Encouragement Email – Friday, Passion Week

By the time you woke up this morning, your Lord had been through as many as six trials, all occurring late at night and early into Friday morning. Physically He should be exhausted, but emotionally and spiritually He is keen and wise.

Perhaps you would like to think about these events during your day today.

Late Last Night:

The first trial was at Annas’ house (John 18:13-24) during which Peter gives his first denial. The second trial is before Caiaphas and the Sanhedrin (Matthew 26:57-68, Mark 14:53-65; Luke 22:54). During this trial Jesus identifies as the Son of Man coming from heaven to subjugate the peoples of the world and establish God’s kingdom on earth, a statement to which the chief priest tears his robe in mock disgust.

Then comes Peter’s second denial of Christ (Matthew 26:69-75; Mark 14:66-72; Luke 22:55-65; John 18:25-27), where they detect Peter’s Galilean accent.
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A third trial occurs before the gathered Sanhedrin (Matthew 27:1; Mark 15:1a, Luke 22:66-71). This is the third of three Jewish trials, all of them illegal by their own protocols. Perhaps Judas was standing outside, for he now runs off and commits suicide (Matthew 27:3-10; Acts 1:18-19).

A fourth trial starts in the early morning as Jesus is taken before Pilate (Matthew 27:2, 11-14; Mark 15:1b-5; Luke 23:1-5; John 18:28-38). Jesus declares to him, “My kingdom is not of this world. If my kingdom were of this world then my servants would be fighting.” Pilate responds, “I find no guilt in Him.”

Early this Morning:

Pilate sends Jesus over to Herod, in town for the Passover. The sun is now up when Herod tries to get Jesus to do a miracle for his entertainment. Jesus refuses to say even a word to Herod which offends him, and after having Jesus beaten sends him back to Pilate with a robe as a gift. This initiates the sixth and final trial back at Pilate’s judgment seat (Matthew 27:15-26; Mark 15:6-15; Luke 23:13-25; John 18:39-19:16). Pilate says Jesus has done nothing deserving death, releases Barabbas, has Jesus scourged and presented  to the people now gathered. They cry out “crucify Him” and Pilate washes his hands as a sign of self-forgiveness, an act of cruelty and self-love. Pilate signs the death warrant and hands over Jesus to the soldiers.

Prior to be taken out by them, Jesus is mocked before and beaten before the crowd, for their enjoyment (Matthew 27:27-30; Mark 15:16-19). Jesus’ journey to the place of crucifixion is comprised of several scenes with common people:  a man pressed into service to carry the heavy cross bar and women who cry out (Matthew 27:31-34; Mark 15:20-23; Luke 23:26-33a; John 19:17).

9AM to 3PM:

The gospel writers divide up the crucifixion into two parts, from 9am to noon (Matthew 27:35-44; Mark 15:24-32; Luke 23:33b-43; John 19:18-27), and from noon to 3pm at which time death comes (Matthew 27:45-50; Mark 15:33-37; Luke 23:44-45a, 46; John 19:28-30). Jesus, alert and submissive to God, prays for the soldiers, “Father, forgive them, for they know not what they do” (Luke 23:34). The soldiers gamble for His garments, the last and final possession of Jesus, and affix a sign over his head, all designed to afflict your Lord with maximum shame, as though His sins were so great He deserved the greatest mockery and humiliation.

As Jesus dies an agonizing death He cries out words of sacred Scripture and forgiveness: “It is finished.” A number of miracles occur as a centurion bears witness to Jesus dying, the Son of God (Matthew 27:51-56; Mark 15:38-41; Luke 23:45b, 47-49).

After 3PM but before Sunset:

Pilate grants Jesus to be taken down from the cross in response to a wealthy man who gives the use of his tomb to your Lord, now dead in is humanity (Matthew 27:57-58; Mark 15:42-45; Luke 23:50-52; John 19:31-38). His body is quickly placed in the tomb before the Sabbath begins at sunset (Matthew 27:59-60; Mark 15:46; Luke 23:53-54; John 19:39-42).

Finally, the tomb in which your Lord’s holy body is laid is watched over by the women and guarded by the soldiers (Matthew 27:61-66; Mark 15:47; Luke 23:55-56).

The level of detail surrounding Jesus’ trials, punishments, and death is staggering. Every text rewards contemplation and consideration.

May your Good Friday, beloved friends in Christ, be profitable in your love for Him above all.

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Sent on April 10, 2020 by the Pastoral Staff (Ted Bigelow, Pastor of Preaching and Development and Steve Ridge, Executive Pastor) of Grace Bible Church of Colorado Springs.