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Every year during Holy Week, Christians around the world observe Good Friday. On this solemn day, Jesus was crucified and died on the cross. So, what is Good Friday, and why do we call it Good Friday if it’s the day on which Jesus suffered and died? Let’s explore the events leading up to and on this day, known as “The Passion of Christ”. The passion refers to everything Jesus experienced from the night of the Last Supper to his death on the cross.
What Happened on Good Friday?
Good Friday commemorates the Passion and death of Jesus Christ, which is central to the Catholic faith. The Gospels record all the events, and this gives us a complete picture. The events actually begin on Holy Thursday.
1. Jesus is betrayed and arrested on Holy Thursday
After the Last Supper on the evening of Holy Thursday, Jesus prayed in the Garden of Gethsemane. He felt great pain and sorrow as he knew what was ahead, and he didn’t want to die. He was obedient, understood why his death had to happen, and surrendered to God’s will. Judas Iscariot was a close disciple of Jesus. He betrayed Jesus by turning him over to the temple guards in exchange for thirty pieces of silver. Judas led the guards to Jesus in the garden, and they arrested him.
2. The Jewish Trial (Late Thursday Night)
There were two trials for Jesus: the Jewish trial and the Roman Trial. The Jewish leaders wanted to accuse Jesus of blasphemy for claiming to be the Son of God. After questioning, the Jewish council found Jesus guilty of blasphemy. Because Jewish law stated that only the Roman authorities could carry out a death sentence, they brought him to Pontius Pilate.
3. The Roman Trial and Sentencing (Early Friday Morning)
The guards brought Jesus before Pontius Pilate, the Roman governor, since the Jews could not legally execute anyone. Pilate questioned Jesus for claiming to be the “King of the Jews.” In John 18:33-37, Jesus affirmed his kingdom is not of this world. Pilate was unsure of Jesus’ guilt and found no evidence of any crime. Facing pressure from the crowd and to avoid unrest, Pilate reluctantly handed Jesus over to be crucified.
4. Jesus Is Handed Over to Roman Soldiers
On Good Friday, the Roman soldiers stripped and beat Jesus. Then they placed a crown of thorns over his head (Matthew 27:27-31, Mark 15:16-20, John 19:1-3). They mocked him as “King of the Jews, spit on him, and forced him to carry a cross to Golgotha (The Place of the Skull). Jesus stumbled and fell along the way while they mocked and abused him. The crowd also jeered and threw insults. Luke 2:34-35 tells us that Jesus ‘ mother Mary, was present throughout the journey (Luke 2:34-35). Jesus’ journey to Golgotha is called “The Way of the Cross.”
5. Crucifixion and Death at Golgotha
The soldiers and guards nailed Jesus to the cross once they reached Golgotha. The Romans then placed Jesus and his cross between two criminals who were also being crucified. One of the criminals mocked Jesus, while the other, who believed he was innocent, defended him. He said, “Jesus, remember me when you come into your kingdom.” Jesus replied, “Truly I tell you, today you will be with me in paradise” (Luke 23:43). While nailed to the cross Jesus suffered greatly and eventually died. Right before his death he said, “Father, forgive them, for they know not what they do” Luke 23:34. Then he said, “Father, in your hands I commend my spirit” (Luke 23:46).
6. Jesus’ Burial and Placement in the Tomb
Soldiers wrapped Jesus in a clean linen cloth and placed him in a new tomb. They then sealed the tomb with a large stone. At the request of the chief priests, Pilate stationed guards at the tomb to stop anyone from stealing Jesus’ body. This also took place on Good Friday. Then, Jesus resurrects from the dead two days later on Easter Sunday.
Why Good Friday is Good
On Good Friday, Jesus died on the Cross, taking upon himself the sins of the world (John 3:16). Jesus’ suffering and death fulfilled God’s plan to save humanity. We call this day good even though it is a day of sorrow. We consider it good because Jesus’ suffering and death fulfilled God’s plan to save humanity. Through this sacrifice, Jesus opened up the way to forgiveness, reconciliation with God, and the promise of eternal life.
Two days after his Crucifixion, on Easter Sunday, Jesus rose from the dead, conquering sin and death. Jesus offers eternal life to all those who believe in him. Good Friday is a time for us to reflect on our own lives, seek God’s mercy, and trust that God can bring good out of suffering.
The Crosses We Bear
Like Jesus, each of us carries our own crosses. Throughout life, we will face challenges, struggles, and moments of pain. By turning to God and trusting in Jesus, we can find strength in His love, follow His example, and let His light guide us through life’s trials. Remember, no cross we bear can ever compare to the one Jesus carried—let that give you faith and courage in difficult times.