When Jesus had finished saying all these things, he said to his disciples, “As you know, the Passover is two days away—and the Son of Man will be handed over to be crucified.”

Matthew 26: 1, 2

Unthinkable.  Jesus, Son of God, Co-creator of the universe, almighty and sinless and much, much more, announces what seems an impossibility – in two days, on Passover, he will die the cruel death of a prisoner of Rome and an enemy of his own people, Israel – on a cross of wood, fashioned to torture and kill enemies of the Roman Empire.

He said he “will be handed over” by the Jews into the hands of Rome who will Kill Jesus by death on a cross.  The Romans had no reason to crucify him, only to placate the Jews.   The Jews did. So both spiritual and secular power killed mankind’s savior in the worst possible way.  It looks like a day to mourn in the world.

Today here in Lancaster is Saturday, when we consider what is happening as Jesus lay dead in the tomb.  I recall how, while growing up, my mother insisted that we note the sad day as a time of reflection.  We found that hard to understand but for her, it was serious.  Now, I understand better what she was trying to communicate with us.  There is nothing merry about that Friday’s crucifixion, unless you were Christ’s enemy.  By being humble and quiet we show ourselves to be on the side of those who loved Jesus, those who embraced his invitation to come to God through the merits of his suffering, death and resurrection. I believe this still.

Good Friday, a day that looked anything but good to the followers of Jesus, is a good time to do what my mother suggested, be quiet and listen to the voice of God.