Matthew 26:36-27:61
I would urge you to read this passage over and over again. You will find many different things in this Passion account than you will in John's Passion account. But in the Alternative Gospel Lesson for Good Friday John 18:1-19:42 you will also find great detail.
The story as you have hopefully been told from your childhood as a Christian is simple. Jesus goes to the Garden to pray. His disciples do not remain steadfast even while he prays. Judas comes to betray Jesus in the Garden. Judas betrays him with a Kiss. Jesus is lead before Caiaphas and other Chief Priests. St Peter denies Jesus three times as Jesus predicted. Jesus is handed to Pilate who finds nothing wrong or against Jesus. Pilate sets up Barabbas and Jesus as a choice for the people to release one. They ask for Barabbas to be released and Jesus to be Crucified. Pilate washes his hands of innocent blood. The people ask for the innocent blood to be put upon themselves. Jesus is hung on a tree until he gives up his spirit. Jesus bodies is then laid in a tomb.
The Passion of our LORD is a great reminder for all of us of how much our freedom cost. We have been redeemed from our sins and transgressions. There is none of us who is perfect. We could not save ourselves. We could easily destroy and kill, but we can not make alive or rebuild.
Truly, this was the Son of God. This was Jesus Christ the perfect one. He is the Holy One of God who hangs there on the cross for the forgiveness of our sins. There is no greater gift that one person can give to another than to lay down his life for you. There is so much more that could be said, but just read the passion account over and over again.
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