And so we've arrived at "bad" Good Friday.


""Author Tony Campolo's most famous message declares, "It's Friday, but Sunday's Comin'."

Jesus has been unjustly charged and condemned to die. It's Friday, but Sunday's comin'. The religious and political tyrants have stopped His rebellous message. It's Friday, but Sunday's comin'. He has been brutally beaten, stripped, and nailed to a cross. It's Friday, but Sunday's comin'. Christ is sealed in a tomb, his dead body guarded by Roman soldiers. It's Friday, but Sunday's comin'.

The message builds to a powerful conclusion when the pastor simply shouts, "It's Friday!" and the congregation responds, "But Sunday's comin'."" © copyright James N. Watkins. All rights reserved. From www.jameswatkins.com; hosted by GospelCom.net


Then there is Pilate, the quintessential politician, facing the quintessential dilemma. How to Do the right thing but keep the people happy. Pilate asking the quintessential question of the relative moralist; "What is truth?" Pilate, freeing the thug, Barrabas, then beating the innocent lamb and only Son of God then allowing the murder that followed. Pilate, having given into the mob, symbolically but futilily washes his hands hoping this will cleanse him of responsibility and guilt. Pilate, ultimately remembered for only 1 decision of moral cowardice in his lifetime of many decisions.

Pilate = Everyman
Pilate = Us

Finally Rembrandt, in one of his paintings, depicts Jesus being raised on the cross by the mob. And in that mob of men that Rembrandt painted, he included himself. Rembrandt was right. We were all at the crucifixion trying to rid ourselves of the Holy One.

Behold the Lamb of God that taketh away the sins of the world.