The Friday before Easter is known as “Good Friday” among Christians worldwide. We honor and remember the suffering and death of Jesus Christ on the cross on this day. This Friday represents the greatest and the worst thing that has ever happened to humanity.
Some background information
Jesus was to be killed, according to Jewish religious authorities. He claimed to be the Son of God, endangering their religious establishment and drawing large crowds with his teachings and miracles. That needed to end! “Thereupon the chief priests and the elders of the people assembled in the high priest’s palace, whose name was Caiaphas, and conspired to secretly arrest and execute Jesus” (Matthew 26:3–4).
A disciple of Jesus himself was eager to turn against Him and was waiting for a chance to hand Him over to the chief priests.
What happened on Good Friday?
At the start of the Jewish Passover, a seven- or eight-day religious holiday, Jesus was taken into custody. Jesus was taken into custody at night in a garden near Jerusalem to avoid a riot among the populace. That evening, He was put through multiple trials in front of King Herod, the Roman ruler Pontius Pilate, and the chief priests. Despite having a hard time formulating a solid charge, the religious authorities ultimately executed Jesus for blasphemy (Matthew 26:60–66).
As this was merely a theological matter, Roman law did not recognize it as a legitimate basis for a trial. Despite being fully aware of Jesus’ innocence, Pontius Pilate bowed to the people’ demands to have Jesus executed (Matthew 27:24–26).
Just so, on Good Friday, Jesus was crucified at Golgotha, the hill that stands in front of the Jerusalem gates. He passed away following three hours of excruciating pain (Matthew 27:45-50). Some of Jesus’ supporters buried him just before the Jewish rest day, the Sabbath, began at six o’clock in the evening.
Good Friday was horrible
It is clear from reading the eyewitness reports in the four Gospels that Good Friday was horrifying. A defenseless man was taunted, whipped, and beaten. Despite knowing full well that he was innocent, the government had him crucified. The Man who had blessed and healed a great number of people was hated and ruthlessly killed. It was all injustice.
But Jesus was more than simply a man—he was more than “just” a healer of miracles. He was the Messiah, God’s sentinel. Although the masses and religious authorities rejected him, Jesus was the Son of God. It appeared as though Satan had vanquished God! The darkest moment in human history was when Jesus Christ died on the cross, since it appeared that darkness had won the war against sin and death and the Son of God had lost.
What is so good about Good Friday?
The positive aspects of Good Friday were invisible to the naked eye. Although it appeared as though God had lost control, His salvation plan included these terrible occurrences. “Christ died for us while we were still sinners, demonstrating God’s love for us” (Romans 5:8). Jesus died in order to atone for sins. He took on the punishment that our sins as humans had earned us. According to the will of our God and Father, He “gave Himself for our sins to deliver us from the present evil age” (Galatians 1:4).
The soldiers, the people, the Jewish leaders, the Roman governor, and the masses were all unaware that by crucifying Jesus, they were carrying out God’s purpose. Today became the pivotal moment in the history of creation. People can have their relationship with God restored and be forgiven by God since Jesus died in our place.
Good Friday was not ‘the end of the story’
The story did not come to an end with Jesus’ death. Sunday morning He rose once more! The Old Testament scriptures and Jesus Himself had already prophesied this (see 1 Corinthians 15:3 and Mark 8:31). Although it is commemorated during Easter, that wonderful occasion is naturally linked to Good Friday.
Jesus demonstrated that He had actually vanquished sin and death by rising from the grave. Easter makes it abundantly evident that Jesus’ death was not his final demise but rather the terrible means of achieving everlasting glory.
Why are the events on Good Friday so important?
According to the apostle Paul, the death and resurrection of Jesus are “of first importance” (1 Corinthians 15:3). Christians have observed these occasions as their most significant holy feasts ever since. When we fully comprehend the significance of Jesus’ salvation for us, we may appreciate the uniqueness of Good Friday. We would be in a dismal predicament and facing eternal death if Jesus had not died.
However, because Jesus was the object of God’s anger against sin, we are eligible for salvation and pardon. Yes, that is excellent news! All who believe in Jesus Christ will enjoy eternal life rather than perish because He died and resurrected from the dead (John 3:16).
How can I profit personally from Jesus’ atoning death?
It should be noted that John 3:16 mentions a “prerequisite” in order to benefit from Jesus’ death and resurrection. Rather than eternal damnation, anyone who believes in Jesus Christ will be granted eternal life. Because they have not placed their faith in the name of the one and only Son of God, those who do not believe in Him are already condemned (John 3:18).
I strongly advise you to embrace Jesus as your personal Lord and Savior right away if you haven’t already. In prayer, submit to Him: “Father in heaven, I acknowledge that I am a sinner. Please pardon me. I beg that you be my personal Savior because I believe that Jesus died on the cross to atone for humanity’s sins. Please forgive me of my sins, place your Holy Spirit within me, and rule over my life. “I want to follow You from now on,” or simply say whatever you want in a private prayer.
See also [What does it mean to receive God’s grace?], How do I come to repentance?, and How are sinners saved?
