INSPIRASUNS

As I write this little blog this morning I feel like I’m remembering the anniversary of a loved one’s death. I guess that would be because we are. Good Friday, the most solemn day of Holy Week, the most solemn day ever.

The day that Jesus was accused falsely, he was mocked, beaten, condemned, and abandoned. The crowds were coerced into asking for the release of a brutal bandit named Barabbas in place of saving Jesus. They shouted at Pilate to have Jesus crucified. He was tried, several times and then ultimately sentenced to be crucified.

I do think it’s important to mention here as well that Judas does feel remorse for what he did. He takes the silver back to the Sanhedrin to say that he was wrong and does not want the money. They decline to take it, basically telling him, his guilt means nothing to them. Early in the morning hours on Good Friday, Judas is so overcome with guilt that he hangs himself.

Before being led away to be crucified, soldiers mocked Jesus, spit on him, and placed a crown of thorns on his head. The words placed are polite, let’s face it, they forced a crown of thorns onto his head violently. There was nothing polite about this event, it was brutal, actually, I don’t think we recognize how brutal this was. If you want a realistic view, I think the movie The Passion of the Christ depicts this event as it was.

Jesus is forced to carry his own cross to the crucifixion although at one point help is enlisted to carry this for him. Remember, Jesus had been brutally beaten and whipped before this walk. He stumbled many times along the route. There is a very meaningful service known as the Stations of the Cross, if you ever get the opportunity, I encourage you to attend.

Jesus is nailed to the cross at noon. He is there for about three hours, and all the while he continues to be taunted by the soldiers and the crowd. He is even mocked by one of two criminals who was crucified at the same time. The second criminal however asks Jesus to forgive his sins and remember him in Heaven. Jesus tells this man “Truly, I say to you, today you will be with me in paradise”.

There were several statements spoken by Jesus while on the cross. He actually asks Father to forgive those who persecuted him, “Father forgive them, for they know not what they do”. The incredible love that He felt for us His children, even at that moment is unexplainable.

At 3:00pm Jesus spoke his final words. These final words vary depending on which gospel you read. John’s gospel says his final words were, “It is finished.”, Luke’s gospel says his final words were, “Father, into your hands I commit my Spirit”.

Today, I mourn the loss of Jesus. I will remember His sacrifice for me. I pray to Father today and every day that I never, ever forget this sacrifice. He gave His life for me and I welcome the day when I can look into His eyes and say Thank You.

John 19:30
When Jesus had received the sour wine, he said, “It is finished,” and he bowed his head and gave up his spirit.