Standing At The Foot Of The Cross
Standing At The Foot Of The Cross | April 3, 2026
After enduring six unjust trials that violated nearly two dozen Jewish laws, Jesus was sentenced to scourging and ultimately crucifixion. This infamous execution method, known as crucifixion, was invented by the Persians but perfected by the Romans, who crucified over 30,000 people before Good Friday.
On that first Good Friday, a handful of supporters, including Mary, the mother of Jesus, and the apostle John, stood at the foot of His cross. Additionally, religious leaders and Roman officials were in close proximity to the cross. Each of their responses reveals a part of the story of that fateful day for those who stood at the foot of Jesus’ cross.
First, we see faithfulness. John 19:25 says, “Standing by the cross of Jesus were his mother, his mother’s sister, Mary the wife of Clopas, and Mary Magdalene.
Secondly, we see mocking and rejection. Luke 23:35-39, “The people stood watching, and even the leaders were scoffing: ‘He saved others; let him save himself if this is God’s Messiah, the Chosen One!’ 36 The soldiers also mocked him. They came offering him sour wine 37 and said, ‘If you are the king of the Jews, save yourself!’ 38 An inscription was above him: This Is the King of the Jews. 39 Then one of the criminals hanging there began to yell insults at him: ‘Aren’t you the Messiah? Save yourself and us!’ ”
Thirdly, we see belief. Matthew 27:54, “When the centurion and those with him, who were keeping watch over Jesus, saw the earthquake and the things that had happened, they were terrified and said, ‘Truly this man was the Son of God!’ ”
Finally, we see conviction and contribution. Mark 15:42-43, “When it was already evening, because it was the day of preparation (that is, the day before the Sabbath), 43 Joseph of Arimathea, a prominent member of the Sanhedrin who was himself looking forward to the kingdom of God, came and boldly went to Pilate and asked for Jesus’s body.”
With these responses in mind, this Good Friday, ask yourself the following questions:
Will you draw near in faithfulness?
Will you walk away in rejection?
Will you declare Him in your belief?
Will you step forward in commitment?
Remember, everyone at the cross responded differently—and so will we. You can witness the cross or read about it and still walk away unchanged. Don’t just feel something today; surrender something and leave the results to God.
*If you want to learn more about the different responses to the cross from that first Good Friday, join me this evening at Crossroads Church or watch the Live Broadcast at 7:30 PM EST.
On that first Good Friday, a handful of supporters, including Mary, the mother of Jesus, and the apostle John, stood at the foot of His cross. Additionally, religious leaders and Roman officials were in close proximity to the cross. Each of their responses reveals a part of the story of that fateful day for those who stood at the foot of Jesus’ cross.
First, we see faithfulness. John 19:25 says, “Standing by the cross of Jesus were his mother, his mother’s sister, Mary the wife of Clopas, and Mary Magdalene.
Secondly, we see mocking and rejection. Luke 23:35-39, “The people stood watching, and even the leaders were scoffing: ‘He saved others; let him save himself if this is God’s Messiah, the Chosen One!’ 36 The soldiers also mocked him. They came offering him sour wine 37 and said, ‘If you are the king of the Jews, save yourself!’ 38 An inscription was above him: This Is the King of the Jews. 39 Then one of the criminals hanging there began to yell insults at him: ‘Aren’t you the Messiah? Save yourself and us!’ ”
Thirdly, we see belief. Matthew 27:54, “When the centurion and those with him, who were keeping watch over Jesus, saw the earthquake and the things that had happened, they were terrified and said, ‘Truly this man was the Son of God!’ ”
Finally, we see conviction and contribution. Mark 15:42-43, “When it was already evening, because it was the day of preparation (that is, the day before the Sabbath), 43 Joseph of Arimathea, a prominent member of the Sanhedrin who was himself looking forward to the kingdom of God, came and boldly went to Pilate and asked for Jesus’s body.”
With these responses in mind, this Good Friday, ask yourself the following questions:
Will you draw near in faithfulness?
Will you walk away in rejection?
Will you declare Him in your belief?
Will you step forward in commitment?
Remember, everyone at the cross responded differently—and so will we. You can witness the cross or read about it and still walk away unchanged. Don’t just feel something today; surrender something and leave the results to God.
*If you want to learn more about the different responses to the cross from that first Good Friday, join me this evening at Crossroads Church or watch the Live Broadcast at 7:30 PM EST.
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