Friday: The Six Day of the Week

Scripture:

And He, bearing His cross, went out to a place called the Place of a Skull, which is called in Hebrew, Golgotha, where they crucified Him, and two others with Him, one on either side, and Jesus in the center. Now Pilate wrote a title and put it on the cross. And the writing was: JESUS OF NAZARETH, THE KING OF THE JEWS. (Jn.19:17-19)



Meditation: Crucify Him! (Were You There?)

Crucify Him! Crucify Him! Screaming of the crowd was unbearable for Jesus. Not to mention His earthly mother, Mary who stood by the crowed and could not help her Son. She could feel the people for their anger, false accusation, thirst for blood, unkindness, etc. as if they were accusing her. Suddenly, every thing surround her seemed completely silence. Her eyes seeing but her ears not hearing, she was captured back to her memory.
Jesus was brought before Annas, the high priest who was the father-in-law of the High Priest Caiaphas (Jn18:13,24). After abusive treatment that they render to Jesus then brought before Caiaphas. He asked right question “Are you the Son of God?” to Jesus. In the mind of Jewish, the title ‘the Son of God’ simply indicates ‘God Himself.’ So Caiaphas was asking Jesus; “Are You God?” Jesus can’t tell lie, He said “You rightly say that I am” (Lk.22:70).
Now this was early morning hour of Friday (the six day of a week), it was also the feast of Passover which had being observed, they brought Jesus to Pilate. Pilate asked the right question to Jesus saying, “Are You the King of the Jews?” Jesus replied, “It is as you say.” Now the historical background played part here. Pilate was ruler of southern land of Judea. His Jurisdiction was not a part of Galilee where Jesus was resided in the town called Nazareth. So he sent Jesus back to Herod who was visiting Jerusalem at that time (Lk.23:7). At first he was happy to see Jesus for his popularity. Yet he end up mocking Him and sent Him back to Pilate.
Pilate substituted Barabbas instead of Jesus to release Him. The crowd cried out to chose Barabbas over Jesus. They shouted Crucify Him! Pilate being afraid of uprising and losing of his reputation, he simply washed his hands and surrender Jesus into their hands.



Jesus walked the way of cross on that day. It was still early morning. Jesus was brought to the place called Calvary also known as Golgotha (skull) and they crucified Him there around 9AM. His hands and feet peered through by nails to the wooden cross. He was lifted up and hung for six hours. At noon the darkness fell till 3PM when He died on the cross.

Jesus spoke seven words on cross. (1) “Father, forgive them, for they do not know what they do.” (2) Assuredly, I say to you, today you will be with Me in Paradise.” (3) “Woman, behold your son! Behold your mother!” (4) “I thirst!” (5) “Eli, Eli, lama sabachthani? (My God, My God, why have You forsaken Me?) (6) “Father, into Your hands I commend My spirit.” (7) “It is finished!”
Now the Sabbath was approaching at dusk of the Friday, around 6 PM it begun. Quickly buried Jesus’ body at the tomb of Joseph for they have to rest on the Sabbath according to the commandment. .

Application:



Where were you when Jesus was crucified? Were you there? Jesus paid our sins on the cross regardless of our belief and choice. You and I are covered by His atonement. Just to be sure to accept that perfect sacrifice (Jesus Christ) to offer as peace offering to God for our sins. In His pain and suffering He forgives our iniquity. Is this being the end of hopelessness? Indeed, it is finished and Sin has been paid in full. Peter denied today three times along the way, just beside Christ openly. Will you be denying Jesus today?