GOOD FRIDAY... Early Friday morning, the Jewish Council sent Jesus over to Pilate because they needed approval from the Roman governor to execute anyone. Pilate didn't believe what the Jewish priests were saying. He found no fault in Jesus. Furthermore, his wife warned him not to have anything to do with this good man, because of the terrible dreams she had during the night. HEROD - So Pilate sent Jesus over to King Herod hoping he could placate the Jews but Herod made sport of the situation. His soldiers mocked and tormented Jesus, and put a crown of thorns on his head. Then Herod sent him back to Pilate. BARABBAS - Pilate tried to release Jesus but the Jews would have none of it. They insisted on releasing Barabbas instead. Barabbas was a notorious criminal. HIS BLOOD - Matthew 27:24 When Pilate saw that he was accomplishing nothing, but that instead a riot was breaking out, he took water and washed his hands before the crowd. “I am innocent of this man’s blood,” he said. “You shall bear the responsibility.” 25 All the people answered, “His blood be on us and on our children!” THE CROSS - Then Pilate had Jesus scourged and turned over to the soldiers to crucify him. By this time he was so weak, Jesus couldn't carry the cross so the soldiers grabbed a bystander to do it for him. CRUCIFIED - Luke 23:32 Two other men, who were criminals, were led away to be put to death with Jesus. 33 And when they came to the place that is called The Skull, there they crucified him, and the criminals, one on his right and one on his left. 34 And Jesus said, “Father, forgive them, for they know not what they do.” TWO CRIMINALS - One of the criminals railed at Jesus saying, “Are you not the Christ? Save yourself and us!” 40 But the other rebuked him, saying, “Do you not fear God, since you are under the same sentence of condemnation? 41 And we indeed justly, for we are receiving the due reward of our deeds; but this man has done nothing wrong.” 4