Good Friday: What Happened in Holy Week

Trials, Crucifixion, and Death on the Cross

(Are you looking for a short series of meditations on Christ and His Cross? Consider “The Psalm on the Cross: Journey to the Heart of Jesus through Psalm 22”. Go here.

Outline

• Jesus before the Sanhedrin (Matthew 26:57–68, Mark 14:53–65, Luke 22:54–55, 63–71). Jesus was taken to the high priest’s house for questioning. False witnesses testified against him, but their statements did not agree. The high priest charged Jesus under oath to say if he was the Messiah. Jesus affirmed his identity, and the Sanhedrin condemned him for blasphemy.
• Peter’s Denial (Matthew 26:69–75, Mark 14:66–72, Luke 22:56–62). Peter denied knowing Jesus three times, as Jesus had predicted.
• Jesus before Pilate and Herod (Matthew 27:1–2, 11–26; Mark 15:1–15; Luke 23:1–25). The Sanhedrin handed Jesus over to Pilate, the Roman governor. Pilate questioned Jesus and found no basis for the charges against him. Learning that Jesus was from Galilee, Pilate sent him to Herod, who mocked him and sent him back. Pilate offered to release Jesus, but the crowd demanded Barabbas instead. Pilate yielded to the crowd’s demand and sentenced Jesus to crucifixion.
• The Crucifixion (Matthew 27:27–56, Mark 15:16–41, Luke 23:26–49). Jesus was mocked, beaten, and led to Golgotha for crucifixion. He was crucified between two criminals, and the soldiers cast lots for his garments. Jesus spoke seven last words from the cross, including “Father, forgive them” and “It is finished.” He died after several hours, and the temple curtain was torn in two.
• The Burial of Jesus (Matthew 27:57–61, Mark 15:42–47, Luke 23:50–56). Joseph of Arimathea asked Pilate for Jesus’ body and laid it in his own new tomb. The women who followed Jesus saw where he was buried.

Meditation

Good Friday marks the somber remembrance of Jesus’ suffering and death on the cross. As we reflect on the events of this day, we are confronted with the depth of Jesus’ love for us and the magnitude of his sacrifice. He endured betrayal, false accusations, mockery, and unimaginable physical pain to atone for our sins and reconcile us to God.

As we contemplate the cross, we are reminded of the cost of our redemption and the weight of our sins. Yet, even in his agony, Jesus extended forgiveness to those who crucified him and to the repentant criminal beside him. His death tore the veil separating humanity from God, granting us access to the Father through faith in him. We should approach the foot of the cross with humble gratitude and a renewed commitment to living for the One who died for us.

Additional Thoughts

• How does reflecting on the events of Good Friday deepen our understanding of God’s love and the significance of Jesus’ sacrifice on our behalf?
• Spend 60 minutes today in complete silence. No talking. Read and reread the passages above.

Collect

Almighty God, we pray you graciously to behold this your family, for whom our Lord Jesus Christ was willing to be betrayed, and given into the hands of sinners, and to suffer death upon the cross; who now lives and reigns with you and the Holy Spirit, one God, for ever and ever. Amen.

David Roseberry writes posts and books on relevant topics applying biblical truth and wisdom. His work can be found at LeaderWorks, where he is Executive Director.