Good Friday is a religious holiday that is observed by Christians all over the world. It commemorates Jesus’ death on the cross, which is one of the most significant events in Christianity.
Even though he was innocent, Jesus died for our sins because he wanted us to have a chance at redemption and eternal life. Because of his sacrifice, we are able to be forgiven and have a relationship with God.
Why Is It Called Good Friday when Jesus died?
The name “Good Friday” is derived from the old English phrase “God’s Friday”. Some believe that the name is derived from the belief that Jesus was sacrificed as an act of goodness and love. Others believe that the name refers to the fact that Jesus’ death brought about salvation for humanity. Good Friday is sometimes called “Holy Friday” or “Great Friday”.
While the events surrounding Good Friday were horrible, tragic and caused many to lose faith in Jesus, they were considered a prelude to triumph over death and evil because of what Christ accomplished through his resurrection.
What Happens on Good Friday?
Good Friday is a day of mourning and reflection. It is a time to remember the sacrifice that Jesus made for humanity. Many Christians attend church services on Good Friday, where they listen to readings from the Bible and reflect on the events of Jesus’ life and death.
Good Friday is also a time for contemplation and self-reflection. Many Christians choose to spend time in prayer and meditation on this day. Some people also use Good Friday as an opportunity to perform acts of service or charity.
How Is Good Friday Celebrated?
Good Friday is a somber holiday, and most celebrations are subdued in comparison to other Christian holidays like Christmas or Easter. However, some people do observe Good Friday with special food traditions or by participating in traditional Easter activities like egg hunts.
Many churches hold special services on Good Friday, and some communities hold processions or other public events to commemorate the day. Some people also display crucifixes or other religious symbols throughout their homes or neighborhoods on Good Friday.
How to celebrate Good Friday 2024
Here are some ways you can celebrate Good Friday:
1. Read the Bible passages about the crucifixion of Jesus Christ.
2. Pray and reflect on the meaning of Christ’s death and resurrection.
3. Attend a church service or prayer vigil.
4. Spend time with family and friends, discussing the significance of Good Friday.
5. Give to charity in honor of Jesus Christ’s sacrifice.
6. Fast or pray for others who are suffering.
7. Display a cross or crucifix in your home or place of worship.
8. Share your faith with others.
9. Enjoy the silence and peace of Good Friday.
10. Thank God for the gift of Jesus Christ.
Crucifixion of Jesus Christ
Bible Story of the Crucifixion of Jesus Christ
The story of Jesus’ crucifixion is one of the most important stories in Christianity. The crucifixion of Jesus is recorded in the New Testament books, known as the Gospels – Matthew, Mark, Luke, and John. This Bible story is the central summary of the saving Gospel of Jesus. Jesus had prophesied of his death in Matthew “from that time on Jesus began to explain to his disciples that he must go to Jerusalem and suffer many things at the hands of the elders, the chief priests and the teachers of the law and that he must be killed and on the third day be raised to life.” Jesus understood that his life would be required as a sacrifice for the sins of man.
At the height of his ministry and miracles, many Jews came to believe in Jesus as Messiah, the Son of God. Jewish leaders feared Jesus because of his growing followers. With the help of Judas Iscariot, Roman soldiers arrested Jesus and he was put on trial for claiming to be the king of the Jews. According to Roman law, the punishment for rebellion against the king was death by crucifixion.
The Roman governor Pontius Pilate was reluctant when it came to the punishment for Jesus. Pilate could find no wrong in Jesus, yet he wanted to give the people what they wanted, and that was the death of Jesus. Pilate washed his hands in front of the crowd to symbolize that he was not taking responsibility for the bloodshed of Jesus and then handed Jesus over to be beaten and lashed. Jesus had a crown of thorns thrust on his head and made to carry his cross along the pathway to the hill where he would be crucified. The location of Jesus’ crucifixion is known as Calvary, which is translated from “a place of skull”.
The Seven Last Words of Christ on the Cross:
On his last night on earth, Jesus spoke seven times before his death – to God, to Mary Magdalene, to the chief priests, to Pontius Pilate, to two robbers crucified at his side, and finally one more time to God. Each speech revealed something specific about what he was experiencing.
Here are some of Jesus’ last words as recorded in the four Gospels:
Prayers for those crucifying him. In Luke’s Gospel (Luke 23:34), Jesus says to God , “Father, forgive them, for they do not know what they are doing.” In John’s Gospel (John 17:15-16), he prays to God, “My prayer is not that you take them out of the world but that you protect them from the evil one . They do not belong to the world any more than I belong to it.”
Close with a promise. When he was dying on the cross, Jesus told his disciples : “I am thirsty .” They brought him sour wine on a sponge , but he refused it. Then he said, “It is finished” (John 19:28-30). When Jesus died, the temple curtain that covered the entrance to the most holy place in God’s house was torn in two from top to bottom . This showed everyone–both those with him and those against him–that they could now go directly to God through Jesus.
A plea for mercy. Three times Jesus cried out , “My God, my God, why have you forsaken me?” (Matthew 27:46; Mark 15:34), as if he were experiencing pain beyond what anyone else ever had–and yet still saying at the same time that this was not God’s will.
A cry of triumph. When he was near death, Jesus cried out, “I am thirsty.” Then one of the soldiers pierced his side with a spear , and blood and water flowed out (John 19:28-30). This shows that Jesus’ final struggle was over–and God had once again given him something to drink! It also meant that he really did die on the cross.
Jesus forgives one of his tormentors. One of the two robbers who were crucified at Jesus’ side kept insulting him, but the other man told him to stop because he believed in Jesus . The bad robber kept it up until Jesus said to him, “I tell you the truth, today you will be with me in paradise” (Luke 23:43).
Jesus’ prayer for those who mistreat him. Jesus prayed three times to God that those who were putting him through such horrible suffering would be forgiven (Luke 23:34), even though they didn’t realize what they were doing and it wasn’t their fault.
Conclusion
It is clear that Jesus had a great love for those who mistreated him on the cross. This should be an inspiration to us all as we reflect on what Good Friday means and how it can change our lives. Reflecting upon this will deepen your appreciation of Easter Sunday, which celebrates God’s victory over death through Christ’s resurrection from the dead.