The day of sacrifice
On the cross at Cavalry Hill the son of God suffered for the sins of men. With passing hour of pain, Jesus left testimony of his love for men, and to this day believers mourn his suffering, as they rejoice in the covenant of deliverance in his name. Good Friday for some, great Friday for others marks the passion of Christ and the seal of this covenant on which all believers put their hopes. Hopes for a place in the kingdom of heaven when they stand before their maker once judgment day come. Jesus Christ was crucified between two thieves on Good Friday, and as he forsakes his body on Golgotha, the prince of peace embraced an eternal life.
The Gospel
Betrayed by one of his disciples Judas Iscariot for a price of 30 pieces of silver, Jesus is arrested at the Garden of Gethsemane. Interrogated to no avail by the high priest Caiaphas and his followers, Jesus is finally condemned of Blasphemy. On the following morning, Jesus is produced before the roman governor Pontius Pilate on charges of subversion. Pilate is not convinced of the charges and even refers the charges to King Herod the ruler of Galilee, who also can’t find Jesus guilty. Pilate resolves to release Jesus after whipping him, but the crowd guided by the priests seeks release of a known murderer Barabbas instead. Pilate still doesn’t want to be part of this affair, but fearing riots finally accedes to the crucifixion of Jesus, washing his hands symbolizing his being not part of the condemnation of Jesus.
Jesus bears his own cross to Golgotha, and is helped by Simon of Cyrene as he falters and is then crucified as Jesus of Nazareth, King of Jews between two common petty criminals. After six hours of agony Jesus gives up his soul and dies. This is accompanied by earthquakes, tombs being broken up and even the curtain at the temple being torn up. The centurion on guard pierces the side of Jesus to see blood and water coming out and pronounces the death of Jesus. Joseph of Arimathea and Nicodemus, two followers approach pilate and claim Jesus’ body. Wrapping the body in a clean shroud and in aloe myrh and other spices, the body is placed in a tomb as per the jewish burial customs. This done they come home to rest as per the traditions of Sabath. Thus draws end the life of the prince of peace and awaits the next chapter of His myth through resurrection.
Symbols in the gospel
Some symbolisms that have endured the crucifixion of Jesus include:
Bearing the cross: Jesus bore his cross to Golgotha and this is often symblised to each of us having to bear our own burdens even as Jesus bore his cross to death
Crown of thrones: This not only signifies jesus as the king of jews but also the pain jesus bears on his brow for the sins of man
Death hour: Jesus dies after 6 hours of agony around 3 pm. This is the time for the sacrifice of the sacrificial lamb for Passover, thus signifying Jesus’ offer of himself as the sacrificial lamb pure and holy.
Tearing of the temple curtain: this signified the removal of all restrictions between common people and the holiest of hollies of a temple and thus God, allowing commune of common people to God through their beloved advocate Jesus the son of God.
