Some people carry a small silver cross in their pocket to remind them of Jesus throughout the day, or wear a gold cross on a chain or necklace. Some images of the cross are absolutely gorgeous, perhaps covered with flowers and butterflies. But the truth is, the cross was an ugly thing. It represented the cruelest form of torture and execution imaginable at the time. We find glory in the cross because of who Jesus is and what he did for us, but to anyone there to witness the crucifixion, the event was tragic and the imagery horrifying.

Isaiah 53 presents a vivid picture with many accurate details of the crucifixion, written 800 years before the event. Isaiah lived in a period of time before the Roman Empire or even that of Alexander the Great. He had never seen a crucifixion. Read his words and think about that for a moment. The prophet wrote as he was inspired by the Holy Spirit. Matthew 27, Mark 15, Luke 23 and John 19 all record the death and burial of Jesus on what we call Good Friday.

Jesus offered no defense at his mock trial. Judas went out and hung himself, after trying to return the 30 pieces of silver. Peter denied Jesus three times, and then went out himself and wept bitterly. The large crowds that had been cheering on Palm Sunday were nowhere to be found. Even most of his loyal followers ran away, fearing they would be arrested as well. Only John and a few women, including his mother Mary, were at the cross when Jesus died. There were also scoffers and Jewish leaders there to witness the execution, no doubt pleased that their “Jesus problem” was over.

Jesus was taken off the cross and placed in the tomb of Joseph of Arimathea. In John’s Gospel, Nicodemus appears three different times. The last time we see him is after the crucifixion; he is there to help bury Jesus. I don’t believe we can preach anyone into heaven, but consider how few people were willing to still be associated with Jesus after his arrest, trial and execution.

Jesus died and was buried. Then the sun went down and the Sabbath began. It was a dark day with a tragic ending for anyone that believed Jesus was the fulfillment of prophecy and the hope of Israel. And now we wait.