they drove Jesus nearer to his cross -- and death.
Are you aware of political leaders today who are like Pilate, who use any means they can to foster their own fortune and power? Do you help elect those who are less concerned about ethical standards and justice than they are about being popular and becoming re-elected? Do you support leaders who can reduce your taxes, even though the means may be questionable, or do you give your loyalty to those who stand for equality and righteousness?
The Prayer
Lord, help us to remain firm in our Christian convictions. Grant us renewed spiritual strength, that we may not be easily swayed by those around us who do not follow your way or seek to do your will. Guide us each day with the power of your Spirit from within, as in the name of Jesus Christ we pray. Amen.
(The fourth candle is extinguished)
The Shadow Of Torture
The Hymn Of Penitence
"When I Survey The Wondrous Cross"
(Hamburg)
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.
Were the whole realm of nature mine,
That were a present far too small;
Love so amazing, so divine,
Demands my soul, my life, my all. Amen.
The Scripture Reading
Mark 15:16-20
And the soldiers led him away inside the palace (that is, the praetorium); and they called together the whole battalion. And they clothed him in a purple cloak, and plaiting a crown of thorns they put it on him. And they began to salute him, "Hail, King of the Jews!" And they struck his head with a reed, and spat upon him, and they knelt down in homage to him. And when they had mocked him, they stripped him of the purple cloak, and put his own clothes on him. And they led him out to crucify him.
The Meditation
The soldiers of Rome made sport of Jesus. They gave him a royal robe and hailed him as a king, in mockery. A crown was made from a thorn bush and placed upon his head in jest. Their sneers continued as they thrust in his hand a royal scepter in the form of a reed.
The legionnaires were cruel and callous within. They usually tortured those condemned to death before taking them to the place of crucifixion. It was their business to conquer the enemy and maintain order. As long as these two duties were fulfilled, few of their other actions were questioned. Since they were denied participating in some of the mad pleasures of the people, they found enjoyment in inflicting pain and misery upon those destined for Golgotha.
The torture borne by Jesus was not all physical in nature. While there was pain from the wounds in his head and body, the mental and emotional torment was even worse. The soldiers mocked him as a king and bowed before him as an insult, saying with a smirk -- "Hail, King of the Jews." Jesus had endured the trick questions of the scribes and Pharisees; he had seen some of his followers dwindle away, but never before had he been forced to endure such humiliation.
The streets of the city seemed to be completely engulfed in shadows as Jesus carried his cross toward Golgotha. Most of those standing by looked at him through the morning light, but it was as though they were blinded by the darkness of bewilderment, for they did not realize what was happening before them.
Do you torture your Lord and Master by putting your personal pleasure in first place in your life? Do you insult him by claiming to be a follower of his, but actually disbelieve in him in your own heart? Do you wound him by the words you say against him, or by the words you fail to speak when he is depending upon you for a witness?
The Prayer
Savior, forgive us for the unnecessary torture that we may have inflicted upon You. Forgive us for those spiritual wounds we have made by our evil words and deeds. Pardon us if we have caused you to be crucified anew by our lack of loyalty and devotion. Grant us a renewed spirit within us, as in your name we pray. Amen.
(The fifth candle is extinguished)
The Shadow Of Ridicule
The Hymn Of Sorrow
"Beneath The Cross Of Jesus"
(St. Christopher)
Beneath the cross of Jesus I fain would take my stand --
The shadow of a mighty rock within a weary land;
A home within the wilderness, a rest upon the way,
From the burning of the noon-day heat, and the burden of the day.
Upon the cross of Jesus mine eyes at times can see
The very dying form of one who suffered there for me;
And from my stricken heart with tears two wonders I confess --
The wonders of redeeming love and my unworthiness. Amen.
The Scripture Reading
Luke 23:39-43
One of the criminals who were hanged railed at him, saying, "Are you not the Christ? Save yourself and us!" But the other rebuked him, saying, "Do you not fear God, since you are under the same sentence of condemnation? And we indeed justly; for we are receiving the due reward of our deeds; but this man has done nothing wrong." And he said, "Jesus, remember me when you come in your kingly power." And he said to him, "Truly, I say to you, today, you will be with me in Paradise."
The Meditation
As the two thieves hung upon their crosses, awaiting their death, they heard the voice of the third man hanging there. They heard him pray for the forgiveness of those who were jeering at him, for those who hated him, and for those who had nailed him there. They knew that their dying companion was not just an ordinary criminal; apparently they realized that this was Jesus, the one who claimed to be the Son of God. In spite of this, their attitudes toward Jesus and toward death were quite different. In fact, through their words we see that they represent two great classes of humanity.
The one thief had compassion as he was drawn near to Jesus through the suffering they were experiencing. He not only rebuked the other thief for his defiant attitude, but he also expressed his belief in Jesus. His confession was accepted by Jesus, who promised him the reward of eternal life.
The other thief was defiant and callous to the very end. The only life force he knew was that of power and might. He was only willing to believe in Jesus if he could show that he was able to triumph over his enemies with a display of supernatural power. He was concerned only about himself as he yelled, "Are you not the Christ? Save yourself and us!" He met his death damned by his own bitterness and selfishness.
With the scorn of the unrepentant thief, the darkness increased around the cross. This was most evident in the mind of Jesus as he realized that while some men would accept and follow him, there would be those who would reject him and have nothing to do with his kingdom.
Each one of us has a cross to bear, even though it may be different for each individual. How do you react to your cross? Does it bring you nearer to Christ, since you know that he suffered, too? Or, do you become bitter and turn your back on God, eliminating any means of help he might be able to give you?
The Prayer
Father, speak to us in the midst of the difficult hours of life. Help us to lean upon You as we face adversity, illness, or difficulty, knowing that You will give us the faith sufficient to meet every need. Uplift us, as we carry our own crosses, knowing that the burden will not be nearly as heavy with your spiritual power undergirding us. We pray in Jesus' name. Amen.
(The sixth candle is extinguished)
The Shadow Of Mockery
The Scripture Reading
Matthew 27:39-50
And those who passed by derided him, wagging their heads and saying, "You who would destroy the temple and build it in three days, save yourself! If you are the Son of God, come down from the cross." So also the chief priests, with the scribes and elders, mocked him, saying, "He saved others; he cannot save himself. He is the King of Israel; let him come down now from the cross, and we will believe in him. He trusts in God; let God deliver him now, if he desires him; for he said, "I am the Son of God."
Now from the sixth hour there was darkness over all the land until the ninth hour. And about the ninth hour Jesus cried with a loud voice, "Eli, Eli lama sabachthani?" that is "My God, my God, why hast thou forsaken me?" And some of the bystanders hearing it said, "This man is calling Elijah." And one of them at once ran and took a sponge, filled it with vinegar, and put it on a reed, and gave it to him to drink. But the others said, "Wait, let us see whether Elijah will come to save him." And Jesus cried again with a loud voice and yielded up his spirit.
The Meditation
The religious leaders of Jerusalem were jealous of the power that Jesus possessed. They could not perform miracles and some of the people were beginning to doubt their authority. While many were not serious followers of Jesus, their number was large enough to cause great concern on the part of the scribes and priests.
Perhaps these leaders really wanted Jesus to come down from the cross and perform another miracle. However, one doubts whether they would have followed him even if he had done this. He had already done enough miracles, and answered sufficient questions, for them to have become followers if they wanted to do so. They really wanted to mock him, and in so doing hoped to belittle him before the crowd.
These leaders were shocked by the response of Jesus, which was complete silence. If they had expected a miracle, they should have realized that during his ministry he had only used miracles to help others, and not merely to demonstrate his power. If they had expected a verbal answer to their words, they were disappointed. The silence that followed seemed to indicate more than any words could have said. He well knew that his kingdom had to be built upon men who would follow him, not because of miracles or argumentation, but because of their faith in him as the very Son of God.
The shadows hung heavy over Golgotha, as dark clouds moved in from all directions. The three crosses were completely surrounded by darkness, but through it all something great was happening. The religious leaders, the soldiers, the curiosity seekers, and the mockers were spiritually blinded by the shadows around the cross. However, the followers who remained were privileged to be eyewitnesses to the power of Almighty God revealing the greatness of his love for all humankind.
Have you allowed yourself to be spiritually blinded to what the power of God can do for you? As a leader in his Church, do you live and act in the spirit of Christ, or in the spirit of the scribes and priests? Have you permitted the shadows of disbelief to close your eyes and cover your ears to Jesus Christ and the greatness of his message of love and salvation?
The Prayer
Lord, forgive us when we have permitted the types of shadows that surrounded the cross of Jesus to keep us from realizing your spiritual presence in our lives. Might we never forget that he gave his life upon that cross for our sins, and for the sins of all humankind. Inspire us to spread the message of your love, come to us through Jesus Christ, our Lord and Savior. Amen.
(The seventh candle is extinguished)
The Hymn Of Victory
"In The Cross Of Christ I Glory"
(Rathbun)
In the cross of Christ I glory,
Towering o'er the wrecks of time:
All the light of sacred story
Gathers round its head sublime.
When the woes of life o'ertake me,
Hopes deceive and fears annoy,
Never shall the cross forsake me:
Lo! It glows with peace and joy. Amen.
The Benediction
The Postlude
ALTERNATE ENDING
The Shadow Of The Tomb
(Service continues in semi-darkened sanctuary)
The Scripture Reading
Luke 23:50-56
The Brief Meditation
We have just witnessed, in a spiritual manner, the way in which shadows came toward the cross of Jesus from every direction. We have visualized how these shadows accumulated and produced the blackest clouds that ever darkened the world. But we know that through this experience we have received pardon and forgiveness for our sins. Let this service ever be a sacred reminder of the gift of God's love for all of us.
But let us also depart from this place realizing that death was not the end. Even though they laid his body in a tomb, there was none strong enough to contain him. We rejoice in the fact that, through his death upon the cross, Jesus became the Christ, the Savior of humankind, and revealed himself completely as the Son of God. After three days he defied death, he repelled darkness, and turned tragedy into triumph. He emerged from the shadows of the tomb to become the light of the world!
(An eighth candle is lighted and placed upon the altar. The absence of light has symbolized the three days spent by Christ in the tomb. This candle is lighted in anticipation of the light of Easter morning; it remains lighted as the worshipers leave the service.)
The Hymn Of Dedication
"O Love That Wilt Not Let Me Go"
(St. Margaret)
O Love that wilt not let me go,
I rest my weary soul in Thee;
I give Thee back the life I owe,
That in Thine ocean depths its flow
May richer, fuller be.
O cross that liftest up my head,
I dare not ask to fly from thee;
I lay in dust life's glory dead,
And from the ground there blossoms red
Life that shall endless be. Amen.
The Prayer Of Dedication
The Benediction
The Postlude
The Tenebrae Tradition
It has become traditional in many churches to present a Tenebrae Service on Good Friday, or at some other time during Holy Week. The tradition goes back to at least the eighth century; the service is presented as a ceremony that progresses from light to dark. The word tenebrae is a Latin term and is literally translated as "shadows." As each candle is extinguished in this service, it symbolizes the various shadows that surrounded Jesus and his cross just prior to his death.
The Purpose
This service is designed so that each worshiper will re-examine his own spiritual life as it progresses from light to darkness. As he becomes mindful of those followers who fell away, and of those who were antagonistic and cruel to Jesus, he ought to reflect upon his own sinfulness. Perhaps he has helped to crucify Christ anew by doing some of the same types of evil deeds. The service should end with each person in the pew having received a new appreciation of Christ and the gift of salvation.
Suggested Uses
Good Friday evening is the time when this service can be used most effectively. This is when most congregations are in the best psychological mood for this type of ceremony. However, it can also be used very effectively on Good Friday afternoon, perhaps as a community service from 1 to 2 p.m. Some pastors will want to use this service on Maundy Thursday evening and follow it with Holy Communion. Since the sections of the service are not all related to the death of Jesus on the cross, it could be broken up and used in segments. For example, one portion could be used for brief devotions at each midweek Lenten service, or it could be used by a youth group for a series of Sunday evening devotions.
The Setting
A very simple setting would be to use a seven-branch candelabra, with an acolyte extinguishing one candle at each portion of the service. In a church with a divided chancel, two candelabras and two acolytes can be most effective. A very impressive setting can be staged with a large wood cross in the front of the sanctuary. This could easily be constructed out of 2 x 6's and stained brown. The upright piece should be about 6 feet long, with a 4 foot cross arm. Drill seven holes in the cross, but at an angle. You may prefer to fasten small triangular blocks of wood to the cross, and drill the holes in these blocks. The cross, with the candles, should be braced from behind so that it can be displayed at an angle; this angle should be such that the candles will stand upright for burning during the service. The acolyte should begin to extinguish them at the bottom and move upward.
The Participants
The pastor can present the entire tenebrae service, with the assistance of a choir and acolytes. However, it can be more effective if it is done by a group of seven narrators, such as laymen or youth. If this plan is used, the entire service should be rehearsed well in advance of the presentation.
Alternate Ending
The service can be very effective if it ends with the seventh candle being extinguished during the singing of "In The Cross Of Christ I Glory." However, some pastors may desire to light a candle and place it on the altar in anticipation of the resurrection of Christ. The alternate ending is designed for this purpose, and will also remind the worshipers that Christ again reigns as the light of the world.
The Service Of Tenebrae
The Prelude
The Call To Worship
Minister: Let us praise God for the gift of his Son who became the light of the world.
Congregation: We would thank him that Christ came as a great light shining into a world darkened with sin.
Minister: Let us never forget those shadows of evil which followed him to the cross.
Congregation: We would remember that the power of Christ is greater than the power of evil and will eventually overcome it.
The Invocation (In unison)
Father, help us to be ever aware of those events that caused Jesus to be taken to the cross. As we become mindful of those who confronted him with betrayal, denial, rejection, injustice, torture, ridicule, and mockery, we realize that these same traits might be found in our lives. Help us to re-examine our inner selves in this hour, as we reflect upon the lives of those who failed our Savior. If we have crucified him anew, grant us forgiveness and cleanse our lives of sin. Uplift us that we might see beyond the shadows of the cross, and find the spirit of him who came as the light of the world, Jesus Christ our Lord. Amen.
The Hymn Of Faith
"My Faith Looks Up To Thee"
(Olivet)
My faith looks up to Thee,
Thou Lamb of Calvary,
Savior divine!
Now hear me while I pray,
Take all my guilt away,
O let me from this day
Be wholly Thine!
May thy rich grace impart
Strength to my fainting heart,
My zeal inspire;
As Thou hast died for me,
O may my love to Thee
Pure, warm and changeless be,
A living fire! Amen.
The Shadow Of Betrayal
The Scripture Reading
Matthew 26:47-50
While he was still speaking, Judas came, one of the twelve, and with him a great crowd with swords and clubs, from the chief priests and the elders of the people. Now the betrayer had given them a sign, saying, "The one I shall kiss is the man; seize him."
And he came up to Jesus at once and said, "Hail, Master!" And he kissed him. Jesus said to him, "Friend, why are you here?" Then they came up and laid hands on Jesus and seized him.
The Meditation
What was it that caused Judas to betray the one he had followed for almost three years? Why was Jesus betrayed by goodness into the hands of evil? One thing is certain: Judas performed his cruel act for more than just thirty pieces of silver.
Judas thought largely of himself. He had visualized himself in a position of great importance in the coming kingdom, and he felt his fond ambitions were being dashed to pieces by the delay of Jesus. Thus, he tried to force the hand of Jesus into setting up his kingdom immediately. When he thought of this new kingdom, Judas saw it from his own viewpoint and did not endeavor to discover the details of Jesus' view. The differences in the type of kingdom to be established gradually created a gulf between Judas and his Lord. His zeal for moving into a materialistic kingdom was so great that his zeal became misplaced when he entered into the deal with the enemies of Jesus.
Judas failed to anticipate the outcome of his evil deed before he did it. When he kissed the Master it had far-reaching effects. It was the signal that began the events that led to his death. Through this act, he actually sold his Lord into the hands of his enemies. But, he did more than that; he also sold himself and bought his own destruction.
The clouds over the Garden of Gethsemane now began to change in the moonlight; as they did so, they cast a cruel shadow around the Son of God and his followers.
Do you think of someone who has betrayed the Christ? Have you done so yourself, with your own selfishness?
Perhaps you have been an active witness to him through your church, but now you are beginning to have doubts concerning the mission and purpose of the Church. Will you continue to be faithful, or will you betray him as you let the spark of his spirit burn out without you?
The Prayer
Lord, forgive us for our manifold sins; most of all forgive us when we have betrayed You. Turn not from us, even though we may have turned from You. By the power of your Spirit, cleanse us and renew us from within, in the name of Christ. Amen.
(The first candle is extinguished)
The Shadow of Denial
The Hymn Of Concern
"In The Hour Of Trial"
(Penitence)
In the hour of trial, Jesus plead for me;
Lest by base denial I depart from Thee;
When Thou seest me waver, with a look recall,
Nor for fear or favor suffer me to fall.
With forbidden pleasures would this vain world charm,
Or its sordid treasures spread to work me harm.
Bring to my remembrance sad Gethsemane,
Or, in darker semblance, cross-crowned Calvary. Amen.
The Scripture Reading
Luke 22:54-62
Then they seized him and led him away, bringing him into the high priest's house. Peter followed at a distance; and when they had kindled a fire in the middle of the courtyard and sat down together, Peter sat among them.
Then a maid, seeing him as he sat in the light and gazing at him, said, "This man also was with him." But he denied it, saying, "Woman, I do not know him." And a little later someone else saw him and said, "You also are one of them." But Peter said, "Man, I am not." And after an interval of about an hour still another insisted, saying, "Certainly this man was also with him; for he is a Galilean." But Peter said, "Man, I do not know what you are saying." And immediately, while he was still speaking, the cock crowed.
And the Lord turned and looked at Peter. And Peter remembered the word of the Lord, how he had said to him, "Before the cock crows today, you will deny me three times." And he went out, and wept bitterly.
The Meditation
Peter was certain that Jesus would be able to overcome the evil forces that were opposing him. He had listened to him declare what lay ahead, but responded with, "No, no; that cannot be!" Jesus had unlimited power and Peter felt he would use it against his enemies. He really couldn't bring himself around to believing that death was near at hand.
The other disciples looked to Peter as the example of loyalty and devotion. He had been so near to Jesus in so many experiences, and he had declared that he was the long-promised Messiah. Now, suddenly, he was thrust into an unforeseen situation. Before he realized what was happening, he had uttered words of denial -- not once, but three times. When he heard the cock crow, the words of Jesus came back to him and he realized the implication of what he had done. The one who had been a symbol of strength and loyalty to his Lord had, in a few short hours, become a symbol of weakness and denial.
How was it that Peter could use the same tongue to deny his Lord that he had earlier used to tell him of his devotion? He had actually done that which he had said that he would never do, in an effort to save his own skin. He was heartsick, but he could not retract the words that he had spoken.
The dawn had begun, with the soft rays of the early morning sun projecting a glimmer of light, but Peter seemed to be surrounded by darkness -- the darkness of the forthcoming cross of his Master.
Who comes first in your life? Do you place Christ and his kingdom in first place, or do you really come first? Have you denied your faith, and your Lord, for your own personal gain? Are you willing to take a stand in support of your Savior, in return for what he has done for you? Will you support him with your loyalty and devotion, or will you deny him when the time of testing comes?
The Prayer
Father, sometimes we have failed You when You really needed a strong witness for your cause. Be merciful to us, and forgive us for being lukewarm in our loyalty. Guide us, that we might develop a rock-like faith within and express a stronger loyalty to You, through Christ. Amen.
(The second candle is extinguished)
The Shadow Of Rejection
The Anthem
The Scripture Reading
Mark 15:6-14
Now at the feast he used to release for them any one prisoner for whom they asked. And among the rebels in prison, who had committed murder in the insurrection, there was a man called Barabbas. And the crowd came up and began to ask Pilate to do as he was wont to do for them. And he answered them, "Do you want me to release for you the King of the Jews?" For he perceived that it was out of envy that the chief priests had delivered him up. But the chief priests stirred up the crowd to have him release for them Barabbas instead.
And Pilate again said to them, "Then what shall I do with the man whom you call the King of the Jews?" And they cried out again, "Crucify him." And Pilate said to them, "Why, what evil has he done?" But they shouted all the more, "Crucify him."
The Meditation
What kind of crowd was it that asked for the release of Barabbas and the crucifixion of Jesus? What did they have against this teacher from Galilee? The people had been with him in large numbers earlier in the week -- coming from Bethany, entering the city, going up to the Temple -- but their reaction was now suddenly hostile. They had hailed him as their leader, and had listened to his teaching; how could they suddenly turn against him and request his death?
There were two groups of people in the crowd outside Pilate's chamber. There were those who had been emotionally stirred up, and perhaps bribed by some of the priests and elders; these were the ones who shouted, "Crucify him!" There were probably few, if any, of his followers in this group. But there was also a second group; this was the multitude who stood by and did nothing. Even though many of them believed that what was happening was wrong, they just went along with those who yelled the loudest. There were many followers in this group, but they let the mob spirit influence Pilate in making his decision.
While we would condemn those who wanted Jesus crucified, we must also be critical of those who failed to have the courage to stand up for their convictions. Let us never forget that public apathy is just as wrong as public hysteria. The influence of public opinion is very important to those in positions of political power. Christians have an obligation to stand up for that which is just and honest, especially where the rights of other people are involved.
Many of the people of the crowd became lost in the shadows of evil and trickery that morning. Before they realized it, they were "swallowed up" by the darkness of indifference and uttered not a word to support their Lord.
Do you join the crowd in shouting, "Crucify him," as you fail to take a stand for good in the face of evil? Do you crucify him anew as you see injustice around you and do nothing about it? Are you willing to stand up for your Christian convictions, even if it means standing alone and going against the will of the majority?
The Prayer
Forgive us for our silence and our apathy, Lord, and for failing to take a strong stand for You and your Church. Give us the courage we need to make an unfaltering testimony for You; help us witness to You and your truth by our words and our deeds, in your name. Amen.
(The third candle is extinguished)
The Shadow Of Injustice
The Hymn Of Suffering
"O Sacred Head, Now Wounded"
(Passion Chorale)
O Sacred Head, now wounded,
With grief and shame weighed down,
Now scornfully surrounded
With thorns, Thine only crown;
How pale Thou art with anguish,
With sore abuse and scorn!
How does that visage languish
Which once was bright as morn!
What Thou, my Lord, hast suffered
Was all for sinners' gain;
Mine, mine was the transgression,
But Thine the deadly pain.
Lo, here I fall, my Savior!
'Tis I deserve Thy place;
Look on me with Thy favor,
Vouchsafe to me Thy grace. Amen.
The Scripture Reading
Matthew 27:24-26
So when Pilate saw that he was gaining nothing, but rather that a riot was beginning, he took water and washed his hands before the crowd, saying, "I am innocent of this man's blood, see to it yourselves." And all the people answered, "His blood be on us and on our children."
Then he released for them Barabbas, and having scourged Jesus, delivered him to be crucified.
The Meditation
Pilate tried in every way to delay making a decision concerning Jesus. He sent him to Herod in the hope that he would take this problem off his hands. Pilate could not find Jesus in violation of any law, and believed that he was innocent of the charges that had been placed against him. However, he also realized the pressure of popular opinion; the people had to be satisfied with him as governor, or they would complain to Rome. He knew that he should release him, but he was afraid of what the consequences might be.
Pilate decided to play politics with the life of Jesus. He didn't want to feel any personal guilt from this decision, so he conceived the idea of letting the people decide. Perhaps he thought they would ask him to release Jesus, but he was mistaken. He failed to realize how the crowd had been stirred up by the clever priests and elders. He made the decision to follow the whims of the people -- an act that was decisive and final. As soon as he had made it, he knew within his own mind that he had made the wrong one.
Here was a great opportunity for Pilate to have been known throughout history as the one who protected Jesus, but the shallowness of his conviction prevailed. Instead, we remember him for what he really was -- a political ruler who was most concerned about saving his own neck.
Now the clouds of injustice invaded the city of Jerusalem, with heavy shadows of malice and hatred within, as they drove Jesus nearer to his cross -- and death.
Are you aware of political leaders today who are like Pilate, who use any means they can to foster their own fortune and power? Do you help elect those who are less concerned about ethical standards and justice than they are about being popular and becoming re-elected? Do you support leaders who can reduce your taxes, even though the means may be questionable, or do you give your loyalty to those who stand for equality and righteousness?
The Prayer
Lord, help us to remain firm in our Christian convictions. Grant us renewed spiritual strength, that we may not be easily swayed by those around us who do not follow your way or seek to do your will. Guide us each day with the power of your Spirit from within, as in the name of Jesus Christ we pray. Amen.
(The fourth candle is extinguished)
The Shadow Of Torture
The Hymn Of Penitence
"When I Survey The Wondrous Cross"
(Hamburg)
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.
Were the whole realm of nature mine,
That were a present far too small;
Love so amazing, so divine,
Demands my soul, my life, my all. Amen.
The Scripture Reading
Mark 15:16-20
And the soldiers led him away inside the palace (that is, the praetorium); and they called together the whole battalion. And they clothed him in a purple cloak, and plaiting a crown of thorns they put it on him. And they began to salute him, "Hail, King of the Jews!" And they struck his head with a reed, and spat upon him, and they knelt down in homage to him. And when they had mocked him, they stripped him of the purple cloak, and put his own clothes on him. And they led him out to crucify him.
The Meditation
The soldiers of Rome made sport of Jesus. They gave him a royal robe and hailed him as a king, in mockery. A crown was made from a thorn bush and placed upon his head in jest. Their sneers continued as they thrust in his hand a royal scepter in the form of a reed.
The legionnaires were cruel and callous within. They usually tortured those condemned to death before taking them to the place of crucifixion. It was their business to conquer the enemy and maintain order. As long as these two duties were fulfilled, few of their other actions were questioned. Since they were denied participating in some of the mad pleasures of the people, they found enjoyment in inflicting pain and misery upon those destined for Golgotha.
The torture borne by Jesus was not all physical in nature. While there was pain from the wounds in his head and body, the mental and emotional torment was even worse. The soldiers mocked him as a king and bowed before him as an insult, saying with a smirk -- "Hail, King of the Jews." Jesus had endured the trick questions of the scribes and Pharisees; he had seen some of his followers dwindle away, but never before had he been forced to endure such humiliation.
The streets of the city seemed to be completely engulfed in shadows as Jesus carried his cross toward Golgotha. Most of those standing by looked at him through the morning light, but it was as though they were blinded by the darkness of bewilderment, for they did not realize what was happening before them.
Do you torture your Lord and Master by putting your personal pleasure in first place in your life? Do you insult him by claiming to be a follower of his, but actually disbelieve in him in your own heart? Do you wound him by the words you say against him, or by the words you fail to speak when he is depending upon you for a witness?
The Prayer
Savior, forgive us for the unnecessary torture that we may have inflicted upon You. Forgive us for those spiritual wounds we have made by our evil words and deeds. Pardon us if we have caused you to be crucified anew by our lack of loyalty and devotion. Grant us a renewed spirit within us, as in your name we pray. Amen.
(The fifth candle is extinguished)
The Shadow Of Ridicule
The Hymn Of Sorrow
"Beneath The Cross Of Jesus"
(St. Christopher)
Beneath the cross of Jesus I fain would take my stand --
The shadow of a mighty rock within a weary land;
A home within the wilderness, a rest upon the way,
From the burning of the noon-day heat, and the burden of the day.
Upon the cross of Jesus mine eyes at times can see
The very dying form of one who suffered there for me;
And from my stricken heart with tears two wonders I confess --
The wonders of redeeming love and my unworthiness. Amen.
The Scripture Reading
Luke 23:39-43
One of the criminals who were hanged railed at him, saying, "Are you not the Christ? Save yourself and us!" But the other rebuked him, saying, "Do you not fear God, since you are under the same sentence of condemnation? And we indeed justly; for we are receiving the due reward of our deeds; but this man has done nothing wrong." And he said, "Jesus, remember me when you come in your kingly power." And he said to him, "Truly, I say to you, today, you will be with me in Paradise."
The Meditation
As the two thieves hung upon their crosses, awaiting their death, they heard the voice of the third man hanging there. They heard him pray for the forgiveness of those who were jeering at him, for those who hated him, and for those who had nailed him there. They knew that their dying companion was not just an ordinary criminal; apparently they realized that this was Jesus, the one who claimed to be the Son of God. In spite of this, their attitudes toward Jesus and toward death were quite different. In fact, through their words we see that they represent two great classes of humanity.
The one thief had compassion as he was drawn near to Jesus through the suffering they were experiencing. He not only rebuked the other thief for his defiant attitude, but he also expressed his belief in Jesus. His confession was accepted by Jesus, who promised him the reward of eternal life.
The other thief was defiant and callous to the very end. The only life force he knew was that of power and might. He was only willing to believe in Jesus if he could show that he was able to triumph over his enemies with a display of supernatural power. He was concerned only about himself as he yelled, "Are you not the Christ? Save yourself and us!" He met his death damned by his own bitterness and selfishness.
With the scorn of the unrepentant thief, the darkness increased around the cross. This was most evident in the mind of Jesus as he realized that while some men would accept and follow him, there would be those who would reject him and have nothing to do with his kingdom.
Each one of us has a cross to bear, even though it may be different for each individual. How do you react to your cross? Does it bring you nearer to Christ, since you know that he suffered, too? Or, do you become bitter and turn your back on God, eliminating any means of help he might be able to give you?
The Prayer
Father, speak to us in the midst of the difficult hours of life. Help us to lean upon You as we face adversity, illness, or difficulty, knowing that You will give us the faith sufficient to meet every need. Uplift us, as we carry our own crosses, knowing that the burden will not be nearly as heavy with your spiritual power undergirding us. We pray in Jesus' name. Amen.
(The sixth candle is extinguished)
The Shadow Of Mockery
The Scripture Reading
Matthew 27:39-50
And those who passed by derided him, wagging their heads and saying, "You who would destroy the temple and build it in three days, save yourself! If you are the Son of God, come down from the cross." So also the chief priests, with the scribes and elders, mocked him, saying, "He saved others; he cannot save himself. He is the King of Israel; let him come down now from the cross, and we will believe in him. He trusts in God; let God deliver him now, if he desires him; for he said, "I am the Son of God."
Now from the sixth hour there was darkness over all the land until the ninth hour. And about the ninth hour Jesus cried with a loud voice, "Eli, Eli lama sabachthani?" that is "My God, my God, why hast thou forsaken me?" And some of the bystanders hearing it said, "This man is calling Elijah." And one of them at once ran and took a sponge, filled it with vinegar, and put it on a reed, and gave it to him to drink. But the others said, "Wait, let us see whether Elijah will come to save him." And Jesus cried again with a loud voice and yielded up his spirit.
The Meditation
The religious leaders of Jerusalem were jealous of the power that Jesus possessed. They could not perform miracles and some of the people were beginning to doubt their authority. While many were not serious followers of Jesus, their number was large enough to cause great concern on the part of the scribes and priests.
Perhaps these leaders really wanted Jesus to come down from the cross and perform another miracle. However, one doubts whether they would have followed him even if he had done this. He had already done enough miracles, and answered sufficient questions, for them to have become followers if they wanted to do so. They really wanted to mock him, and in so doing hoped to belittle him before the crowd.
These leaders were shocked by the response of Jesus, which was complete silence. If they had expected a miracle, they should have realized that during his ministry he had only used miracles to help others, and not merely to demonstrate his power. If they had expected a verbal answer to their words, they were disappointed. The silence that followed seemed to indicate more than any words could have said. He well knew that his kingdom had to be built upon men who would follow him, not because of miracles or argumentation, but because of their faith in him as the very Son of God.
The shadows hung heavy over Golgotha, as dark clouds moved in from all directions. The three crosses were completely surrounded by darkness, but through it all something great was happening. The religious leaders, the soldiers, the curiosity seekers, and the mockers were spiritually blinded by the shadows around the cross. However, the followers who remained were privileged to be eyewitnesses to the power of Almighty God revealing the greatness of his love for all humankind.
Have you allowed yourself to be spiritually blinded to what the power of God can do for you? As a leader in his Church, do you live and act in the spirit of Christ, or in the spirit of the scribes and priests? Have you permitted the shadows of disbelief to close your eyes and cover your ears to Jesus Christ and the greatness of his message of love and salvation?
The Prayer
Lord, forgive us when we have permitted the types of shadows that surrounded the cross of Jesus to keep us from realizing your spiritual presence in our lives. Might we never forget that he gave his life upon that cross for our sins, and for the sins of all humankind. Inspire us to spread the message of your love, come to us through Jesus Christ, our Lord and Savior. Amen.
(The seventh candle is extinguished)
The Hymn Of Victory
"In The Cross Of Christ I Glory"
(Rathbun)
In the cross of Christ I glory,
Towering o'er the wrecks of time:
All the light of sacred story
Gathers round its head sublime.
When the woes of life o'ertake me,
Hopes deceive and fears annoy,
Never shall the cross forsake me:
Lo! It glows with peace and joy. Amen.
The Benediction
The Postlude
ALTERNATE ENDING
The Shadow Of The Tomb
(Service continues in semi-darkened sanctuary)
The Scripture Reading
Luke 23:50-56
The Brief Meditation
We have just witnessed, in a spiritual manner, the way in which shadows came toward the cross of Jesus from every direction. We have visualized how these shadows accumulated and produced the blackest clouds that ever darkened the world. But we know that through this experience we have received pardon and forgiveness for our sins. Let this service ever be a sacred reminder of the gift of God's love for all of us.
But let us also depart from this place realizing that death was not the end. Even though they laid his body in a tomb, there was none strong enough to contain him. We rejoice in the fact that, through his death upon the cross, Jesus became the Christ, the Savior of humankind, and revealed himself completely as the Son of God. After three days he defied death, he repelled darkness, and turned tragedy into triumph. He emerged from the shadows of the tomb to become the light of the world!
(An eighth candle is lighted and placed upon the altar. The absence of light has symbolized the three days spent by Christ in the tomb. This candle is lighted in anticipation of the light of Easter morning; it remains lighted as the worshipers leave the service.)
The Hymn Of Dedication
"O Love That Wilt Not Let Me Go"
(St. Margaret)
O Love that wilt not let me go,
I rest my weary soul in Thee;
I give Thee back the life I owe,
That in Thine ocean depths its flow
May richer, fuller be.
O cross that liftest up my head,
I dare not ask to fly from thee;
I lay in dust life's glory dead,
And from the ground there blossoms red
Life that shall endless be. Amen.
The Prayer Of Dedication
The Benediction
The Postlude
