solemn day of remembrance and reflection

Good Friday Devotional

Introduction Good Friday is a solemn day of remembrance and reflection on the sacrificial death of Jesus Christ on the cross. It is a time to contemplate the magnitude of His love and the profound impact of His sacrifice on humanity. Let's explore some key points and scriptures to deepen our understanding and appreciation of this significant day.

1. The Betrayal and Arrest of Jesus

Scripture Reference: Matthew 26:47–50 “While he was still speaking, Judas came, one of the twelve, and with him a great crowd with swords and clubs, from the chief priests and the elders of the people. Now the betrayer had given them a sign, saying, “The one I will kiss is the man; seize him.” And he came up to Jesus at once and said, “Greetings, Rabbi!” And he kissed him. Jesus said to him, “Friend, do what you came to do.” Then they came up and laid hands on Jesus and seized him.”

Key Point: Jesus was betrayed by one of His own disciples, Judas Iscariot. Despite knowing the betrayal, Jesus willingly submitted to God's plan, demonstrating His obedience and love for humanity.

2. The Trial and Condemnation of Jesus

Scripture Reference: Matthew 27:11–26 “Now Jesus stood before the governor, and the governor asked him, “Are you the King of the Jews?” Jesus said, “You have said so.” But when he was accused by the chief priests and elders, he gave no answer. Then Pilate said to him, “Do you not hear how many things they testify against you?” But he gave him no answer, not even to a single charge, so that the governor was greatly amazed. Now at the feast the governor was accustomed to release for the crowd any one prisoner whom they wanted. And they had then a notorious prisoner called Barabbas. So when they had gathered, Pilate said to them, “Whom do you want me to release for you: Barabbas, or Jesus who is called Christ?” For he knew that it was out of envy that they had delivered him up. Besides, while he was sitting on the judgment seat, his wife sent word to him, “Have nothing to do with that righteous man, for I have suffered much because of him today in a dream.” Now the chief priests and the elders persuaded the crowd to ask for…”

Key Point: Jesus faced an unjust trial and was condemned to death by crucifixion. He remained silent and did not defend Himself, fulfilling the prophecy of Isaiah 53:7, which speaks of the suffering servant.

3. The Suffering and Crucifixion of Jesus

Scripture Reference: Matthew 27:27–56 “Then the soldiers of the governor took Jesus into the governor’s headquarters, and they gathered the whole battalion before him. And they stripped him and put a scarlet robe on him, and twisting together a crown of thorns, they put it on his head and put a reed in his right hand. And kneeling before him, they mocked him, saying, “Hail, King of the Jews!” And they spit on him and took the reed and struck him on the head. And when they had mocked him, they stripped him of the robe and put his own clothes on him and led him away to crucify him. As they went out, they found a man of Cyrene, Simon by name. They compelled this man to carry his cross. And when they came to a place called Golgotha (which means Place of a Skull), they offered him wine to drink, mixed with gall, but when he tasted it, he would not drink it. And when they had crucified him, they divided his garments among them by casting lots. Then they sat down and kept watch over him there. And over his head they put the…”

Key Point: Jesus endured immense physical and emotional suffering on the cross. His crucifixion is a powerful reminder of the cost of our redemption and the depth of God's love for us.

4. The Words of Jesus on the Cross

Scripture Reference:

Luke 23:34 “And Jesus said, “Father, forgive them, for they know not what they do.” And they cast lots to divide his garments.” ;

John 19:26–27 “When Jesus saw his mother and the disciple whom he loved standing nearby, he said to his mother, “Woman, behold, your son!” Then he said to the disciple, “Behold, your mother!” And from that hour the disciple took her to his own home.” ;

Matthew 27:46 “And about the ninth hour Jesus cried out with a loud voice, saying, “Eli, Eli, lema sabachthani?” that is, “My God, my God, why have you forsaken me?”” ;

John 19:30 “When Jesus had received the sour wine, he said, “It is finished,” and he bowed his head and gave up his spirit.”

Key Point: Jesus' words on the cross reveal His heart and mission. He forgave His persecutors, cared for His mother, expressed His anguish, and ultimately declared, "It is finished," signifying the completion of His redemptive work.

5. The Significance of Jesus' Death

Scripture Reference: Romans 5:6–8 “For while we were still weak, at the right time Christ died for the ungodly. For one will scarcely die for a righteous person—though perhaps for a good person one would dare even to die— but God shows his love for us in that while we were still sinners, Christ died for us.” ;

1 Peter 2:24 “He himself bore our sins in his body on the tree, that we might die to sin and live to righteousness. By his wounds you have been healed.” ;

2 Corinthians 5:21 “For our sake he made him to be sin who knew no sin, so that in him we might become the righteousness of God.”

Key Point: Jesus' death on the cross is the ultimate expression of God's love and grace. Through His sacrifice, we are forgiven, reconciled to God, and given the gift of eternal life.

Conclusion As we meditate on the events of Good Friday, let us be reminded of the immense love and sacrifice of Jesus Christ. His death on the cross is not the end, but a prelude to the glorious resurrection that we celebrate on Easter Sunday. May this time of reflection draw us closer to God and deepen our gratitude for His incredible gift of salvation.