Good Friday: Trial, Crucifixion, Death, and Burial

Matthew 27:1-62, Mark 15:1-47, Luke 22:63-23:56, John 18:28-19:37

Early Friday, Judas was overcome with remorse and hanged himself. Meanwhile, Jesus endured the shame of false accusations, condemnation, mockery, beatings, and abandonment. After multiple unlawful trials, He was sentenced to death by one of the most horrible and disgraceful methods known at the time: crucifixion.

Before He was led away, soldiers spit on, mocked, and pierced Jesus with a crown of thorns. Then He carried His own cross to Calvary where, again, He was mocked as Roman soldiers nailed Him to the wooden cross. Yet, among His final words were, “Forgive them.” (Luke 23:34). By mid afternoon, Jesus breathed His last breath. That evening, Nicodemus and Joseph took His body from the cross and lay it in a tomb.

Father God, Jesus cried out to you on the cross, “Why have you forsaken me?” You seemed so far from Him in His distress. Those who stood at the cross wondered where You were as He was mocked, shamed, and killed. God, when there is trouble, suffering, and death, we, too, cry out for Your help. Be near to us, and save us so that we may praise You for Your deliverance. Teach us to call Your name as Jesus did. Make us to trust in You like little children. In Jesus’ Name, Amen.