Before the Cross: Events of the Holy WeekSample

Events of the Holy Week: Friday

What’s amazing about Mark 14:43-52 is that even while he was being betrayed, Jesus knew and desired for Scripture to be fulfilled.

Jesus was led to Annas, then Caiaphas, and after being questioned throughout the night, was bound up and led away to Pilate. (John 18:13-24, Matthew 27:1-2)

Then the whole company of them arose and brought him before Pilate. And they began to accuse him, saying, “We found this man misleading our nation and forbidding us to give tribute to Caesar, and saying that he himself is Christ, a king.” And Pilate asked him,”Are you the King of the Jews?” And he answered him, “You have said so.” Then Pilate said to the chief priests and the crowds, “I find no guilt in this man.” But they were urgent, saying, “He stirs up the people, teaching throughout all Judea, from Galilee even to this place.” – Luke 23:1-5

When Pilate heard this, he asked whether the man was a Galilean. And when he learned that he belonged to Herod’s jurisdiction, he sent him over to Herod, who was himself in Jerusalem at that time. When Herod saw Jesus, he was very glad, for he had long desired to see him, because he had heard about him, and he was hoping to see some sign done by him. So he questioned him at some length, but he made no answer. The chief priests and the scribes stood by, vehemently accusing him. And Herod with his soldiers treated him with contempt and mocked him. Then, arraying him in splendid clothing, he sent him back to Pilate. And Herod and Pilate became friends with each other that very day, for before this they had been at enmity with each other. – Luke 23:6-12

Pilate then called together the chief priests and the rulers and the people, and said to them, “You brought me this man as one who was misleading the people. And after examining him before you, behold, I did not find this man guilty of any of your charges against him. Neither did Herod, for he sent him back to us. Look, nothing deserving death has been done by him. I will therefore punish and release him.”

But they all cried out together,”Away with this man, and release to us Barabbas”— a man who had been thrown into prison for an insurrection started in the city and for murder. Pilate addressed them once more, desiring to release Jesus, but they kept shouting, “Crucify, crucify him!” A third time he said to them, “Why, what evil has he done?

I have found in him no guilt deserving death. I will therefore punish and release him.”But they were urgent, demanding with loud cries that he should be crucified. And their voices prevailed. So Pilate decided that their demand should be granted. He released the man who had been thrown into prison for insurrection and murder, for whom they asked, but he delivered Jesus over to their will. – Luke 23:13-25

Today, Friday, we recognize the crucifixion of Jesus. The day He paid the penalty for our sins on the Cross. Really though, we should recognize this every day because there is absolutely nothing we can do without Jesus and without what He has already done for us. He must increase, and we must decrease.

As we begin this Easter Weekend, take time to pray and read Scripture (Luke 23:26-29), and remember what Jesus has done for you and for all of us.

It is because of the finished work on the Cross, that we are forgiven of our sins and can have a relationship with God, for those who believe in Jesus and surrender their lives over to Him.

Now there was a man named Joseph, from the Jewish town of Arimathea. He was a member of the council, a good and righteous man, who had not consented to their decision and action; and he was looking for the kingdom of God. This man went to Pilate and asked for the body of Jesus. Then he took it down and wrapped it in a linen shroud and laid him in a tomb cut in stone, where no one had ever yet been laid. It was the day of Preparation, and the Sabbath was beginning. – Luke 23:50-54

And we know, as Sunday approaches, Jesus didn’t only die on the Cross, but He rose again!