Good Friday Sunrise

By Pat Russell

Scripture:  Matthew 26:74-27:2

Then he began to call down curses, and he swore to them, “I don’t know the man!”

Immediately a rooster crowed. Then Peter remembered the word Jesus had spoken: “Before the rooster crows, you will disown me three times.” And he went outside and wept bitterly.

Early in the morning, all the chief priests and the elders of the people made their plans how to have Jesus executed. So they bound him, led him away and handed him over to Pilate the governor.

Sunrise is a significant time of day in Holy Week.  The first sunrise that comes to mind is, of course, Resurrection Day.  However, consider another sunrise – the sunrise of this day, Good Friday.  It was at this time that the rooster crowed, coinciding with Peter’s third denial of his Lord.  It was at this time that the religious leaders of the people reached a decision concerning Jesus – they handed him over to Pilate for a death sentence. It is a sunrise of betrayal!

And yet, Jesus, who will die on this day of betrayal, is centered in his mind and heart upon obedience to his Father.  He is not panicked by the accusations, by the crowds, or by the desertion of his friends.  With love He takes into consideration those around him.  He enters this day, after a night of torture, with a calmness that has the authorities baffled. 

We call this GOOD Friday.  How can this be, when the day begins with betrayal and ends with death?  In the midst of evil, something good is happening for each of us. In the midst of betrayal Someone good is making a way for the sunrise of betrayal to become the sunrise of Resurrection. 

As you consider this day from sunrise to sunset, dwell on Jesus’ attitude towards those around him.  Imagine yourself in the presence of Jesus on this day.  What does He have for you?