Remembering Good Friday

Dividing up his clothes, they threw dice for them. The people stood there staring at Jesus and the ringleaders made faces, taunting. “He saved others. Let’s see him save himself: The Messiah of God-ha!”  (Luke 23: 34-35 The Message)

A gray shroud of clouds blocked the sun. Wind whipped the trees. Waves churned the lake. The dismal morning expressed the day perfectly. 

            As I read the Gospel accounts of Good Friday, I imagined what it must have been like in Jerusalem that day over two thousand years ago.

            A beaten, bloody Jesus hung on a rough-hewn cross. Jeering spectators watched the execution of Him between two other men. 

            Romans placed death crosses along thoroughfares to deter crime and rebellion. To remind occupied residents of Roman control. 

            Soldiers taunted Jesus. Laughed at the sign King of the Jews near his head. They gambled for his clothes. Their laugher and scoffing added to the indignity. Satisfied Jewish leaders looked on from afar. 

            Multitudes of people, in the city for Passover, streamed past the dying men. Some stopped to watch. Perhaps they had become accustomed to the horrible killings. 

            Confusion reigned too. How could that happen to the one who taught and healed? Jesus preached to thousands. Healed and comforted countless people when they were sick, lonely, and dejected. Where were they? Though He saved them, they deserted Him. 

            Even most of those closest to Him hid. Pretended they never knew Him.  

            But a small group of mourners stood at the foot of the cross. Horrified as they watched the spectacle.  In disbelief, they saw life slowly drain from his body.  

            Hour after hour, the grieving followers remained. They ignored the callous soldiers and heartless Jewish leaders. Their love for Jesus kept them close even though they didn’t understand what was happening. Discouragement and heartache consumed them but love kept them at His feet. 

            My gloomy lake scene fit the sorrow of the day Jesus died.  It reminded me the despair of Good Friday came before the joy of Easter. 

Lord, as we prepare for the celebration of Easter, take us to the agony of the cross. Amen