It was Friday of Passion Week, a week of Holy preparation for the Passover Feast. On the surface, it may have seemed like anything but good. Yet, in his providence, God-Father is always able to see the panorama view, knowing that pure love has the power over any darkness.
“But it was the LORD’s good plan to crush him and cause him grief. Yet when his life is made an offering for sin, he will have many descendants. He will enjoy a long life, and the LORD’s good plan will prosper in his hands.” – Isaiah 53:10
Good Friday was but a glimpse in the greater glory of the unfolding plan for salvation of the of the events in history for it allowed for a direct access of forgiveness for sin, direct access to the God-Father, and the sending of the Holy Spirit to reside in all those who would believe after Jesus ascension.
Early Friday Morning
It was in the early morning that Judas, filled with remorse for betraying his friend with a kiss hung himself.
Before nine O’clock in the Morning
The trials accusing and condemning Jesus transpired, six in all, bringing Jesus before Annas, the Sanhedrin, the Romans, Pilate, and Herod. He was scourged, mocked, spat upon, his body broken, and condemned to a disgraceful crucifixion in a political ploy from many angles, yet an intricate portion of the grand design being orchestrated for a greater purpose.
About nine O’clock in the Morning
It was with the crown of thorns, that Jesus was insulted and mocked. By the hands of the Romans he was nailed to the wooden cross.
About Noon Until Three O’clock in the Afternoon
There was a holy hush of darkness that filled the sky. – Mark 15:33
Jesus Final Words of Love from the Cross
Jesus final words from the cross revealed not only his love, but his purpose as John 10:18 records Jesus sharing about his own life, “no one takes it from me, but I lay it down on my own accord. I have authority to lay it down and authority to take it up again. This command I receive from my Father.”
- “Father, forgive them, for they do not know what they are doing.” -Luke 23:34
- “I assure you, today you will be with me in paradise.” To the criminal next to him on the cross – Luke 23:43
- “Woman, behold thy son…” To his mother and John the disciple who then cared for her. – John 19:26-27
- “My God, My God why have you forsaken me?” The beginning of Psalm 22, feeling the agony, separation , and weight of sin and distance from God-Father
- Jesus knew that his mission was now finished, and to fulfill Scripture he said, “I am thirsty.” – John 19:28 This is from the continuation of Psalm 22:15, “My strength has dried up like sunbaked clay. My tongue sticks to the roof of my mouth. You have laid me in the dust and left me for dead.”
- When Jesus had tasted it, he said, “It is finished!” Then he bowed his head and released his spirit. – John 19:30
- “Father, into your hands I commit my spirit.” – Luke 23:46 Jesus was closing with the words from Psalm 31:5 in prayer to Father-God.
About Three O’clock in the Afternoon
It was at about 3:00 in the afternoon that the death of the God-Man, Jesus, occurred. The temple veil was torn from top to bottom, the earth shook, and the Passover lamb was slain in the temple. It was also then that Jesus who became the Passover Lamb for all breathed his last breath.
By Six O’clock in the Evening
Jesus body was taken by Nicodemus and Joseph of Arimathea to be placed in a tomb. – Matthew 27:57-61; Mark 15:42-47; Luke 23:50-56; John 19:38-42
Scripture for Reflection Today
Matthew 27:32-34
Mark 15:21-24
Luke 23:26-31
John 19:16-17
It was because of his love that God-Father sent his son to fulfill a requirement. It was because of the strength of love that Jesus endured the pain of the cross knowing the cost of both love and purpose. It is that same love that beckons us to receive all that he gave out of love so that our own souls may find peace and fulfillment in the divine relationship intended form the beginning, a restoration of intimacy through the Holy Spirit with the veil now torn.
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