Lent and Holy Week end with an invitation to contemplate history’s darkest day. We know how the story ends, but let’s not rush past this. Let’s make space to remember.
Mark’s account of Jesus’s final hours is relentlessly brutal. As Jesus waits before Pilate’s questioning “like a lamb led to the slaughter,” He offers no defense for himself (Isaiah 53:7). He stands in vulnerability, letting humanity throw its worst at Him.
Even as Pilate finds no fault and offers to spare His life according to Passover custom, the mob demands His death even louder. The chief priests fling accusations and stir up the crowd against Him (Mark 15:11–14). He is mocked by the empire’s soldiers, the passersby, and “even those who were crucified with him” (vv.16–32). His broken, tortured body becomes a spectacle for a jeering crowd that still watches for a miracle that never comes. Even the charge written against Him on the cross—“The King of the Jews”—reads like an insulting joke.
This is no ordinary execution, and it’s certainly not the hero’s death of epic fables. Humiliation upon humiliation, pain upon pain (v.34).
Yet even in this darkest hour, He was not alone.
Women who loved Him, followed Him, and supported His ministry watched from a distance. If He did come down from the cross, they would be the first ones by His side. If not, they would care for Him still in death.
A Roman centurion was watching. When he saw how Jesus faced death, the moment when He “let out a loud cry and breathed his last,” (v.37) something moved this soldier to acknowledge the truth—this is no ordinary man, but truly the Son of God (vv.37–39).
Joseph of Arimathea, an esteemed member of the Sanhedrin, was there too at the end. He boldly asked for Jesus’s body so He could be laid to rest with some dignity before the Sabbath arrives. He likely had no idea he was part of setting the stage for the greatest miracle of all (v.43).
Sunday, we will celebrate. We will say “He is risen” with joy-filled hearts. We know this darkness will pass away, a pause before the final victory.
But for now, let us wait. Let us linger on the threshold a little while. Let us wait alongside the women and the centurion and Joseph and everyone who had hoped for a Messiah, who felt like their dreams had breathed their last with Him.
Because Sunday, the light breaks through.
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45 thoughts on "Good Friday"
I love you so much Jesus. Even if I do not show it and I am a bad girl at time. You are the love of my life, you give me hope and you never stop pursuing me with your love. Nothing in this life compares to that. Help me to be more like you and less like the world.
7 He was oppressed, and he was afflicted,
yet he opened not his mouth;
like a lamb that is led to the slaughter,
and like a sheep that before its shearers is silent,
so he opened not his mouth. – Isaiah 53:7
Kelly NEO, Thank you. It just hit me they had been missing for a while.
Dorothy, when I taught kids about Jesus’ death and resurrection I would share about Lazarus first. He died, was prepared for burial, laid in a tomb and had a stone rolled over the door. When Jesus said, “Lazarus come forth” he hobbled out of the tomb still in his burial cloths. Had to be unwrapped, redressed and fed. But Jesus died on the cross, was prepared for burial, placed in a tomb and also had a stone rolled up to seal the entrance. But Jesus didn’t walk out of the tomb! He rose from death leaving his burial cloths right where they had laid him. The face covering neatly folded and laid aside(symbol of having finished). Just rose right up through the rock to his Father’s arms. Additional thought Lazarus would die again but Jesus would not. He is still alive and with us today. Hope this helps with Kyla.
Wow.. I have no words… I love Jesus so much. After all that we did to Him, after all the disrespect, torture, humiliation… He Still chooses to love us.
In Yesterday’s reading Mark 14:25 – (after giving the cup to the disciples) “truely I say to you, I will no longer drink of the fruit of the vine until that day when I drink it new in the kingdom of God”. In todays reading, he was offered wine mixed with Myrrh on the cross before the vinegar. I looked it up and it was offered to help dull pain. It stuck out to me, did Jesus say what he did in chapter 14 to make the point that he was going to bear all the pain. Surely no one would have thought anything of him for drinking it, but he refused anything that would make it more bearable or tolerable. Something I’m sitting with tonight and tomorrow. Thankful for the coming light on Sunday.
CLAIRE B – ERB mentioned a while ago she was pulling back from comments but she pops up once and a while. Not sure about Maura. ❤
❤️
My post is in response to churchmouse by the way!
Your post meant so much to me. Currently experiencing a dark time. Such comfort to know how much can change in just 3 days ❤️
As my husband and I are dealing with worldly things I know the Lord Carrie’s our burdens. Reading this Good Friday messages has filled me with so much hope and a lot can happen in three days!
BTW, Have I missed it or have ERB and Maura disappeared?
Every Good Friday I feel like at some point during the day darkness should come and the earth give a little shake. It just seems like it would be fitting.
It’s hard for me to wait in this place of sadness and grief; waiting for Easter. But I know that if I don’t focus on his sacrifice, I may miss the miracle of his resurrection. ✝️
The name Barabbas -the criminal that was released- means “son of the Father”. The Son of the Father was released to humanity this day. And the significance of His death right before Passover, when the lamb was killed and the blood smeared over the doorpost so the angel of death will pass over and spare that household really tie both Old and new testament events. When I read that God was pleased to crush His son, pleased, i realize God used suffering as a redemption tool and He is not emotional like us humans but extremely purpose oriented. God is very discreet in His ways, not loud, not promoting, not to show off either. He is secretive. He let people mock. He let His son die, tortured to the satisfaction of the wicked humanity, as a total defeat. And what is the sign? How would one know seeing things “fall apart”. He didn’t come down to save himself in front of thousands for them to see and believe. How would one know the veil is torn in the temple unless one is in the temple? May we ever be so sensitive toward God that we won’t miss His revelation. If we just look on the outward, just box God in our human expectations, we definitely would think this is a total defeat, instead of the MOST brilliant plan ever to even feel pleased. Praise God for His ever so discreet and excellent wisdom.
A lot can happen in 3 days. Hold on, dear sisters, those of you who are experiencing the painful darkness of your circumstances and not sure if or how you will get through(Me too). It seems so dark and so, well hopeless. Hang on, a lot can happen in 3 days. The veil in the Temple tore from top to bottom so you can walk, run, no RUSH right through to lay all your burdens at the foot of the cross (I’m right beside you, girlfriends). There on that cross is the One who loves you most and laid down His life, can you believe it, willingly taking your place. Who does that?!? An innocent man(though so much more) bearing your guilt and your punishment in your place (again, me too). If He does that for you, what else can He do? Oh yes, hold on. A lot can happen in 3 days. Just. You. Wait.
I finished reading Isaiah 53 and WOW!!!! How Isaiah predicted, not predicted envisioned or maybe even foretold, all that was going to happen on Good Friday — that Friday, the day they CRUSIFIED MY LORD. And the women, the WOMEN THAT STUCK BY CHRIST. Then there was Joseph and Nicodemus, they risked everything to bury Christ.
I ran into a dilemma last night at work, Finley’s sister Kyla — she has High Spectrum Autism and is at a 6th grade level of intelligence — we were discussing Good Friday and Easter Sunday. She said she is Christian and they go to church but she didn’t understand Good Friday and Easter that well. So I tried to explain it. She asked what I meant by “Christ rose from the dead”. I sat and contemplated it for about five minutes before I could answer her. I told her that His body came back to life but I’m not really satisfied with that answer. Can you my sisters in Christ help me to give her a better answer that she will understand, please?
Sisters be blessed and remember it’s okay to be sad at times.
Good morning Sisters.
I have been so sick to my stomach walking through this week with Jesus and His disciples. First feeling the excitement and the joy the 12 had with their communion and closeness with Jesus, following along beside Him as He performed miracles and drew in the crowds! Can you imagine in the beginning? That feeling of nervousness and unbelief- (the feeling we have all encountered at one time), then coming to the point of astonishment and being proud to be the chosen ones! Now they were watching Jesus perform miracles, preaching, and creating a huge following, and they were in the inner circle.
But then, the Romans and Pharisees start their counter-actions against Him, calling Him out to be a phony. You watch as he is grabbed, sentenced, beaten, and barely human-looking, and hung on the cross. You keep waiting for the miracle of Him coming off the cross, but it doesn’t happen.
I am there with them in my grief, my confusion, my hurting. Yes, I know we can live in the joy of Sunday, but I don’t want to be there yet. I don’t want to skip this solemn feeling, because this is where I need to be. We NEED to feel the heaviness of our SAVIOR on the CROSS, bleeding, being mocked, dying for me, and you. For all that have faith, this is the prophesied Messiah!! But He must be crucified, the lamb to slaughter, the blood to shed. I will wait, I will wait on you, Lord.
Pierced for our transgressions. Crushed for our iniquities. The punishment that brought us peace was upon Him. By His wounds we are healed…The Lord has laid on Him the iniquity of us all. Pierced, crushed, punished – in my place. How can I not surrender my all to Him? He died so that I might live. Only a loving, forgiving God could do such a thing. Thank you Father. Thank you Jesus. May I strive to live every day for You with a heart totally surrendered.
Yes Allison, I’m so grateful that we know He rose on the third day and don’t have to struggle with those feelings!! Thank you for your comments, I know they will be helpful in future situations when I forget that my prayer may be being answered differently than I wanted or expected!
Crushed. Pierced. Blood poured out like grapes in the winepress. But so much more brutal. Lingering in this tortuous state brings much humility, and a heaviness to my heart. “In the crushing there is new wine”, but there is waiting in between. The pain must be felt before healing comes. A lone seed buried in the darkness, unseen. “Watch and pray” – Jesus.
All I can think of are the followers “watching for a miracle that never comes”. How many times have I believed that God had the power to do something I needed or wanted and waited for it only to see it never come. I was angry and hurt but in the end settled my spirit by reminding myself God is in control. Can you imagine what His disciples felt- they had seen Jesus perform miracles, they had seen Him heal. They knew that He could “come down and save Himself” and I bet they were secretly hoping He would so they could selfishly say “see !! We knew he was the Messiah”but they had no clue Sunday was coming!!! Praising God this morning that He is in control and works ALL things out (even Jesus’ death) for His Glory!!!!
Good Friday always brings up emotions for me. The sacrifice that was made for us. I feel so unworthy. I cannot imagine as Mary watched Jesus go through this. I am beyond thankful for the act of Jesus sacrifice that heals us. Today is a day that makes me want to strive to be better. To remember just who we are living for. To share the news of Christ.
Leigh, I have loved this moment of light in the darkness for a long time as well, but I love the depth you’ve recognized. Thank you for sharing and giving me another layer to consider and love about this moment in the Gospels.
I am not worthy. I’ll be taking time throughout this Good Friday to ponder what Jesus did for mankind.
Thank you Jesus for the greatest Love sacrifice the world has ever known!
When I walked through the darkest season of my life, a Christian counselor encouraged me to linger there for awhile and allow the grief and sadness to come. Often we want to jump to the good parts, the happy parts, when everything is all better; but dwelling in the sadness and brokenness and pain for awhile can be good for the soul. I think it is important to see the depravity of ourselves, the sinfulness of our hearts, the fickleness of our minds. Thank you, Jesus, for taking all of that with you on the Cross. My heart is full of gratitude today for Your sacrifice for me, a sinner, now saved by Your blood.
Wow. Thank you Lord. Thank you for your sacrifice. May I live my life in praise back to you, for what you’ve done for me. For us. For every nation. May others come to TRULY know and understand the pure love and amazing sacrifice you gave, so that they could know you. You’re so good Lord.
The brightest dark day there ever was! Help us Jesus to shine your resurrection light on those still wandering in the dark. Thank you Jesus for your living, suffering and dying. Most of all for your forgiving and redeeming! I love you. Let me live a life that shows your suffering was not in vain.
LEIGH – thank you for your insights regarding the thief on the cross. The layer that speaks to me is the perspective of suffering -“ how encouraged Christ must have been to have this tangible sign from His Father that even in the very worst of the agony and pain, He is accomplishing the greatest love ever created. Redemption & reconciliation.”
Our suffering is not wasted – God is Sovereign even over pain and uses it to share His great love. So encouraging for us when we experience seemingly senseless suffering.
I am so unworthy of this grace and mercy, but JESUS calls me worthy and calls me His. Thank you thank you Jesus for your sacrifice and paying the greatest price
7 And she gave birth to her firstborn son and wrapped him in swaddling cloths and laid him in a manger, because there was no place for them in the inn. 14 “Glory to God in the highest,
and on earth peace among those with whom he is pleased!” – Luke 2:7,14. From His very humble beginning….to His “final” resting place “wrapped in linen and laid in the tomb” His was always to do the will of Hs Heavenly Father…..who loved us so much that He became like us in all ways but sin to teach us how to live, how to love, how to trust, and how to give His whole life in service to His Father’s will. “ O God, help me to have a relationship with you, to trust who You are, and to go wherever You lead me.”
Mark is the only version that doesn’t reveal one of the most beautiful and affirming moments during Jesus’ crucifixion – the thief on the cross. The one who SEES Jesus for who He is. The one who takes accountability for the sins he has committed and anguishes that Jesus is being punished for everyone else’s failings, not any of His own. The thief on the cross is one of the most humbling, glorious salvation stories in the entirety of Scripture. God, The Father, gave Jesus this timely reminder that He is reconciling His children. I can only imagine how that moment where the thief beside him declares the truth and begs to be remembered – how encouraged Christ must have been to have this tangible sign from His Father that even in the very worst of the agony and pain, He is accomplishing the greatest love ever created. Redemption & reconciliation. I’ve always related to the thief because I long to be near Him, even though I know I’m not worthy. To look Him in the eyes and hear the most magnificent words I would ever hear : “today you will be with me in paradise”. I tear up every time I come upon it. It is so weighted and rich and layered. It is the highest hope I believe documented. The very promise of God, illustrated in exactness, for us all to witness. I only wish we got to read it today. I encourage you to read the other gospels to hear the story and to dwell on its magnitude.
O wretched one that I am. If I were there, where would I have been in that mob? The reality of the fickleness of my heart tells me I would not be any different than the ones who mocked Him or abandoned Him. Yet He took my sin on His broken and bruised body so that I might one day experience forgiveness and love of the Father. Worthy I will never be. Thankful for eternity
The biggest thing that jumps out at me whenever looking at this scene is the word RESTRAINT.
Jesus’s restraint to not argue and (rightfully!) defend himself. His restraint to keep from showing the holy anger and response they way he did in the temple that day. GOD’S restraint to stand there and watch His perfect, holy, kind, loving child be repeatedly abused and mocked. It’s a huge lesson to me in an area I can struggle with at times.
Amen..it is finished! Thank God. Thank Jesus.
I remember many, many years ago, while working with the teens at our church-we set up a cross in a very dark room & gave each teen an old style nail to hammer into the cross , while quietly confessing their sin. It was a very powerful experience! Oh Lord, thank you for suffering a torturous death on the cross for my sin. And thank you that Sunday’s coming!!
Thank you Jesus! Thank you Father! Please forgive me for what my sin has cost.
❤️
Thank you Jen for your beautiful observations of such an intimate moment in the Gospel. It is right that we should linger here in remembrance of what Jesus went through for us / for me. It caused me to dwell on how hard it was for Him to be separated from His Father and yet there were those individuals along His journey who were part of God’s plan. What love, what cost!! So that I can be forgiven, thank You Jesus.
As I was reading this passage, my heart was broken for what they did to my Jesus. “Father, I am so sorry they did this to you,” was my first prayer. My second, “Father, THANK YOU for doing this for me!”
Last night at youth club I had the priviledge of sharing a very brief overview of the gospel with one of the girls. It was one of those occasions where the Spirit did the talking. The youth leader knows these rowdy young people won’t sit and listen to a talk, so instead he put some questions on the wall to get them thinking themselves and asking us questions – for example, “Why do people celebrate a dead guy?” Please pray that God would work in their hearts and that us leaders could share the truth with them. Tonight we are going to an ice hockey match with them, so please pray for fruitful conversations as we have a fun night out together. At first we were annoyed that the hockey team gave us free tickets for the night the leaders would rather be at church, but maybe it’s ideal timing as it’s natural to talk about Easter now.
And the Lord has laid on him the iniquities of us all….
A truely dark day when God’s face turned away from His own son. Thank you Jesus.
And the Lord has laid on him the iniquities of us all….
Forgive me Jesus. Amen.