Jesus Is Crucified
When Jesus was taken to trial, Pilate nor could Herod find fault in Jesus' actions. However, The crowds influence were so strong that Pilate gave in and sentenced Jesus to die. (Luke 23:4,15,18, 24) He didn't want to risk losing his position by allowing a riot to occur in his province, he saw Jesus as a political threat. When the things that we value are on the line, like family or our jobs, it can be difficult to stand up for what is right. It's important that we hold on to our integrity when in these types of situations. We've all been in Pilate's shoes when we decided to do what was wrong even when we knew it wasn't right. Which is why going to God before we make very important decisions is key. I encourage you to seek God before making a major move, he will help you make the best decision.
Jesus was carried away to be crucified along with two other men, both criminals. Simon followed carrying the cross along with a large crowd of people mourning for Jesus. (luke 23:26) When they placed Jesus the cross he said, "Father, forgive them, for they do not know what they are doing." Jesus still had forgiveness in his heart, even after being crucified with nails in his hands and nails in his feet. This leads me to think, "What does our forgiveness look like?" (Luke 23:34)
There was a sign written above Jesus which read; This is the King of the Jews. It was meant to be ironic, but few truly understood it's real meaning. Some may have thought "the king has lost his kingdom forever", but what they didn't know was, he was just coming into his kingdom. While Jesus was on the cross he endured physical and verbal assault. The people mocked him saying, "He saved others; let him save himself if he is God's Messiah, the Chosen One." One of the other men that was crucified with Jesus even said the same thing, but the other man rebuked him. He even turned to Jesus for forgiveness, and Jesus accepted him. (Luke 23:43) It's never too late to turn to God. Even those who repent before their very last breath will be in heaven with God. The disciples didn't even have as much faith as this criminal, most of them had left Jesus and gone into hiding. Later in Luke 24 we see one of them say,"We had hoped that he was the one who was going to redeem Israel." They had lost hope because it looked like all hope was lost. When everything around you looks like it's falling, you have to trust that God is just rearranging the pieces to fit a better way.
Darkness came over the world for about three hours, the sun stopped shining, and the curtain of the temple was torn in two. This symbolized the barrier between God and humanity being split from top to bottom. Now all the people had access to God directly through Jesus Christ. (Hebrews 9:1-14; 10:19-22) Jesus called out in a loud voice,"Father into your hands I commit my spirit." and he took his last breath. He did all of it for you and I. What makes you think that you aren't good enough? What makes you think that you aren't worth it? Look at what Jesus did for you, you are!
Joseph of Arimathea a wealthy honored member of the Jewish Council, and a secret disciple of Jesus was the only disciple that came for Jesus' body. He risked his life to give Jesus a proper burial. He traveled all the way from Judean, took Jesus' body down, wrapped it in lined cloth and placed it in a tomb cut into a rock. Some Galilean women followed so they would know where to find Jesus. They went home to prepare spices and perfumes to anoint Jesus' body, but when they returned....