If you have seen the amazing movie by Mel Gibson The Passion of the Christ, you know that calling the day Jesus was crucified “good” seems a bit strange. But the fact is, if you know the story, it does have a happy ending. Because this day is so dark and sad, I started a new tradition a few years ago.
My first plan of action for today will be to head out, with my sweet dog The Judge, to Panera Bread. There I will purchase some Hot Cross Buns. (They only have them through Easter Sunday.)
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 captured Jesus. They arrested him then drug him to an illegal trial that the Jewish leadership set up in the wee hours of the morning. After that, He was brutally beaten. Passed between Herod and Pilate, he was finally handed over for a terrible torture – crucifixion. Where he was hung between two thieves.
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 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.
It was a very full and powerful day.
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
