In Matthew 26: 36-75; Matthew 27: 1-61; Mark 14: 32-72; 15: 1-47; Luke 22: 39-71; 23: 1-53; John 18: 1-40; 19: 1-38 Jesus was seized from the garden of Gethsemane whilst praying with his disciples. Judas Iscariot led Jesus’ accusers to seize him with a kiss for thirty pieces of silver.
We will continue to discuss why Jesus was crucified. The last but not the least of reasons why Jesus was crucified was not made out against him before Pilate though latent. We pray that the Lord will lead us in our discourse under the guidance of the Holy Spirit.
Confrontational conduct
Jesus was obviously labeled with hate when he overturned the tables of money changers and others trading in the temple. Jesus said in Matthew 21:13; Mark 11:17; Luke 19:46 it is written that my house shall be called a house of prayer; but you have made it a den of robbers. However, at the trial only the blasphemy and breach of Moses’ Law were raised though Jesus’ conduct was a factor. The Jewish leaders made their money from the sale of animals for sacrifice and changed money at racketeering prices for deceptive holy transactions.
To Jesus, God’s house must be respected and kept free from filthy and corrupt practices and injustice. John 4:24 says God is spirit and he that worships him must do so in spirit and in truth. Jesus did not condone robbery or thievery and injustice as the money changers did in the temple or anywhere else. 2 Corinthians 6: 14 says for what partnership have righteousness and iniquity? Or what fellowship has light with darkness? We must cease desecrating God’s house with questionable character such as yielding to the influence of money without conscience.
Influence of money
Irrespective of Jesus’ intention, Judas Iscariot the man who kept the treasury of Jesus and his disciples led Jesus’ assailants to a secluded place in the garden of Gethsemane where Jesus could be seized away from the usual crowd resistance. Judas betrayed Jesus with a kiss of deceit in Matthew 26: 47; Mark 14: 43; Luke 22: 47-48; John 18: 3-5. Hebrews 13:5 says keep your life free from love of money, and be content with what you have, for God has said, I will never fail you nor forsake you.
1 Timothy 6:10 says money is the root of all evil; it is through this craving that some have wandered away from the faith and pierced their hearts with many pangs. In living for Jesus Christ we are bound to face a similar fate which Jesus faced. 2 Timothy 3: 12-13 says indeed all who desire to live a godly life in Christ will be persecuted, while evil men and imposters will go from bad to worse, deceivers and deceived. Jesus Christ was crucified because he stood for God’s truth and dignity yet he did not capitulate. We must also not chicken out when trouble comes for Christ Jesus will be with us.
Jesus said in Matthew 10:28; Luke 12:4-5 I tell you, my friends, do not fear those who kill the body, and after that have no more that they can do. But I will warn you whom to fear: fear him who, after he has killed, has power to cast into hell; yes, I tell you, fear him. Jesus said in John 16: 33 I have said this to you, that in me you may have peace. In the world you have tribulation; but be of good cheer, I have overcome the world. Are we ready to carry the cross with Jesus Christ to our death as overcomers?
Conflict of Good Friday celebrations
Good Friday is celebrated by two categories of people, Jesus’ murderers and Jesus’ followers. Both groups take the day as unique and unprecedented in religious and public history all over the world.
Celebration by Jesus’ murderers
It was a good Friday for the triumph of evil. They achieved their objectives to eliminate Jesus whom they perceived as a threat to their authority, power, position, control, rule and source of livelihood though from sin. Jesus’ death was to be a strong warning to would-be followers of Christ Jesus that they stood to suffer the same fate with true allegiance. It was a day of remembrance for the end of religious freedom and worship in favour of state control and power. It is happening today all over the world. We must rise up in prayer and honesty to God in order to save what is right from slipping away.
The world needs healing from wickedness against Christianity. No matter the enemy’s intentions, Jesus’ mission has continued to date. Man’s wickedness which gives only transient glory got exposed. 1 Corinthians 3:19 says for the wisdom of this world is folly with God. For it is written, he catches the wise in their craftiness. Evil does not last forever but Jesus is the same yesterday, today and forever. We must not be joyful when evil strikes at others.
Celebration by Jesus’ followers
It was a Friday of triumph over evil because Jesus Christ achieved his redemption by his blood. He established a permanent covenant for all mankind with God forever. Jesus was elevated at God’s right hand of glory as our advocate, intercessor and will be our judge on his second coming when he will take away his faithful ones. He freely opened the doors of life to all mankind. Jesus’ Lordship and divinity was confirmed publicly. Mark 15: 39 says and when the centurion, who stood facing him, saw that he thus breathed his last, he said, truly this man was the Son of God. What is our testimony about Jesus?
Christ reigns in majesty in eternity with incomparable crown, authority and power. He gave eternal opportunity to all who wish to be with him in eternity. Jesus’ followers awoke to how far mankind had drifted from God into violence, wickedness and injustice. We have work to do for Matthew 9:37 says the harvest is plentiful, but the labourers are few.
Even on the cross Jesus saved the soul of the crucified thief. He said to the thief on the cross in Luke 23: 43 truly, I say to you, today you will be with me in Paradise. Even in death, Jesus cared for his own. 1 Peter 5: 7 says cast all your burdens on him, for he cares about you. On this day, let us cast our burdens on him for he cares.
Prayer
Lord Jesus Christ, we offload our burdens at your feet on the cross. Visit us with peace and wash us in your blood. Let our joy in you be permanent and beautiful always. Let our love for sin, evil and dirty money. Make us bold to defend your name in truth without fear. At the cross, remember us in paradise in your precious holy name, Amen!!
