1. The day after Thanksgiving is commonly called "Black Friday." a. Shoppers look for special prices and bargains. b. Retailers depend on sales to boost their profits. 2. In our lesson we are concerned with "the blackest Friday." a. Jesus was crucified, He died, and He was buried on the Day of Preparation [Friday], the day before the Sabbath. b. According to Mark 15:25, the crucifixion began the 3rd hour. c. For 3 hours that day [the 6th until the 9th] there was darkness over the land (Luke 23:44; Matthew 27:45; Mark 15:33). 3. Studying passages that tell us about "the blackest Friday" causes us: a. to feel sadness when we are reminded of the Lord's suffering b. to love and appreciate the Lord because He suffered on our behalf. Discussion: I. THE BLACKEST FRIDAY WAS PROPHESIED IN THE OLD TESTAMENT
A. The first reference is in Genesis 3:15. B. About 1,000 BC David wrote in detail about the blackest Friday in Psalm 22. 1. vs.1a 2. vs.7-8 3. vs.13-18 C. About 700 BC Isaiah also wrote about the blackest Friday in ch.53 of his book. 1. Notice the details given in vs.7-9. 2. Also, notice the reason for the Lord's suffering (vs.4-6). II. THE BLACKEST FRIDAY WAS FOLLOWED BY THE SABBATH
A. The Sabbath was a day of rest for the Jewish people. B. The ladies who wanted to care for the Lord's body rested. C. The Lord's body rested in the tomb. III. THE SABBATH WAS FOLLOWED BY THE FIRST DAY OF THE WEEK (Luke 24:1-9)
A. Jesus was raised from the grave. B. Notice the time -- "very early in the morning" (vs.1) ["at the rising of the sun" (Mark 16:2)]. C. Earth had just experienced its darkest day on Friday. D. Two days later earth experienced its brightest day when Jesus was resurrected. Conclusion:
1. The blackest Friday was a time of great sadness and heartache. 2. However, let us remember why Jesus endured it -- He provided forgiveness and the hope of eternal life.
