Crucifixtion
Judas
He received power to heal (Matt. 10:1–4)
It was prophesied that one of Messiah’s close associates would betray Him, (Pss. 41:9; 55:12–14), but this fact does not relieve Judas of responsibility. We must not make him a martyr because he fulfilled this prophecy.
John 13:27
fact does not relieve Judas of responsibility. We must not make him a martyr because he fulfilled this prophecy.
Peter
faithful to death, and yet they went to sleep!
Peter and his fellow disciples had promised to be faithful to death, and yet they went to sleep!
They were with Him on the Mount of Transfiguration (Matt. 17:1ff) and in the home of Jairus where He raised Jairus’ daughter from the dead (Luke 8:49ff). He wanted them to watch and pray.
Salome, the mother of James and John. Salome had asked Jesus for special thrones for her sons. We wonder how she felt as she saw Him hanging on a cross.
Joseph and Nicodemus could very well have been in the garden waiting for Jesus to die. When they took Him from the cross, they defiled themselves and were not able to eat the Passover. But, what difference did it make? They had found the Lamb of God!