Our experience of the crucifixion of Christ is much different than those who were actually there to witness the event almost 2000 years ago. Now, that may seem like stating the obvious, but what I mean is that we are able to gather on Good Friday in remembrance of that perfect sacrifice with full anticipation of what is to come: the glorious Easter morning! But Jesus’ friends, followers, and family saw the torture, the condemnation, and the murder. They saw him laid in a tomb amongst the dead.
This year for Good Friday at Oakridge we spent time reading the passion narrative from John 19 and posed a challenge: just imagine what it would have been like to be there with the weight of the trauma, fear, hurt, and unknown upon your shoulders. You can watch the whole service in the video below.
Andrew is the Associate Pastor at Oakridge Bible Chapel. He grew up in a Christian home, and spent time serving in churches of varying sizes and denominations before landing at Oakridge with his wife in 2017. He likes to verbally process theological issues he finds challenging and is always ready to learn something new. He has a passion for teaching the Bible, and seeking to explain confusing passages in a clear way, preferably with a good illustration or two.