Good Friday message of faith and renewal

Worshippers across the island gathered in churches in solemn reverence and reflection to mark Good Friday, with messages of hope and renewal resonating amid the observances.

At Ann Gill Memorial Methodist Church, the atmosphere was one of quiet contemplation, punctuated by hymns and prayer, as Reverend Nicholas Chambers delivered a sermon centred on perseverance, faith and the promise of renewal in the face of life’s darkest moments.

Engaging the congregation from the outset, Chambers invited them to reflect on their own personal struggles and the human desire for difficult seasons to come to an end.

Using these everyday experiences to ground his message, Chambers drew a powerful parallel to the events of Good Friday, noting that for Jesus’ disciples, His mother, and the wider community, the crucifixion appeared to mark the end of hope.

“My dear friends, in life, all things come to an end, and for us today, as we celebrate Good Friday, for the disciples, Jesus’ mother, and for the nation of Israel, they thought that every good thing that they believed in came to an end,” he said.

However, he stressed that what seemed like a final moment of defeat was, in fact, the beginning of something far greater.

“But my dear brothers and sisters, even though they saw their master on a cross, even though they saw him and his body laid in a tomb, even though he himself said that it was finished, I want to submit to you that it was not finished simply in that moment. But it was finished to begin something new.”

Chambers urged worshippers to adopt this perspective in their own lives, particularly when faced with uncertainty, hardship, or despair. He noted that moments which feel like endings often serve as turning points that lead to growth, transformation and eventual victory.

Referencing the significance of both Jesus’ death and resurrection, Chambers reminded those gathered that the Good Friday story does not end at the cross but continues with the promise of renewal and triumph over adversity.

“I believe for us today as we celebrate Jesus’ death and his resurrection, and as we may be facing hopelessness and fear, we might be wondering, when will it be finished?” he said. “I want to submit to you that [in] life…that finish leads to victory.”

He further encouraged believers to draw strength from Christ’s own journey, noting that Jesus understands the depths of human struggle and suffering.

“As we look at Jesus’ life and as we reflect on what he went through, we will have hope instead of hopelessness and courage instead of fear… because Jesus understands what it means to be at the end of the road.”

(SB)