Good Friday

Yesterday's post ended with Jesus praying and agonizing in the garden. Sometime shortly after, Judas and a mob arrived. Judas kissed Jesus, his sign that this was the One they were after. The betrayal was complete. Jesus was arrested and taken away to face the Sanhedrin, a court of Jewish officials, then dragged before Pontius Pilate, the Roman governor, and Herod Antipas, who held jurisdiction over Galilee. Read the accounts in Luke 22:47-53,66–23:12; Matthew 26:47-68; 27:1-14; Mark 14:43-65; 15:1-3; and John 18:1-14, 19-24, 28-38.

When given a choice between releasing Jesus, who Pilate could find no reason to charge with anything, and Barabbas, a prisoner who had led a rebellion that had included murder (Mark 15:7). The crowds cried out for Barabbas' release and Jesus' crucifixion. Pilate ordered that Jesus be flogged and handed Him over to die a criminal's death.

The crowds mocked Jesus. As they flogged Him, laying open His skin, the guards spit on Him, made fun of Him, and smashed a crown of thorns into His temples. As if this terrible anticipation of the pain of the cross wasn't enough, the people seemed dead-set on humiliating Jesus and stripping Him of every once of dignity He possessed. Read the accounts in Matthew 27:27-31 and John 19:1-16. Now read Philippians 2:8. Jesus was God, and He didn't have to suffer this indignity, but He did—in obedience to His Father's plan.

He did it for you.

Jesus then carried His own cross down the long road to Golgotha, the hill where He would be crucified. More mocking and screams accompanied Him. Finally, He was placed on a cross between two criminals, one of whom also mocked Him. Soldiers divided Jesus' clothes and cast lots for them. Around noon, darkness came over the “whole land” (Luke 23:44) and around 3 p.m., “the sun's light failed” (Luke 23:45) and the curtain in the temple tore from top to bottom. Jesus cried out, saying “Father, into Your hands I entrusts My spirit.” And then He died.

It was over. He was dead.

The disciples dispersed, probably feeling like fools. The Teacher they'd followed was gone. What else could they do? It was all over.

A few followers took Jesus off the cross and buried Him in a borrowed tomb. They were stunned. They felt fear, despair, anguish, that strange hollow feeling you get when everything falls apart and everything you thought was true seems so messed up.

They didn't understand. Their grief overshadowed Christ's own reminder that He would rise on the third day.

Understand Christ's sacrifice for you today. Know that we do not have salvation without that sacrifice. But don't “grieve like the rest, who have no hope” (1 Thess. 4:13). Turn your thoughts toward Easter. Turn your heart toward Christ, our risen Hope.