Good Friday "The Wrath of the Lamb"—a Tenebrae Service
[Include this note in the bulletin.]
The service of Tenebrae (meaning darkness or shadow) is a prolonged meditation on Christ’s suffering. Readings follow the story of Christ’s passion, the music portrays his suffering, and the power of silence and darkness suggest the drama of this momentous day. While we ponder the depth of Christ’s suffering, the small but persistent flame of the Christ candle will conclude our service. We anticipate the joy of Christ’s victory.
Worship setting: a large cross with a Christ Candle nearby and seven pairs of candles. All candles are lit at the beginning of the service. The sanctuary lighting is progressively dimmed throughout the service.
THE APPROACH TO GOD
Prelude
Welcome and Opening Statement:
The light has come into the world,
and the world loved darkness rather than light,
God sent the Son into the world,
not to condemn the world,
but that the world might be saved through him.
Lift up your hearts.
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*Hymn: "O Love of God, How Strong and True"
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HS 188
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*Opening Prayer
*Response
THE SERVICE OF THE WORD
Scripture: Revelation 6:12–17
Message
A short talk based on the jarring picture John creates in chapter 6. Evildoers call to the mountains and the rocks, "Fall on us and hide us from the face of him who sits on the throne, and from the wrath of the Lamb!"
Jesus Christ becomes a roaring lamb from whom people shrink. Who could stand before the wrath of a lamb?
Think it over. Suppose a furious lamb confronted you. You wouldn’t just be puzzled, you’d be terrified. How has creation gotten bent so far out of shape that something like this is possible?
You see, the Lamb of God has two faces. One is the face of wrath. It is love offended. It’s awesome and full of fury. The other face is of suffering love. It is the face of one who spilled his blood for the sins of his people.
One face or the other is turned toward us this very day, this very hour. As the darkness falls from noon till three, which face shall we see?
THE SERVICE OF THE SHADOW
(Each reading is followed by the snuffing of two candles. As the the candles are blown out, the overhead lights are also dimmed so that by the time of the last reading, the space is nearly dark.)
The Shadow of Betrayal
Reading: Luke 22:1–6
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Hymn Response: "’Twas on That Dark, That Solemn Night" (stanza 1 only)
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HS 337
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The Shadow of the Agony of the Spirit
Reading: Matthew 26:36–44
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Ministry of Music: "’Tis Midnight, and on Olive’s Brow"
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HS 264
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The Shadow of the Arrest
Reading: Mark 14:43–49
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Hymn: "Go to Dark Gethsemane"
The Shadow of Desertion
Reading: Mark 14:50, 66–72
Hymn Response: "O Sacred Head, Now Wounded"
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HS 266
HS 262
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The Shadow of Accusation
Reading: Matthew 27:11–18, 21–26
Instrumental Response: Suggestions—for viola, "Meditation" by Ernest Bloch; for four C instruments, HS 270, "When Jesus Wept" done as a four-part canon; for organ/piano, an arrangement of "Ah, Holy Jesus" (David N. Johnson).
The Shadow of Crucifixion and Humiliation
Reading: Matthew 27:27–37
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Hymn: "Deep Were His Wounds"
The Shadow of Death
Reading: Matthew 27: 45–54
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HS 269
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Hymn: "When I Survey the Wondrous Cross" (stanzas 1 and 2)
[The Christ Candle is snuffed out and removed.]
The Shadow of Burial
Reading: John 19:38–42
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HS 265
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Solo: "Were You There" a cappella (stanzas 1 and 3 only)
Silent Reflection
[The Christ Candle is restored.]
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HS 267
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Hymn: "Were the Whole Realm of Nature Mine" (stanza 3)
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HS 265
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[The Christ Candle is lit. Adequate sanctuary lighting for exit is restored.]
*Sending Forth:
May Jesus Christ,
who for our sake became obedient unto death,
even death on a cross,
keep you and strengthen you. Amen.
[The people leave in silence.]
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