04/04/2026
Good Friday - Tried, Denied, & Crucified
Scriptures:
- Matthew 26:47-56, 69-75, 27:11-24, 33-54
- Mark 14:43-50, 66-72, 15:1-15, 22-39
- Luke 22:47-53, 54-62, 23:13-25, 33-49
- John 18:1-11, 15-18, 25-27, 33-40, 19:17-30
In Matthew’s account of Jesus’ arrest, Judas would kiss Jesus as a sign to the officers that this was the one they were to seize. Jesus calls Judas friend – hetairos – the same word used in Matthew 22:12 during His parable of the wedding feast. Peter then goes on to deny Jesus three times: 1) “I do not know what you are talking about.”, 2) “I do not know the man.”, 3) Cursing and swearing “I do not know the man!” As Jesus stands trial, Pilate does not see any wrongdoing in Him and wishes to release Him. However, the crowd desires Barabas to be released instead. As Jesus’ crucifixion begins, we see that Golgotha means Place of a Skull. Darkness fell from the 6th hour to the 9th hour, when Jesus yielded up His spirit.
In Mark’s account, we see the same signal mentioned: Judas would kiss Jesus, showing the officers who to seize. There is no mention of Jesus calling Him friend. Peter denies Jesus three times: 1) “I neither know nor understand what you are talking about.”, 2) Denied knowing Jesus, 3) Cursing and swearing “I do not know this man you are talking about!” At Jesus’ crucifixion, we see that the wine they offer Him is mixed with myrrh – the very same gift He received from the magi. It was the 3rd hour when they placed Him on the cross, at the 6th hour darkness fell over the whole land until the 9th hour, when Jesus uttered a loud cry and breathed His last.
In Luke’s account, we see Jesus ask Judas if he was betraying Him with a kiss. Peter denies Jesus three times: 1) “Woman, I do not know Him.”, 2) “Man, I am not!”, 3) “Man, I do not know what you are talking about.” As Jesus goes on trial, Pilate sends Him back to be tried by Herod. After mocking Jesus, they send Him back to Pilate. Pilate wanted to punish Him and release Him; however, the crowd wanted Him crucified. While Jesus was on the cross, He called out to God asking Him to forgive them because they did not know what they were doing. We also get more information on the two robbers who were crucified alongside Jesus – one getting to be with Jesus in paradise. Again, darkness falls from the 6th hour to the 9th hour when Jesus cried out with a loud voice, “Father into Your hands I commit My spirit,” breathing His last.
In John’s account, Jesus asks the arresting officers who do they seek, saying that He is Jesus the Nazarene. Peter is the one named as the disciple who cut off the ear of the high priest’s slave. Peter still denies Jesus three times: 1) “I am not one of the man’s disciples.”, 2) “I am not one of His disciples.”, 3) Denied being in the garden with Him. Pilate found no guilt in Jesus but gave Him over to be crucified. Pilate is the one shown to have written the inscription on Jesus’ cross: JESUS THE NAZARENE, THE KING OF THE JEWS. We also see that Jesus’ mother and aunt, Mary Magdalene, and Mary the wife of Clopas were at the cross. There is no mention of darkness in John’s account, however Jesus said it is finished, bowed His head, and gave up His spirit.
Despite the solemnity, the day is called “Good” because it directly precedes the triumph of the Resurrection. Without the willing sacrifice, there would be no conquest over sin and death. Early church writings underscore this day’s role: it is “good” in that it paved the way for the ultimate victory found on the first day of the week (Easter Sunday).
