Friday

We left off with Jesus in the Garden, being betrayed into the hands of an angry mob. The early morning hours were filled with mockery, insults, a fictional trial, betrayal and desertion from his closest friends, deep physical pain, and finally death.

“It was now about noon, and darkness came over the whole land until three in the afternoon, while the sun’s light failed; and the curtain of the temple was torn in two. Then Jesus, crying with a loud voice, said, “Father, into your hands I commend my spirit.” Having said this, he breathed his last. When the centurion saw what had taken place, he praised God and said, “Certainly this man was innocent.”  And when all the crowds who had gathered there for this spectacle saw what had taken place, they returned home, beating their breasts. But all his acquaintances, including the women who had followed him from Galilee, stood at a distance, watching these things. 

Now there was a good and righteous man named Joseph, who, though a member of the council, had not agreed to their plan and action. He came from the Jewish town of Arimathea, and he was waiting expectantly for the kingdom of God. This man went to Pilate and asked for the body of Jesus. Then he took it down, wrapped it in a linen cloth, and laid it in a rock-hewn tomb where no one had ever been laid.” Luke 12:44-49

You know, as often as we read this story, we should never fail to be moved by all that happened in so short amount of time, and the depth of all it means for us today. As you think of this story, is there someone you identify with? Is it easy to relate to Peter, who in fear denied he even knew Jesus? Like those in the crowd, do you beat your chest and the awful things done to our Savior? Or do you relate with Joseph of Arimathea, who tenderly took Jesus’ body and placed it gently in the tomb? 

As we close out this most holy of weeks, let’s take a moment to reflect quietly on these final moments. Jesus is placed in a borrowed tomb. A stone is rolled across the entrance. And silence falls. It seems death has had its victory, and this is the end. Little did they know then, what we know now!

Father in heaven, Thank you for those this week who showed kindness to Jesus in his final days and hours. For the one who anointed his feet, the one who carried his cross, and the one who laid his body lovingly in the grave. But most of all, Lord, thank your for Jesus! Thank you for his final ultimate sacrifice of giving his life for us. That though he knew what he would endure, he did it willingly that we might have eternal life. May we live these next few days until Resurrection Sunday with our hearts tuned to Jesus and the power of what we know is coming!  

Good Friday Timeline

6:00 a.m. - Jesus stands trial before Pilate and is sent to Herod- Luke 23:1-5

7:00 a.m. - Jesus returned to Pilate and was sentenced to death- Luke 23:6-12

8:00 a.m. - Jesus is led to Calvary- Luke 23:26-31

9:00 a.m. - "The Third Hour," Jesus is crucified- Mark 15: 25

9:15 a.m - "Father forgive them," Luke 23:34

9:30 a.m. -  The soldiers cast lots- Mark 15:24

10:00 a.m. - Jesus is insulted and mocked- Luke 23:36-37

11: 00 a.m. - Jesus speaks to the criminal, and then to Mary and John- Luke 23:40-43

12:00 p.m. -"The Sixth Hour," darkness falls- Mark 15:33
1:-00 p.m. - Jesus cries out “Eli, Eli, lama sabachthani?” and asks for a drink- John 19:28-29

2:00 p.m. - It is finished. John 19:30a

3:00 p.m. -"The Ninth Hour," The earth quakes and the veil is torn- Matthew 27:51-52

4:00 p.m. - Soldiers pierced Jesus' side- John 19:34

5:00 p.m. - Jesus is laid in the tomb- Luke 23:50-56