It’s early Friday morning.

Jesus has been arrested in the Garden of Gethsemane.

Peter has already denied knowing Him.

And now, Jesus is led through a series of trials.

He is brought before the Jewish council.

Then before the high priest.

Then before the Roman governor Pontius Pilate.

And even before Herod Antipas.

At every step, accusations are thrown at Him.

They accuse Him of blasphemy.

They accuse Him of rebellion.

They search for any charge that will justify putting Him to death.

But the truth is simple:

Jesus has done nothing wrong.

Still, the crowd grows louder.

They mock Him.

They beat Him.

They place a crown of thorns on His head and a robe on His shoulders.

They strike Him and say, “If you are a prophet, tell us who hit you.”

It’s a painful picture—one marked by injustice, cruelty, and rejection.

And yet, this moment reveals something deeply important for us.

We worship a Savior who understands suffering.

He knows what it feels like to be rejected.

He understands injustice.

He has experienced the worst of human cruelty firsthand.

And even in the middle of all of it… He continues to love.

Later, as He hangs on the cross, Jesus will pray,

“Father, forgive them, for they do not know what they are doing.”

That is the depth of His love.

Even when He was rejected…

Even when He was mistreated…

Even when He was suffering…

Jesus chose love.

And that same love is still extended to you and to me today.