Reflecting on Good Friday: Prayer, Process and Performing Arts

Good Friday is the day we remember the sacrifice Jesus made for us on the cross. The pain, the torment, the betrayal - he took it all so that we could be made right with God. This year, we were asked to lead the Good Friday service at the historic Matecumbe Methodist Church in Islamorada, Florida - an honor we don't take lightly. It was important to us for people to really connect with the weight of it all. We wanted people to see, feel, and experience - on a deep and personal level - a glimpse of not only the physical torment, but the love and compassion that led Him through it.

Several area churches, ministries, and individuals gather together on this day each year to walk the cross through the streets of Islamorada. This gathering culminates at Matecumbe Methodist just in time for the service at 12 noon. It was a mile-stone year for the cross walk as it was taking place for the 40th consecutive year. So connecting the dots between the walk and the service was key.

We knew we wanted to continue the story with Jesus' final steps down the Via Dolorosa. But how do we show him on the cross? Especially without access to a full set? Also, how do we bring the physical brutality and shame to life in a realistic, non-cheesy way, while being cognizant and respectful of the culture in a church we have never attended and knew very little about?

Enter prayer and creativity! When we walked into the space, ideas came flooding in. We chose a simplistic, abstract approach. The two crosses from the cross walk were to be brought in and stationed on either side of the altar. So we just needed the cross in the middle. The steps leading up to the altar provided the perfect angle to showcase an image on the ground. So that's what we opted for. And bonus - the fabric we were going to use would also protect the carpet from the stage blood we would need to use on Jesus. It was a win-win!

Now for the casting. Since Chris was going to be bringing the message, we needed to cast the role of Jesus - a role not easy to fill. We had recently met a local actor that was interested in working with us, and we knew would be perfect! But could he take direction? Would he be reliable? And most importantly, could he balance the emotions of love and compassion amidst pain and trial that come with portraying the Son of God on His way to the cross? (Nothing like throwing him right into the deep end!) During the first rehearsal, the answer was quickly a resounding YES! In the very first run, there was not a dry eye in the place. The anointing was all over him and we knew God had set it up. Welcome to the team, Kana!

The next character involved was the criminal. God laid it on our hearts to dive deeper into the two criminals that were crucified next to Jesus. In exploring these men, we felt led to showcase the criminal who recognized Jesus as the Messiah. We were fascinated by the thought of Him celebrating in Heaven after his crucial encounter with Jesus. He wasn't involved in bible studies, he didn't serve his church, he may have not even known the scriptures - but one encounter with Jesus changed his entire eternity. He simply believed that Jesus was who he said he was. This criminal knew that he, himself, deserved death. He knew his punishment was just. But he also recognized his Savior. And he was humble (and bold) enough to reach out.

We were beyond blessed to have one of our veteran actors from Daytona make the trip down to the Keys to be involved in this amazing Holy Week. We knew that Mark would be the one to bring the criminal to life. His monologue was written in one sit-down session. Through tears and revelation, the reality and depth of that criminal came to life in black and white and jumped off the page. Mark received the monologue only a week prior to Good Friday. He took it, chewed on it, studied it, and embodied it like his life depended on it. During our first run-through, the truth of God's grace sunk in and Holy Spirit dropped. More tears flooded the sanctuary. We had our Jesus, we had our redeemed criminal, and we had the Holy Spirit. What else could we need?

Highlights from the Service

The day of, our creative team arrived two hours early for a final run-through, set up, and to get everyone into costume. For Jesus, we chose layers of fabric with an open back that wouldn't be too revealing, but would highlight the wounds he experienced. We had an incredible make-up artist paint his wounds and the stripes on his back. We used Mehron's Venous Stage Blood which was an amazing consistency and gave us the realistic dark blood look we were after. (We had the 9oz bottle and only used about 1/4 of it for this event.) Jessica brought her skills and vision and the results were stunning. It took an hour and 1/2 to get him all set, and the end result was perfection.

We opened the service with hymns that were chosen by church's in-house pianist (who was fabulous!) and Chris transitioned with a simple introduction. Then began the walk. "Kyrie Eleison" by The Salt of Sound began playing throughout the sanctuary. The acoustics in the church were unmatched and echoed the music beautifully. Slowly, Jesus made his way down the aisle - bruised, battered and broken - but focused on the goal. He approached the cross with pain and purpose, then turned around to face the people. He scanned the crowd, connecting with each and every one in attendance, his face filled with compassion. Then, he looked to Heaven, and turned to face his death. Falling on the cross, he brought the weight of each person's sin with him and held it captive there.

Still alive - but barely - his breathing became more strained as the song came to a close. Chris came forward and reminded us that this was the only King who's coronation was via crucifixion. While Jesus grasped for breath, Chris read the account in Luke 23:32-43, which led into the Criminal's monologue. Now in Paradise, the criminal reflected on his life choices and admitted that he deserved everything that was handed to him. But Jesus didn't. The criminal looked down to earth on the Son of God, gripping the last moments of his life on earth. He shares with us how he knew that Jesus was the Messiah and the decision that he made to reach out while hanging beside him. And lastly, the criminal breaks down with an emotional moment of gratitude. Speaking directly to Jesus, he offers a tearful "Thank You. Because now, it is finished."

As Jesus took his final breath, the sanctuary sat in silence. After a moment, Chris gently addressed the congregation. He brought to our attention that we resonate with either one of the criminals or the other. We either believe that Jesus is who He said He was, or we don't. If we believe it, then we can take the step to connect with Him on a deeper level, and just like the criminal in Paradise, we can be with Jesus today. At the close of service, Chris called up the Pastors and leaders in attendance, and invited people to come forward for prayer. The response was overwhelming. Many stepped forward and the time of prayer and ministry continued for at least thirty minutes after the close of service. Prayers for salvation, prayers for deliverance, prayers for healing and so much more took place in those moments. Lives were changed that day. Many stepped out in faith and connected with Heaven on a deeper level. We felt that we had succeeded in our goal. It really was a very Good Friday.

God is moving through the performing and creative arts. How can you join the mission? Volunteer, sow a financial seed, or spread the word. You make a difference!

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