Good Friday

I debated whether or not to write this. Has nothing to do with the topic. I just want to make sure I get it right and not scare away anyone who might be on the fence about their beliefs or not believe in Jesus. Decided it would be okay to risk it as sometimes in life risks are required in order to flourish...and in this case, be saved. 

In my opinion, the two most important times in a church year are Christmas (the birth of Jesus) and this time right now. Today is Good Friday, Sunday is Easter. Days of solemn remembrance of unconditional love and sacrifice, and celebration of the resurrection of Jesus, respectively. This entry will focus on Good Friday as that is what today is.

Good Friday commemorates the crucifixion of Jesus. For believers, it is perhaps the most solemn day of the year and is observed with great humility and reverence. The best and most complete explanation of Good Friday is found in the Bible in John 18-19.  Here's a summary (really tough to summarize something like this, by the way):

• Jesus was betrayed by Judas, one of His disciples, who led soldiers and chief officials to the garden of Gethsemane where He and His disciples were.
• Jesus did not hide who He was. He knew why they were there, asked that His disciples be spared and went with the accusers.
• Jesus had predicted that Peter would deny him three times before a rooster crowed. Peter said that He would not, yet Jesus' predictions came true when he denied knowing and being associated with Him.
• In between these denials, Jesus was questioned by a High Priest on His teachings and His disciples. This eventually led to Jesus being taken to Caiaphas; to Pontius Pilate, the Roman governor, for public trial, where He was sentenced to be crucified instead of known criminal Barabbas.
• The path from the trial to the cross was long, arduous and heartbreaking. He was publicly tortured and shamed. They placed a crown of thorns on His head gave Him a purple robe. During this time, Pilate observed and could not find any basis for a charge against Him, but the leaders insisted that He must die because He claimed to be the Son of God.
• Jesus carried His own cross to the place of the Skull (in Aramaic, known as "Golgotha"). Fastened to the cross was the title "Jesus of Nazareth, The King of the Jews". Guards stripped Him of His clothes. Near the cross stood Jesus' mother, His mother's sister and Mary Magdalene, and a crowd of people, watching as He was nailed to the cross. 
• When the crucifixion was at its end, Jesus said "I am thirsty." A guard soaked a sponge in wine vinegar and gave it to him. Afterwards, Jesus said "It is finished" and His soul was returned to Heaven.
• The next day, His side was pierced with a spear to confirm that He had passed on.

Why?

"For God so loved the world that He gave His one and only Son, that whoever believes in Him shall not perish but have eternal life." John 3:16

The ultimate sacrifice. The most amazing account of unconditional love. For you, for me, for everyone. 

There are many movie depictions of this sacrifice. I believe that Mel Gibson's "The Passion of the Christ"  is one of the most powerful interpretations. The movie can be found in any number of sources, including Amazon and Netflix. While it is difficult to watch, I highly recommend it. Here is a trailer (please note: graphic content).

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Video Cred: While Mel Gibson is responsible for the movie, God is responsible for the content.

Thank you, Jesus, for your unconditional love, unimaginable sacrifice and for saving us.