Good Friday – Friday, April 15, 2022
Filled with deep remorse, Judas hanged himself (Matthew 27:3-11; Acts 1:18).
According to Jesus, Judas was predestined to betray him. No matter how we try to analyze predestination with free will, Judas could have returned to Jesus, repented, and asked for forgiveness. You know that Christ would have forgiven him. Jesus died for him, too.
Jesus was arrested and taken to the home of Annas and Caiaphas for an illegal trial by the Jewish leaders, who were making plans to have Jesus executed (Matthew 27:2).
The Jews dragged Him to Pilate and then to Herod where he was mocked, ridiculed, and crowned with thorns. Herod sent him back to Pilate. Neither ruler wanted to kill Him. But the people shouted to release Barabbas instead of Jesus (Matthew 27:11-31; Mark 15:1-20; Luke 23:1-25; John 18:18-John 19:16).
Wanting to release Jesus, Pilate appealed to them again. But they kept shouting, “Crucify him! Crucify him!”
For the third time he spoke to them: “Why? What crime has this man committed? I have found in him no grounds for the death penalty. Therefore I will have him punished and then release him.”
But with loud shouts they insistently demanded that he be crucified, and their shouts prevailed. So Pilate decided to grant their demand. He released the man who had been thrown into prison for insurrection and murder, the one they asked for, and surrendered Jesus to their will. (Luke 23:20-25)
While Jesus was being tossed around among Caiaphas, Pilate, and King Herod, Peter denied His Lord three times (Matthew 26:57-Matthew 27:10; Mark 14:53-72; Luke 22:54-71; John 18:12-27).
Jesus and Pilate talked about truth. Pilate then condemned Jesus to die, had him scourged, and sent him to the cross. Pilate washed his hands (Matthew 26:47-56; Mark 14:43-52; Luke 22:47-53; John 18:1-11).
Jesus was crucified (Matthew 27:32-61; Mark 15:21-47; Luke 23:26-56; John 19:17-47); “When they came to the place called the Skull, they crucified him there, along with the criminals—one on his right, the other on his left” (Luke 23:33). Jesus’ last words from the cross were:
1. Matthew 27:46 tells us that about the ninth hour Jesus cried with a loud voice, saying, “Eloi, Eloi, lama sabachthani?” which means, “My God, my God, why have you forsaken me?”
2. “Father, forgive them, for they do not know what they are doing” (Luke 23:34).
3. “I tell you the truth, today you will be with me in paradise” (Luke 23:43).
4. “Father, into Your hands I commit my spirit” (Luke 23:46).
5. “Dear Woman, here is your son!” and “Here is your mother!” (John 19:26-27).
6. “I am thirsty” (John 19:28).
7. “It is finished!” (John 19:30).
That night, Joseph of Arimathea asked Pilate for Jesus’ body. He and Nicodemus wrapped the body with spices and linen, per Jewish customs. Then they laid Him in the tomb, guarded by Roman soldiers (John 19:38-42).
Morning Prayer: Father God, how can we thank you enough for the sacrifice of Your Son on the Cross of Calvary? Your plan of salvation is beautiful, and we rejoice that You’ve made a way for us to be in a relationship with You and to live with You forever. How we long for the world to know the truth and to participate in the redemption of Jesus Christ! We intercede this morning for all who don’t know You that they may hear the gospel and that their hearts would be fertile soil to receive the truth of Jesus Christ. in whose name we pray. Amen.
Evening Prayer: Father God, tonight we are awed at the mystery of Christ’s death and all that He accomplished for us on the Cross. We are humbled at such amazing love that gives all so that we might live. Jesus announced on the Cross that “It is finished” and so tonight, we rest in faith that His sacrifice covers our sins. His grace is sufficient for us and for that we are truly thankful. In Jesus’ name, we pray. Amen.
