On this Friday of the Passion Week, six different trials take place before Jesus is turned over to be crucified. Jesus is mocked by the Roman soldiers as they place a crown of thorns on Jesus’ head. Judas hangs himself. Jesus carries his cross to his crucifixion. At 3pm, Jesus utters the most important words to believers when he cries out with a loud voice, “It is finished.” The prophecy of Isaiah is fulfilled, “But he was pierced for our transgressions; he was crushed for our iniquities; upon him was the chastisement that brought us peace, and with his wounds we are healed. All we like sheep have gone astray; we have turned—every one—to his own way; and the Lord has laid on him the iniquity of us all.” Jesus gives up his life and the veil is torn in the temple and Jesus was on the cross for 6 hours. Jesus is laid in Joseph’s tomb before the Sabbath began at sunset. Ask God to grant you strength, hope and faith so that you can “bury” the unrighteousness and sinfulness of your life each day. Identify in the death of Jesus Christ as your old way of life is also buried, so that you can be resurrected in a new life in Jesus Christ. In Grace & Peace, Mark