A few years ago I spent some time in Spain with a mission organization called YWAM. In preparation for going, some of us learned a play that portrayed the Gospel. There was no speaking; it was all mimed to music. Because I had the longest hair & the bluest eyes I was cast as Jesus. (I hope you see the humor in that). In Spain we performed this play on street corners, at parks and inside churches. One evening we were performing at a Gypsy church. The play was going very well and the people seemed to be responding to what they saw. We then came to a part in the play where Jesus, or me playing Jesus, began to be whipped. This was a very intense section and usually our audiences took on a solemn look during it; but not this night.

As the whipping started to take place, the whole room erupted! People began cheering and shouting and praising God. The room got so loud I could barely hear the music for my cues! The people rejoiced as they watched the suffering of Jesus.

I grew up with Good Friday being a very solemn day. Click to continue »