Friday of Holy Week — the day the sky went dark, the earth shook, and the Lamb of God gave His life for the sins of the world. This is the day our Savior was mocked, beaten, crucified, and lifted high — not in honor, but in agony.
But it’s also the day He changed everything.
“So when Jesus had received the sour wine,
He said, ‘It is finished!’ And bowing His head, He gave up His spirit.”
— John 19:30 (NKJV)
Three of the most powerful words ever spoken:
It. Is. Finished.
Not “I’m finished.”
Not “They’ve won.”
But IT is finished — the weight of sin, the sting of shame, the separation between God and man. All of it was defeated on that hill called Calvary.
Yes, it’s Friday. Yes, the cross is brutal. Yes, the silence feels heavy.
But make no mistake — this wasn’t the end. It was the victory!
At Emmanuel Nazarene, we don’t just mourn the cross… we marvel at it. We don’t just reflect on the pain… we rejoice in the purpose. And when we gather on Good Friday, it’s not to hold a funeral — it’s to honor a Savior who finished the work so we could begin to truly live.
“Finished Friday”
-What does “It is finished” mean in your life today?
-Are you still carrying something Jesus already took to the cross?
-How does the cross change the way you face your own Fridays?
Prayer for Today:
“Jesus, thank You. Thank You for enduring the cross, for loving me to death — literally. Help me live like someone who’s been redeemed by Your blood. I don’t want to carry guilt You’ve already nailed to the cross. Teach me to walk in grace, hope, and resurrection power. Thank You for my ECN family — where we remember Your sacrifice and celebrate Your love. In Your precious name, Amen.”
So yes, it’s Friday… and it hurts.
But Sunday’s coming.
And because of Finished Friday, nothing in your life has to stay broken.
Let the cross speak over your fear.
Let His love cover your shame.
And let the finished work of Jesus give you fresh hope today.
Blessings!
Pastor Jonathan W. Pannell III
Rev. Jonathan W. Pannell III 