Today is Good Friday. It is the day we specifically remember the death of Jesus on the cross. It is an important day on the Christian calendar because of its deep spiritual significance. In an effort to teach this lesson to my high school youth group, last week I did a simple object lesson. I gave each of them a piece of red ribbon about a foot long. I then had them write their names one it. Next I taught them about the cross. I told them the seven final words from the cross and the deep meaning of two of them – “My God, My God, why have you forsaken me?” and “It is finished.”

At the end of the lesson I challenged them to take their red ribbon, representing our sin filled life, and place it on the cross. I wanted them to know that Jesus did not just die for the sins of the world but for My sins. Here is the final product.

This picture shows the cross turned red – not just red by your sins, but also by mine.

That is the reason I celebrate Good Friday.

Today is the time in the Holy Week leading up to Easter/Resurrection Sunday that we celebrate Maundy Thursday. In some traditions it is called Holy Thursday. It commemorates the final night of Jesus life before he goes to the cross. It is the night in which he washes the disciples feet and institutes what we call the Last Supper or the Lord’s Supper.

In some countries today is a public holiday, but not in America. Some Churches have special programs today, but mine does not. In my tradition we take the opportunity each week to celebrate the Lord’s Supper, or as we often call it communion. It is a time for us to focus on the fellowship we have with God through the work of Jesus on the cross. It is a time in which we fellowship together at his table being reminded that we are united as believers by his grace. For us, every week is a reminder of the sacrifice Jesus made to bring us together in communion with God and other people.

Today is the day we remember how it all started. Today we remember that Jesus humbled himself and became obedient unto death – even death on a cross. I hope that at some point through this day you will pause and think about Jesus words. Maybe with a Church somewhere or simply with other believers in a group. Maybe with your family. Maybe just in the quiet of your mind.

Matthew 26:26-29 While they were eating, Jesus took bread, gave thanks and broke it, and gave it to his disciples, saying, “Take and eat; this is my body.”
(27) Then he took the cup, gave thanks and offered it to them, saying, “Drink from it, all of you. (28) This is my blood of the covenant, which is poured out for many for the forgiveness of sins. (2)9 I tell you, I will not drink of this fruit of the vine from now on until that day when I drink it anew with you in my Father’s kingdom.”

It is no secret that almost every Church will have numerous guests for their Easter services. Even the most non-religious people seem to be willing to go to Church on Easter. As a result, Easter will lead most Churches to add special programs to bring even more people to Church. They will have Sunrise Services, special breakfast, Easter pageants and extra worship programs. People who normally wouldn’t offer much help quickly volunteer to do special readings, sing special songs and help in the children’s programs with an Easter egg hunt. Churches are booming with activity and with people every day of this weekend.

The only problem is that most of the guests will not return the week after Easter. Some of them will only reappear at Christmas and others will not return until next Easter. Many of them will keep their negative attitude toward Christians and unfortunately even have them reinforced this weekend. It is my contention that all of the programs and special activities have little impact without paying attention to the small details. I believe the small things we do this weekend will have the greatest impact on our guests for the good of the gospel.

1. Park as far away from the building as you can. Save the best spots for the elderly, those with children and guests. How many of us have driven around a Wal-mart parking lot looking for that spot close to the door? Now imagine going to Wal-mart and all the spots close to the door are open. Does that change your attitude? Think about that in terms of a Church parking lot. You wrestle the kids to get ready this one day and then you get there and the only spots are a mile away. Does that change your attitude?

2. Sit at the front (and sit close together). Don’t make people who show up a little late (or even right on time) go set up near the front. If you are in Church once a year, you do not want to be right up front where the pastor can see you. If your kids might get fidgety during the sermon because they are not used to setting in worship then you do not want to set right up front. I am 100% convinced that the most selfish act that most Christians do is take the best seats at the back. If you do no other things to promote the spreading of the gospel this year, do this one thing – sit at the front and sit close together.

3. Talk kindly to strangers. Spend the majority of your morning talking nicely to people you do not know. Ask them about themselves. Ask them if they need to know where anything is located. Tell them a little about our church. Listen, listen, listen. And never say to anyone – “I haven’t seen you in a while” or “I never thought I would see you in Church” or “Are you lost?” You get the idea. Our tendency is to run and talk to the people we know and totally ignore strangers. This only reinforces the mean and negative spirit of Christians to a non-Christian world.

4. Remember the 5 minute rule. The 5 minute rule states that the first five minutes in a new location are the most important. The second most important 5 minutes are those right after the end of a program. The questions are simple, “Are these people glad I am here and willing to accept me.” The final question is something like, “That wasn’t that bad, I am going to give them one more shot to mess this up.” Thus – talk to people right before and right after. Don’t make it overly religious and don’t be self-centered. Invite people to lunch. If they say “not today, we have plans for Easter,” then say, “How about after Church next week?” Use these five minutes to show people Christians are friendly and not self-centered.

5. Pray. This is last but certainly not least. Pray before the program. Pray during the program. Pray after the program. Pray for those involved in the program for Sunday. Pray for those thinking about attending. Pray for those that attended. Pray for the people you met that day (by name). Pray, pray and pray. Ask God to do things that you may never see or know about. I firmly believe God can do great things if we ask Him to.

I know that each of these are seemingly very little things, but each one can have a great impact for eternity. It is one thing for people to invite someone to join them for Easter. It may be an even better thing that this guest then gets treated in a wonderful manner. Guests are great, but return guests can become believers and eventually disciples. One small action can change a life.