Judas betrays Jesus.
Judas betrayed Jesus for 30 pieces of silver, an amount equal to two months’ wages. Christ’s life was priceless, yet to Judas, it was only worth a long vacation. Take a moment to consider what Christ is worth to you.
Jesus is condemned.
Christ, the embodiment of righteousness, was found guilty and condemned to death, not for any wrongdoing on his part but because justice was in the hands of wicked men that night. Take a moment to examine your heart for any injustice you may be ignoring, tolerating, or promoting.
Peter denies Jesus.
In Jesus’ greatest hour of need, Peter, one of his most faithful followers and closest friends, denied him not once but three times. Take a moment to ask what might keep you from proclaiming Christ with your words, thoughts, or actions.
Jesus is crucified.
The greatest tragedy in human existence was the crucifixion of Jesus Christ. In that terrible moment, the very essence of life was put to death as mankind waged war against the Prince of Peace. Take a moment to recognize that our sins carry a heavy cost.
Jesus is buried.
After Christ died, he was brought down from the cross and buried in a tomb. And for three days, death swallowed up the one from whom all life flows. Take a moment to mourn in silence.
Judas betrays Jesus, setting the journey to redemption into motion.
Even after Judas’ betrayal, Christ called him “friend.” That is because Jesus knew what Judas did not—his betrayal set into motion the journey for all sins to be forgiven. In Christ, our sins are washed away because we serve a God who loves us, even in the midst of our transgressions.
Jesus is condemned, yet he is given all authority over heaven and earth.
And in the face of injustice, we can hold fast to the truth that in Christ, to whom all authority over heaven and earth has been given, justice will roll on like a river and righteousness like a never-ending stream.
Peter denies Jesus, but he still chooses Peter to help build his church.
Despite his denials, Peter was restored and given the great honor of being the one upon whom Christ would build his Church. Although Peter’s fear drove him to turn his face
from Christ, Christ never turned his face from Peter. In Christ, we are held, and the Kingdom of Heaven will be known through us.
Jesus is crucified, yet through his sacrifice, he bridges the gap between God and man.
On the cross, Christ became the bridge between God and man. For through his sacrifice, the man known as the Light of the World showed us the way to the Father.
Jesus is buried, yet he conquers death itself.
And so we can proclaim, “He is Risen! He is Risen, indeed!” For death could not hold him, and the grave would not keep him because God, in his great mercy, declared Christ the victory for us all.