Passion Week 2024: Good Friday

“When we preach Christ crucified, we have no reason to stammer, or stutter, or hesitate, or apologize; there is nothing in the gospel of which we have any cause to be ashamed.”  - C. H. Spurgeon

Without a doubt, Good Friday (Holy Friday) is the most challenging day of Passion Week (Holy Week). The ministry of Jesus Christ took a definite turn for the worse in these final hours, becoming ever more dangerous and distressing.

Good Friday is the day that we most associate with the crucifixion of Jesus. This is when He, without hesitation, suffered and then died on the cross for the sins of us all (1 John 1:10).

Not more than a week ago, on Palm Sunday, the crowd cheered as He entered Jerusalem shouting, "Hosanna!" Now, amid much scorn and contempt, his enemies nailed him to a cross. What a difference only a few days make!

It is also a day of grieving and thoughtful contemplation for Christians. Here, we give pause and call to mind the tremendous sacrifice Jesus made for humanity. We are also mindful of His powerful love, and promise of eternal life with Him.

We shall see that His death on the cross did not signify the end, but rather the inception of something unique and unprecedented. By Jesus' resurrection, he overcame death. Thus, paving the way to everlastingness for believers.

I have included a list of Bible verses which will walk you through the timeline of Good Friday events. They are:

• The betrayal and arrest of Jesus (John 18:2-6)
• Jesus being bound and taken to Annas and Caiaphas (Matthew 26:64-66; John 18:13-14)
• The denial of Jesus by Peter (Mark 14:53-54, 66-72)
• Jesus is tried before Pontius Pilate (Matthew 27:11-14)
• The release of Barabbas (Mark 15:15)
• Simon of Cyrene helps Jesus carry his Cross (Luke 23:26; John 19:17)
• The Crucifixion of Jesus (Mark 15:25-26; Luke 23:26)
• Roman soldiers cast lots Jesus' clothes (Luke 23:24)
• Jesus is mocked by the crowd (Matthew 27:39-43)
• Jesus speaking from the Cross (Luke 23:43; John 19:26-27)
• A darkness envelopes the land (Mark 15:33; Luke 23:44-45)
• The death of Jesus (Mark 15:34-38)
• Jesus' side is pierced by soldiers (John 19:33-37)
• Joseph of Arimathea lays claim to the body of Jesus (Luke 23:50-54)
• The entry to Jesus' tomb is sealed with a stone (Matthew 27:65-66; Luke 23:55-56; Mark 15:47)

Sadly, Israel had long awaited a king who would deliver them with strength, sovereignty, and if necessary, violence. Instead, God proclaimed, through the Cross, that Jesus would save the world by dying for it.

He liberates with atoning (sacrificial) love, not oppression. And even more ironic is that by His death, Jesus turned out to be the king that Israel truly needed.

Good Friday - Centerline Studios with Playback Media

Scripture: Matthew 20:28; John 14:6; John 15:13; Galatians 2:20; 1 John 2:2

Prayer: "Through him then let us continually offer up a sacrifice of praise to God, that is, the fruit of lips that acknowledge his name." - Hebrews 13:15 (ESV)

Love, peace, and happiness!

Kaitlyn