Good Friday Devotional | Jesus’ Trial and Crucifixion

Karen O'Reilly
Apr 17
4 min read

Updated: Apr 19

From the devotional study in Redeemed by the Cross – A Devotional for Lent/Easter

It is now Good Friday—the day we remember the suffering, sacrifice, and deep love of Jesus. In Mark 15:1–47, we witness the final hours of His earthly life: the unjust trial, the cries of the crowd, the brutal crucifixion, and His death on the cross. This passage takes us to the heart of the gospel, where Jesus, though innocent, gave His life to redeem ours.

Grab your Bible and read Mark 15:1-47 or click on the underlined Bible verse to read it at BibleGateway.

Good Friday Devotional | Jesus’ Trial and Crucifixion

Today is Good Friday—the most solemn yet powerful day in history.

Jesus stands trial before Pilate, falsely accused yet silent in defense. The crowd shouts ‘Crucify Him!’, choosing Barabbas over the innocent Son of God.

He is beaten, mocked, and led to the cross, carrying the weight of our sins.
At Calvary, He is crucified, bearing our punishment so we could be redeemed.

It wasn’t the nails that held Him to the cross—it was love.

The Trial: Innocence Condemned

“Pilate asked them, ‘What shall I do, then, with the one you call the king of the Jews?’ ‘Crucify him!’ they shouted.” (Mark 15:12-13)

Jesus was innocent, yet He remained silent as false accusations were hurled at Him. The crowd demanded His death, choosing a criminal instead. Pilate knew Jesus was innocent, yet he gave in to pressure, sentencing Him to be crucified.

Jesus endured injustice so that we could receive mercy.

The Cross: A Sacrifice of Love

“And when they had crucified Him, they divided His garments among them, casting lots for them.” (Mark 15:24)

Jesus was beaten, humiliated, and mocked, yet He remained silent.
As He hung on the cross, He prayed for His enemies: “Father, forgive them.”
At noon, darkness covered the land. At 3 PM, Jesus cried out, ‘It is finished.’

The cross wasn’t a defeat—it was a victory. Jesus accomplished what we never could.

Good Friday Devotional

In our Good Friday devotional, I am asking you to dig deep and consider the following questions. If you don't have the Redeemed By The Cross Bible study book, grab a notebook or your prayer journal and prayerfully write your answers.

The cross demands a response.

What does it mean to you today?

Imagine standing at Golgotha.

What would you say to Jesus as He hung on the cross?
What sins do you need to lay at the foot of the cross?
Do you fully believe that Jesus' sacrifice has set you free?

Lent & Easter Journey

Good Friday is a day of sorrow but also a day of love.

Everything Lent has led us to—our repentance, reflection, and surrender—finds its fulfillment in the cross.

Jesus took our place, bore our sins, and made a way for our salvation.

As you reflect today, remember—that Jesus died for you because He loves you.

Challenge

Spend time at the foot of the cross today.

Read Isaiah 53 – the prophecy of Jesus’ suffering.
Write a letter to Jesus, expressing gratitude for the cross.
Take time in silence to reflect on the depth of His love.

Prayer

Jesus, today I stand in awe of Your sacrifice. You endured pain, rejection, and death so that I could have life. Thank You for Your unfailing love. I surrender my sins, my burdens, and my heart to You. Help me to live each day in gratitude for what You have done. In Your name, Amen.

Redeemed By The Cross - Lent/Easter Devotional Study for Women

You can get the full 43-day devotional in one place by purchasing the book on Amazon or grabbing the PDF version here. It’s a beautiful way to prepare your heart and reflect deeply on the meaning of the cross and resurrection. It comes with plenty of space to journal and prayer prompts!

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