It is Friday of the Holy Week. Jesus' last teachings are now complete, he had partaken in the Last Supper with his beloved disciples, and his betrayal by Judas Isacariot (who would shortly take his own life) has been accomplished (Matthew 27:3-5). Now, his arrest and trial by the Sanhedrin would begin the process that would finalize his destiny.
Jesus was bound and delivered to the Roman Governor, Pontius Pilate (Mark 15:1). By this time the Jews were strongly calling for his crucifixion. Pilate asked what had he done that provoked such a vociferous condemnation from them. They alleged that Jesus had corrupted the nation; refused to pay tribute to Caesar; and claimed to be Messiah, a King (Luke 23:1-5).
Pilate, having no desire to persecute him, tried hard to get Jesus to vindicate himself. However, the Jews were so adamant about putting him to death that Pilate thought it would be dangerous not to do so. So, he had Jesus flogged then handed over for crucifixion (Luke 23:22-25).
The governor’s soldiers led Jesus away. The whole company of soldiers spat on him, tormented and mocked him. Stripping him first, they then dressed him in a scarlet robe, They made a crown of thorns and placed it on his head. Kneeling in front of him, the soldiers taunted him saying, “Hail, king of the Jews!” (Matthew 27:28-29)
Jesus endured some more spitting and beating before they took his robe, and put his own clothes back on him. Then, they led him away to be crucified (Mark 15:19-20). Passing through the city to the place of crucifixion; he bore his own cross. Struggling with his cross, Simon of Cyrene, who was entering the city, was coerced into helping Jesus carry it (Matthew 27:32).
Finally, they arrived at the place called Golgotha (“the place of the skull”). Jesus was offered wine mixed with myrrh, but he didn't accept it. He was then crucified along with two criminals—one on his right, the other on his left.. The soldiers then divvied up his clothes, casting lots for them (Matthew 27:35).
He made some final statements from the cross (luke 23:34; Luke 23:46). Sometime around mid-afternoon Jesus took his final breath, and gave up his spirit (Matthew 27:50). As dusk, Joseph of Arimathea, a prominent member of the Council asked Pontius Pilate for the body of Jesus. After receiving confirmation of his death, Pilate gave Jesus' body to Joseph.
Jesus was taken down from the cross, carefully wrapped in linen, and carried to a new tomb, cut out of the rock, where his body was lain. It was Preparation Day and the Sabbath would soon be upon them (Luke 23:53-54). A huge stone was then rolled in front of the entrance.
The following day, the chief priests and the Pharisees visited Pontius Pilate. Remembering what Jesus had said about rising after three days, they wanted to make sure that none of his followers would steal his body, thereby giving credence to his words. As a result, Pilate had guards posted in front of the tomb, placing a seal on the stone to secure it (Matthew 27:62-65).
Still in shock, and mourning his loss, Jesus' disciples and followers spent the Sabbath in fear and uncertainty. They had no idea that the next day would be the most eventful they have experienced yet.
Scripture: Deuteronomy 31:6; Isaiah 41:10; Romans 8:25; Hebrews 11:1; Romans 8:24-25
Prayer: Dear Lord, I thank You that you sent your Son to bring me life; and I thank You that all things are possible for those who believe. Amen
God bless you,
Nicole
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