Scripture: Matthew 27 v 1 - 5: "When the morning was come, all the chief priests and elders of the people took counsel against Jesus to put him to death:
2 And when they had bound him, they led him away, and delivered him to Pontius Pilate the governor.
3 Then Judas, which had betrayed him, when he saw that he was condemned, repented himself, and brought again the thirty pieces of silver to the chief priests and elders,
4 Saying, I have sinned in that I have betrayed the innocent blood. And they said, What is that to us? see thou to that.
5 And he cast down the pieces of silver in the temple, and departed, and went and hanged himself."
Today is the memorial of a tragic day when the world killed the Son of God, but its called Good Friday because it was the fulfilment of God's plan to save mankind.
That the betrayer of Jesus found his conscience and had remorse, and tried to reverse the judgment of death, was commendable, however he could not live with the consequences of his actions. Before Jesus was scourged, Judas was dead by his own hand.
Jesus knew in the Garden of Gethsemane what He had to go through to save the world, even for them that had plotted His death. He had to conquer the only power that created a barrier between the world and His Father. Sin.
The world has turned every type of sin into fun and games. Has turned a blind eye to the grossest offences. Jesus died for them all. He is the Lamb of God who takes away the sin of the world.
All over the world this Good Friday people are crying out to God for forgiveness and salvation because our planet is in turmoil of horrific wars, revelations of prominent people involved in the most vile sex crimes against children, corrupt governments and fake news.
However, Jesus did warn us that when the world had become like Sodom and Gomorrah, and like the days of Noah, He would be at the door. He always knew He would return to Earth, that He would rise from the tomb, ascend into Heaven.
And He said that before He returned there would be plagues, climate change, heart disease, earthquakes, all bigger and worse than before. But the world only listens to scientists, professors, politicians and their astrological charts. The Bible and the King of Kings is not of any consequence.
This Good Friday we are seeing the stirrings of the world revival inspired by the Holy Spirit. This makes it better than good for me! It's the best Friday ever when the world Jesus died for is turned upside down and shaken so that the sinners get saved by the Blood of Jesus.
If fear of the consequences of sin is what it takes to shake us from lethargy and call on God's mercy, there is joy throughout Heaven when another name is added to the roll up yonder. God wants sinners saved and He is in a hurry. This Good Friday is the best day to do this!
From His arrest in the Garden of Gethsemane, Jesus was taken before the Sanhedrin who took Him to the Roman Governor, Pontius Pilate and demanded He be put to death. After questioning Jesus who remained silent, Pilate declared that he found no fault with Him, and washed his hands of the matter. He did say Jesus should be scoured, whipped by a horrible whip that ripped His back open as it removed ribbons of flesh. By these stripes we are healed.
The soldiers mocked Him and put a crown of thorns from an now extinct tree called Nabk. These very large thorns were thrust into His skull most painfully. By this time it was almost dawn and Peter was mingling with the crowds outside to find out what was happening to Jesus. Someone recognized him and shouted out that he was one of his followers, which he loudly denied. At that moment Jesus was being dragged outside and His eyes met Peter's. Peter went out into the dawn and wept bitterly.
Around noon after being weakened by pain and loss of blood, Jesus was made to carry His Cross to the place of Crucifixion, the mount of Golgotha. He stumbled and fell so the guards made a stranger carry it for Him.
He was nailed with nine inch long nails through wrists and feet to wooden beams and raised upright between two other crucified men. A sign Pilate insisted on, He is the King of the Jews, was hung above His head against huge objection by the Jewish Priests.
Just before 3pm in Jerusalem the sky darkened as an eclipse of the Sun took place. Jesus Christ took His final breath. A very strong earthquake shook the whole city and the 4 inch thick curtain sealing off the Holy of Holies was severed from top to bottom. The way to the Father was open to all who believe in His Son.
Prayer: Heavenly Father, we are commanded to preach the gospel to every person, to shout the name of Jesus from the rooftops. This Good Friday when we know we are deep into the last days before Jesus returns to Earth, let us be in remembrance of what it took to save us, and how many still remain in danger of never finding Him unless we tell them. In Jesus' name. Amen.
In Jesus' name. Amen.