Holy Week: Good Friday
I started a new tradition a few years ago. And I’ve been looking forward to it all week. My first plan of action for today was to head out, with the Judge in tow of course, and make the trek to Panera Bread. They have the BEST Hot Cross Buns and they will only have them through Easter Sunday. So, off I went! To not only keep my Good Friday tradition, but to enjoy a yummy treat.
Sure, I make it sound like Good Friday is all about the food, but you and I both know the cross on those holiday buns is simply to remind us of what happened on this day more than 2,000 years ago.
Basically, in the middle of the night, (Thursday night) Roman soldiers accosted Jesus. They arrested him then drug him to a trumped up, illegal trial by the Jewish leadership that was held in the wee hours of the morning. After that, He was brutally beaten. Passed between Herod and Pilate, he was finally handed over for the most brutal torture – crucifixion. Where he was hung between two thieves. (By the way, did you catch that? They crucified thieves! Today, pedophiles and murderers enjoy prisons. But I digress…)
Jesus was put on the cross close to 9:00 am in the morning and hung there most of the day. At noon, the sky grew dark, and there was an earthquake. Close to 3:00 pm, He gave up His spirit and died. One of my favorite parts, that you don’t hear much about, is that graves opened when that happened and the bodies (not spirits mind you. See: Soma-Gk.) of the saints came out and visited loved ones. If you don’t believe me check this out.
Matt. 27:52-53 The tombs were opened, and many bodies of the saints who had fallen asleep were raised; and coming out of the tombs after His resurrection they entered the holy city and appeared to many.
That is just too cool! It was a very full and powerful day. Don’t let it go by without taking a moment to pause and revisit this amazing event.
I know we are all busy, but when you have a second, read the story. Matthew chapter 27 today.
In Remembrance of Him.
S.
Verses for Today:
Matt 27:1-61
Mark 15:1-47
Luke 22: 66- 23:55
John 18:28-42
