The Good Friday Question: Is This for Looking At?

Is Good Friday just for looking at—or is it the doorway to real transformation? On this special episode, join John David Walt, for a powerful Good Friday reflection that dives deep into the meaning of beholding Jesus and the freedom found at the cross. With warm stories, thought-provoking questions, and a heartfelt musical moment, this conversation invites you to slow down, breathe deep, and uncover the heart of what it means to belong to Jesus. Joined briefly by his father David Walt, the episode explores whether Good Friday or Easter Sunday stands as the most significant day in history, revealing that the two cannot truly be separated. You'll also hear the story of young David and his innocent, profound question about a crucifix—"Is this for looking at?"—which unlocks the deeper theme of transformation through beholding rather than striving. Key highlights include: The moving connection between beholding Jesus and personal transformation, as J. D. shares practical steps for shifting the focus from our efforts to Jesus’s presence Insightful journal prompts encouraging listeners to reflect on their own posture of abiding and receiving, not just doing A memorable musical interlude featuring “When I Survey the Wondrous Cross” and “The Wonderful Cross,” a hymn co-written by J. D. and Chris Tomlin, seamlessly blending tradition and contemporary spirit Whether you’re seeking a new perspective on Good Friday, longing for authentic change, or simply want to encounter Jesus more deeply, this episode will inspire you to “turn your eyes upon Jesus and look full in his wonderful face.” Subscribe for more conversations like this and journey with us as we awaken to the wonder and transformation found in Christ! CHAPTERS: 00:04 The Good Friday Call to Consecration 02:20 Imagining Jesus on the Cross Throughout Good Friday 04:07 A Child’s Honest Question: “Is This for Looking At?” 05:16 Transformation Comes from Beholding, Not Trying Harder 06:45 What Change Looks Like: Darkness to Light, Death to Life 08:17 Beholding Jesus: John the Baptist’s Transformative Declaration 10:10 Shifting from Self-Effort to Abiding in Jesus 12:24 Describing the “Darkness Tries to Comprehend Light” Crucifix Carving 13:22 Singing “When I Survey the Wondrous Cross” Together 14:21 Why We Can’t Separate Good Friday From Easter 19:21 Slowing Down and Turning Our Eyes Upon Jesus 👉 Join us throughout Lent for Jesus Asking ► https://seedbed.com/jesusasking/ 🎼 Sing along with us! ► https://seedbed.com/hymnal/ - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - 🎁 The Wake-Up Call is funded by generous givers like you at https://sowextravagantly.com/ 📩 Get the Wake-Up Call in your email each day ► https://seedbed.com/wakeupcall ⛪️ Are you a pastor? We'd love to connect ► https://seedbed.typeform.com/to/dymjFhUB 🌿 Join the Field Team and help us sow the Wake-Up Call into new hearts ► https://seedbed.typeform.com/fieldteam 🗣 Join the conversation: Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/groups/seedbedwakeupcall/ Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/thewakeupcall/ 👂 Listen to the podcast: Apple: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/the-wake-up-call/id1040184070 Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/show/7t5qb5dpC7n0yxdyNsTKzTsi=e87495c982f145f6