Sunday – Humiliation & Beating: Matthew 27:27-30; Mark 15:16-19
By their acts of mockingly exalting Christ and bowing in false worship to Him, the Roman soldiers were attempting to shame Him as part of the crucifixion ritual. It could be argued, however, that Jesus couldn’t really have felt humiliated, since He had already humbled Himself to the condemnation of death. Had He not already “laid down His life” in His spirit, humbling Himself to the ultimate mission of dying for the sins of the world? Had He not already given what they were now trying to take from Him? Yet, to accomplish each phase of the death that had been prophesied concerning the Messiah, Jesus fully submitted to human brutality.
Monday – Bitter Road, Bitter Drink: Matthew 27:31-34; Mark 15:20-23; Luke 23:26-32; John 19:17
It was customary for a condemned criminal to carry his cross from the hall of judgment to the place of execution, while wearing a placard announcing his crime. Pilate was adamant that Jesus’ placard proclaim Him the “King of the Jews.” In John, it appears that Jesus began the journey under the weight of the beam, but perhaps too weak to complete the task, Simon of Cyrene is forced to carry the heavy cross for Him. On the journey, Christ’s voice of mercy cries out to the women weeping for Him, and with foresight for the siege of Jerusalem, compels them to weep for themselves for the hardship they will soon endure. At Golgotha, the only drink offered to Jesus was vinegar, which He refused.
Tuesday – The Inscription & The Garments: Matthew 27:35-37; Mark 15:24-26; Luke 23:33-34, 38; John 19:18-24
Jesus was crucified on central display between the two thieves (Isaiah 53:12). One notable event was the specific distribution of the Messiah’s garments and casting lots for His coat, a specific fulfillment of prophecy (Psalms 22:8). Just as significant was the placard on Jesus’ cross that proclaimed Him, “King of the Jews.” Despite the complaint of the chief priests, and their demand that Pilate alter the inscription. He refused to do so.
Wednesday – Two Thieves: Matthew 27:38; Mark 15:27-28; Luke 23:39-43
Very little is said of either of the criminals that were crucified with Jesus. However, Luke’s gospel includes one of the most dramatic and profound encounters of mercy and grace in the entire Bible. That one of these men had a conviction that Jesus was indeed the Messiah, and that His death would only be temporary is clear. Jesus’ response to him drapes us in wonder, that eternal life would be extended to him despite the sinful life he had lived.
Thursday – Forsaken for Us: Matthew 27:39-49; Mark 15:29-36; Luke 23:35-37, 44-45
It was amidst the taunts, blasphemies, and jeers of nearly all in attendance at Golgotha, that Jesus suffered the agonizing torment of the cross. But not once did He cry out for mercy or beg for relief from the searing pain. But when the Father withdrew His divine presence from His Son, the cry, “My God, My God, why hast thou forsaken Me?” (Matthew 27:46) burst from Jesus’ lips. This was the worst rejection, but one required for Christ to bear the sins of us all.
Friday – “It is finished!”: Matthew 27:50-54; Mark 15:37-39; Luke 23:46-48; John 19:28-30
Crying with a loud voice, Jesus “sent forth” His life (breath). Many have died, but only Christ “yielded up” His spirit. Significantly, the middle of the day had been darkened for three hours, but now all was total darkness, a mighty earthquake fell, the veil covering the Most Holy Place was torn in two, dead saints were resurrected to be seen in Jerusalem, and the Roman soldiers on Golgotha all proclaimed Jesus Christ as the true Son of God!
Saturday – Jesus’ Mother & The Other Women: Mathew 27:55-56; Mark 15:40-41; Luke 23:49; John 19:25-27
How deep was the love of these women, to be willing to watch the brutality and humiliation hurled at Jesus? Faithfully, they had followed and supported His ministry, serving the Lord and His disciples. Where now were Jesus’ other followers? Aware of their enduring presence, Jesus committed His mother’s care to John, His closest disciple, and the only one to attend the crucifixion.