This week, in the Christian tradition, is a remembrance of the last week that Jesus lived on Earth in around the year AD 33. Whether or not you believe that Jesus is actually who he claimed to be – God in the flesh, and the savior of the world – you have to admit that his story is the greatest ever told. Every theme that stirs the human heart is present in the story of the gospel, from love, beauty, and sacrifice, to jealousy, greed, and betrayal. Life and death, good and evil, light and darkness wage war in the pages of the Bible, until all loose ends are wrapped up and a perfect ending of justice and mercy is brought to pass.

The most important part of the entire gospel story centers around Easter weekend: what the church calls Maundy Thursday, Good Friday, and Easter/Resurrection Sunday. (Saturday doesn’t get a special name, as far as I’m aware.) On Thursday night, Jesus was betrayed by one of his close friends to the religious leaders who sought to put him to death. On Friday, these religious leaders succeeded in their goals by manipulating the Roman court system in a mockery of a trial. Jesus was condemned, crucified, and buried. On Sunday, he rose from the grave, conquering death and offering new life for any who will accept it.

But today’s post is titled Good Friday, and it’s my fictional musings on how two characters might have reacted to the events of that day. For more context (if needed), see Luke 22 and Matthew 27.

I’d love to hear your thoughts – let me know in the comments section below. And have a blessed Easter weekend.