Day 6 | Good Friday - The Crucifixtion
Today, I want to look at a few events that led up to the crucifixion, reading the details and really thinking how the people felt during this time is a powerful reflection for each of us to take time to look in the mirror at our own lives and hearts.
The different events that led to Jesus being handed over to Pilate, the governor, are interesting. Especially Judas, I can’t quite figure out what made him give Jesus over to the High priest for 30 coins and then immediately once it was done he tried to give the money back. It does remind me of us today though, getting distracted by the wonders of the world almost unknowingly, and then something will happen in our world and it’s like we are shocked out of a trance immediately regretting our betrayal to trusting the world instead of Jesus.
Another interesting interaction is with Pilate, it seems that the governor is trying to find a way to release Jesus. Not sure if it is solely from the dream his wife had telling him, “have nothing to do with that righteous man,” or if he was truly “amazed” by Jesus as it says in Matthew 27:14. But I find it interesting that a governor, someone who probably didn’t even believe in God seems to see that there is something about Jesus that is worth saving. Being a governor, Pilate gives the crowd the option to release Jesus or a notorious prisoner, Barabbas. The people were so afraid of Jesus to the point that they’d rather release a criminal over Jesus who never hurt anyone, was actually healing people and preaching the gospel; it’s just wild to me. But that is what they did. All I can think of here is spiritual warfare and that the enemy knew who Jesus was and was entangling all of those people’s minds.
I have trouble reading the details of the crucifixion, anyone else? I can’t quite fathom why it had to be done like this if I’m being totally honest. To have him beaten, mocked, thrown at, and spit on; it just seems so unfair. The chief priests were calling on God trying to test him, “He trusts in God; let God rescue him.” I’m so angry reading these moments for how cruel people are. Thank goodness that Jesus trusted God’s way, because God wasn’t just going to rescue him, he is going to resurrect Jesus. This shows a totally new way of thinking and living, this is the start of the true good news; that because of Jesus’s sacrifice anyone who believes will live for eternity in our new home, Heaven.
Dear Father in Heaven, thank you for never giving up on us. Jesus, thank you for your sacrifice, I am so sorry for the pain you went through; but even now I hear you nudging me that it was all worth it to be seated at the right hand of the Father and for us all to have eternal life as God originally intended. I pray that you keep my mind focused on you God, that I don’t get distracted by this world, I only see you. In Jesus Name I pray, Amen.
Further Reading, Matthew 27: 1-56