There is an old spiritual that asks this very familiar question: “Were you there when they crucified my Lord?” It’s a question that has been asked through the ages. And every generation has provided its own answer. You and I must answer it as well. Were we there? Were we there when they crucified our Lord?

We know the cast of the original Good Friday drama. They are listed in John’s telling of the passion narrative.

Judas Iscariot was there. He definitely was instrumental in crucifying Jesus. John tells us that Judas came to the garden where Jesus went to pray, guiding a detachment of soldiers and some officials from the chief priests and the Pharisees. They were carrying torches, lanterns and weapons. Judas betrayed Jesus for 30 pieces of silver. Even worse, he betrayed him with a kiss.…