We call it “Passion Week” – the week that began at Palm Sunday and ended with the crucifixion of Jesus on Good Friday. The word “passion” comes from the Latin word which means “suffering.” To enhance your worship and appreciation for what Jesus did for us all, let’s follow Jesus through the Scripture during this most important week in human history and understand how the events of each day related to His substitutionary death and Glorious Resurrection.
It’s Friday….known as Good Friday. It’s good for us, as Jesus willingly gave Himself as a sacrifice for our sin. He paid a debt we could not pay – and He paid it in full.
In the wee hours of the morning, we know Jesus had a “sham” trial before the Jewish leaders. Read about it in Matthew 26:57-68; Mark 14:53-55; Luke 22:54; John 18:12-27. You can read about the three phases of Jesus’ Jewish trial, but everything about it was a sham. It was not in the official court of the Sanhedrin, as required. The trial was held on Passover, and trials were forbidden on Sabbath and Feast Days. The sentence of death followed immediately, when the law required a waiting period. The witnesses could not even get their stories straight, but Jewish law required complete agreement. None of that mattered to the leaders, as all they wanted was Jesus dead. It was during these trials that Peter denied Jesus. You know Peter regretted denying Jesus, but think about this from Luke. Just as Peter denied Christ the third time, a rooster crowed, and Peter remembered Jesus’ prophecy that he would deny Him. Luke tells us that Jesus turned at this moment and locked eyes with Peter. Luke 22:61. Overwhelmed by guilt and shame, Peter ran into the darkness weeping.
Jesus then went before Pilate. This was in the early morning hours. Read about this in Matthew 27:2, 11-14; Mark 15:1-5; Luke 23:1-5; John 18:28-38. The only reason they took Him to Pilate was because Roman law forbad conquered peoples from putting people to death. Pilate knew what was going on. Pilate actually declared Jesus innocent three times (Luke 23:4; John 18:38). He tried to avoid the pressure by sending Jesus to Herod, because Jesus was from Galilee. He wanted no part of this. But, Herod sent Jesus back to Pilate.
Pilate resisted some more. He knew the Jews handed over Jesus out of envy. (Matthew 27:16). Pilate’s wife warned Him not to act against Jesus. So, Pilate tried one last thing – it was Roman custom to release one prisoner on a feast day, so thinking it would relieve him of responsibility, Pilate offered to release Jesus, but the crowd chose Barabbas – a thief and a rebel. Mind you, this is the same crowd which had sang praises to Jesus as the Messiah on Palm Sunday, only 5 days before. The Jewish leaders were so angry at Jesus they even renounced God. Pilate asked them – “Should I crucify your king?” They responded – “We have no king but Caesar.” Total rejection. Pilate caved. He washed his hands of Jesus. Jesus was to be crucified.
After Pilate condemned Jesus, He was mocked and tortured. Read about it in Matthew 27:27-31; Mark 15:16-19, 25; John 19:14. Before crucifixion, the Romans flogged their victims. Persons condemned were tied to a post and beaten with leather straps that were embedded with sharp pieces of bone and metal. He was given a crown of thorns, pressed into His scalp. Then, he traveled to Golgotha, the “place of the skull.” He was nailed to the cross and crucified. Jesus died. To confirm His death, a Roman soldier pierced His side with a spear.
Want to hear the rest of the story? Join us tonight at 6 P.M. for a special showing of the movie, Risen, which picks up right here. Then, make plans to join us Resurrection Sunday, April 17, at 11 A.M. to celebrate the Resurrection of Jesus Christ – the fulfillment of Scripture.