“Surely He took up our pain and bore our suffering,
 yet we considered Him punished by God,
 stricken by Him, and afflicted.
 But He was pierced for our transgressions,
 He was crushed for our iniquities;
 the punishment that brought us peace was on Him,
 and by his wounds we are healed.”
 (Isaiah 53:4–5)

Good Friday is the day we remember Jesus Christ’s willing sacrifice on the cross for the redemption of the world. It is not merely a time of mourning, but a sacred moment of deep gratitude and reverence, for through His suffering and the shedding of His blood, we have received forgiveness and new life.

On April 18, 2025, the Chinese Christian Church of Greater Washington (CCCGW) held a Good Friday combined worship service. United in spirit, brothers and sisters gathered to reflect on the Lord’s suffering, renew their faith, and respond once again to His love with humility and thanksgiving.

The service began in a reverent and quiet atmosphere. Sister Hannah Zhang opened the evening with a moving violin solo, leading the congregation into a time of silent prayer. The graceful music helped quiet our hearts and prepare our spirits to contemplate Christ’s suffering. As Scripture readings and worship songs followed, we retraced the path Jesus took to the cross. Through passages from Matthew and Isaiah, the congregation meditated on the innocence of Christ betrayed and arrested, the injustice of His trial, the shame and pain of the crucifixion, and the sorrow of His death.

One of the most powerful moments of the evening came when Brother Hong-Fa Chu offered a heartfelt solo performance of “Via Dolorosa.” The song vividly portrays Jesus carrying the cross through the streets of Jerusalem, enduring shame and agony on the way to Golgotha. It captured the solemn beauty of Christ’s willingness to suffer and die for the sins of the world—a journey of love and redemption. The emotion in the music moved many to deep reflection on the cost of our salvation.

The Martha Fellowship presented a choral and dramatic retelling of Jesus’ crucifixion. Through powerful visuals—Jesus bearing the heavy cross, being nailed to it, and the mournful cries of the women who followed Him—the audience was drawn into the reality of Christ’s final hours. Accompanied by the moving hymn “Were You There?”, the presentation invited each of us to ask: Where were we when Jesus walked to the cross for our sins? How do we respond to such grace?

Following the drama and music, Pastor Daniel Zhao delivered the evening’s message, titled “The Sin of Us All”, based on Isaiah 53:3–9. He reminded us that Jesus is the Lamb of God, the one chosen by the Father to bear the sins of the world. Though He was blameless and sinless, He remained silent and willing in His suffering and death. No one else could carry the burden He bore. Only Jesus—the Son of God—through perfect obedience, boundless love, and ultimate sacrifice, could accomplish the work of redemption, giving His life on the cross for you and me.

The service concluded with a profound and powerful prayer by Pastor David Rim. He led the congregation into a moment of silent reflection, inviting us to meditate on the depth of Christ’s love and sacrifice. Pastor Rim reminded us that our gathering was not one of grief, but of remembrance—a remembrance of what Jesus accomplished on the cross. The crucifixion of Christ was not the end of the story, but the beginning of a turning point. True hope dawned on Easter morning with His resurrection. Because He lives, we have new life and the promise of eternity.

That same evening, a special program was also held for the children. Sister Sheila Lee thoughtfully prepared a meaningful and engaging activity. The night began with a video of “Hosanna,” followed by a storytelling session using a treasured family Bible storybook. Sheila gently shared the story of Jesus’ crucifixion, carefully explaining that His suffering was not the end, but that our hope lies in His resurrection.

The children then eagerly participated in hands-on crafts, creating colorful sand art crosses and decorating smooth river stones with drawings and words that expressed their gratitude and love for Jesus.