Friday moment

John 18: So then Pilate took Jesus and scourged Him. And the Soldiers twisted a crown of thorns and put it on his head, and they put on him a purple robe. They said, “Hail, King of the Jews!” And they struck him with their hands. Pilot then went out again, and said to them, “Behold, I am bringing him out to you, that you may know that I find no fault in him.”

My OT in a year, NT 2’xs this year has landed me at this perfect moment of the night Jesus would lay his life down. As we contemplate and remember the Mocking, murder, and sacrificial propitiation of Jesus, the incarnate God in flesh, we look forward to Sunday.

Mock or treating with ridicule, treatment to cause laughter, was meant when these soldiers presented Jesus and decried, “Hail, King of the Jews!” There was nothing but disdain for Jesus by these men. Soon they would lead him beaten and bruised before the people.

Many were in the crowd who saw Jesus’ power. Some believed but due to persecution would not proclaim the truth. There were some who were confused. Others held him in contempt. Men and women who confessed Jesus were onlookers. They knew God had to be with him because of the works he preformed. But the lack of understanding loomed large. Though what was going on in this moment Jesus had already proclaimed. These people had eyes but couldn’t see; ears but never really heard what he was saying; minds but could not understand. Even his disciples stood aloft, in denial quietly, but one publicly.

When things got tough, persecution promised, beliefs challenged, people scattered or stood silent. That didn’t need to happen but for God’s purpose to be accomplished, it did. This moment and the moments to follow God would use to strengthen true believers eventually and eternally.

His True Disciples will remember this moment and see it as an example for the persecution they would soon face. Each would accept their purpose, boasting in the Lord of this Friday’s masterfully orchestrated and divine moment.

They’d be filled with the Spirit, Jesus spoke that over and over to them. They’d turn the world upside down, with The power from on high, declared Jesus. They would also face persecution and tribulation, Jesus promised. They’d commit to the assignment given to them and all of us to “make disciples.”

What we see in this passage was not only a promise being fulfilled but an example being set for every true disciple. Those who will live according to His word, living out the freedom his death and resurrection offers will face hardship. Also living contrary to this world and exemplifying His truth will foment mocking. “You really believe Jesus is the only way, so narrow minded.” “Those people don’t believe in science.” Those “Bible thumpers” and worse. Jesus exemplified how to walk through the darkness of these Friday moments.

Mocking is the least of our persecution as we walk as Jesus walked. The blessing is Our Lord will find no fault in us because he Walked through his Friday moment victoriously, first. This passage reflects his obedience to lay his life down, going through this mocking and murder for God the Father’s Glory, our freedom and as an example.