In 1 Kings 13, a young prophet was given a word from God: deliver the message, don’t eat or drink anything while you’re there, and don’t return the same way you came. Simple. Clear.

But after he delivered the message, an older prophet lied to him, saying, “An angel told me it’s okay—you can come back and eat with me.”

The young prophet listened to the voice that claimed spiritual authority… and, tragically, he died because of it.

That story came to mind as I read Mark 15:11:

“But the chief priests stirred up the crowd...”

The religious leaders swayed the people—not with truth, but with influence. Pilate himself said Jesus had done nothing deserving death. And yet the crowd shouted for His crucifixion.

Why?

Because voices with clout convinced them it was the right call.

Like the young prophet, they had clear direction from God—they knew how they were to treat innocent people. But like the young prophet, they listened to someone who claimed spiritual authority. And like him, they rejected the Word of God—and death followed.

These moments are more than historical tragedies. They’re a warning.

Because we are just as vulnerable.

We live in a world full of voices—loud ones, persuasive ones, political ones, religious ones.

Some claim to speak for God. Some appeal to fear or tribe or tradition. Some stir us up with half-truths dressed as discernment.

But Good Friday reminds us: the only trustworthy voice is the One hanging on the Cross.

He speaks no manipulation. He grabs no power. He simply gives Himself in love.

This week, we’ve reflected on decisions—when to let go, when to stay, how to look at decisions in love, how to live without fear of failure.

But today, on Good Friday, the invitation is simpler:

Don’t lose sight of Jesus on the Cross - the clear message of the Word of God. Don’t let false authorities cloud your view or stir you up over the wrong things.

If you ever feel lost in the noise of your own decisions—unsure whether to press on or release, to speak up or stay quiet, to stay or walk away—start here:

Stand at the Cross. Let His love of you and of all humanity shape your questions. Let His sacrifice re-center your story. Let His voice rise above all others.

Mindfulness Moment:

Take a deep breath.

Picture Jesus on the Cross—arms open, love poured out.

Now bring to mind a decision you’re holding. Maybe it’s a tension with someone. A crossroads. A calling. A wound.

Hold that in your heart… and ask:

“How can I position myself to live out the love of the Cross?”

Don’t rush the answer. Just sit in the presence of Love.

And when you're ready—open your hands. Surrender your question to the One who already gave everything for you.

He is trustworthy. Even when other voices are not.