One Thursday night while in the Garden of Gethsemane, Jesus was betrayed by Judas,(one of his disciples) arrested, tried, and endured trials throughout the night – he was found guilty of blasphemy by a court that was an absolute fraud!

A crown of thorns was pushed into his head. He was beaten with a short whip that had lead balls, bone fragments, and other sharp objects tied to its leather strips. This beating left him nearly dead, and yet he was forced to carry his own cross about 600 yards to Calvary. Then he was thrown on that cross and suffered unbearable torture as spikes were driven through his hands and feet.

About 9:00 Friday morning, the cross was lifted up. In order to get a breath he would have to push up on his feet to expand his diaphragm. The nails in his feet would cause excruciating pain with each breath. The soldiers mocked him, spit on him, and rolled dice for his clothing.

Watching him suffer in absolute horror and unbelief were his mother Mary, his mother’s sister (also named Mary), Mary Magdalene and His best friend John (one of his disciples).

Somewhere between the time of his crucifixion and 3:00 on that Friday afternoon, Jesus cried out “It is finished” then bowed his head and gave up his spirit. John 10:30

One of the soldiers pierced his side with a spear, and immediately blood and water flowed out.

They took him from the cross and laid him in a borrowed tomb. Jesus died for you and me. He sacrificed his life on that cruel cross and took our sins; past, present, and future so that we could (if we believe) be made righteous by his blood and that we could live forever with him in eternity.

Though he was God, he did not think of equality with God something to cling to. Instead, he gave up his divine privileges; he took the humble position of a slave and was born as a human being. When he appeared in human form, he humbled himself in obedience to God and died a criminal’s death on a cross ~ Philippians 2:6-8

His work was finished! He paid the penalty for our sins!

How can we possible call this Friday, good?

Just wait until Sunday morning!

In Christ Alone,

Arlene