What is the meaning of Good Friday? This day is the Friday before Easter and the day we remember Jesus’ death on the cross. Read on to learn more about how to honor this meaningful day.
What Happened on Good Friday?
Here is what happened in the life of Jesus on Good Friday.
Jesus prayed at the Mount of Olives, saying, “Father, if it’s possible, take this cup from me. Not my will but yours be done.” (Matthew 26:39). Instead of keeping watch and praying, the disciples fell asleep.
Judas came with a large crowd of chief priests and elders and betrayed Jesus with a kiss. Jesus was arrested in the garden by Roman soldiers. A follower of Jesus took his sword and struck a servant of the high priest, cutting off his ear. Jesus healed his ear, replying, “Those who live by the sword will die by the sword.” (Matthew 26:52)
Jesus was taken before Caiaphas, the high priest and the Counsel. False witnesses accused Jesus of wrongdoing, but Jesus remained silent. (Matthew 26:63) Jesus was charged with blasphemy, slapped, and spit upon.
Peter denied Jesus three times outside the courtyard, and the rooster crowed. (Matthew 26:75) Peter repented.
In the morning, Jesus was delivered to Pilate, the governor. (Matthew 27:1)
Judas returned the 30 pieces of silver that he had been given to betray Jesus (Matthew 27:3), and then hanged himself in a field. (Matthew 27:5)
Pilate allowed the crowd to choose one prisoner to release, and the crowd chose to release Barabbas, a notorious criminal. The crowd shouted for Jesus to be crucified. (Matthew 27:15-22)
Pilot washed his hands of the matter to claim his innocence of Jesus’ death, then ordered Jesus to be scourged and then crucified. (Matthew 27:26)
Jesus was stripped, and a robe and crown of thorns were placed upon his head. He was spat upon and mocked.
As he was led away to be crucified, a man named Simon was ordered to carry Jesus’ cross. (Matthew 27:27-32)
Jesus was led to Golgotha, where he was crucified. He was crucified with two robbers, one on his right and one on his left. The whole world turned dark from the sixth hour until the ninth hour. A sign was placed over his head reading, “This is Jesus, the King of the Jews.”
While Jesus was on the cross, he spoke seven phrases, which are often called the Seven Words of the Cross.
Seven Words of the Cross
Here is what Jesus said when He was on the cross.
Father, forgive them, for they know not what they do. (Luke 23:34)
Truly, I say to you, today you will be with me in paradise. (Luke 23:43)
Woman, this is your son. This is your mother. (John 19:26-27)
My God, my God, why have you forsaken me? (Matthew 27:46, Mark 15:34)
I thirst. (John 19:28)
It is finished. (John 19:29-30)
Father, into your hands I commend my spirit. (Luke 23:46)
At the ninth hour (3:00 in the afternoon), Jesus died. The temple curtain was torn in two from top to bottom, and the earth shook.
Jesus’ body was taken down, and he was placed in the tomb of Joseph of Arimathea, a wealthy man who was a disciple of Jesus. A large rock was placed at the entrance. Pilate ordered the tomb sealed and soldiers to guard the tomb.
Read about Good Friday in the Bible here: Matthew 26:36-27:66, John 19, Mark 15
Click here to read about Maundy Thursday, when Jesus celebrated the Last Supper with his disciples.
How Should You Honor Good Friday?
Good Friday is remembered as a solemn day of pondering and reflection. Many Christians attend worship.
The church has given Good Friday the name of the day Jesus died on the cross. The term “Good Friday” is not used in the Bible.
Tenebrae Worship Service
One type of Good Friday worship is a Tenebrae Service. Tenebrae is the Latin word for shadows.
A Tenebrae service is meant to capture the emotion of Jesus’ death as worshipers walk through the events of his last hours on earth.
The service is somber and gradually darker, and worshipers leave in silence. Click here for a further explanation of a Tenebrae service.
If you can attend a Tenebrae or other Good Friday worship service, take this opportunity to experience a powerful service that will help you reflect on Jesus’ sacrifice for you. This will make your Easter worship all the more meaningful.
Personal devotions and prayers on Good Friday are also meaningful. See below for resources.
Why is Good Friday Called “Good”?
Calling Good Friday a “good” day might seem strange since what happened to Jesus was horrible. He was completely innocent yet died a horrific death.
Good Friday is called “good” because it is a day that changed not just history but all of eternity. Because of Jesus’ sacrifice, you have the gift of salvation. Jesus’ ultimate act of grace is the perfect gift.
How do you honor Good Friday? Share about it in the comments below.
Journey to the Cross: A Holy Week Devotional for Weight Loss and Wellness
Use the Journey to the Cross journal to connect faith and health as you reflect on Jesus’ sacrifice while making mindful choices. Each day includes Scripture, reflection questions, prayers, and simple but powerful action steps to align your food choices with your faith.
Celebrate the resurrection with a renewed body and spirit – because victory is already yours. Get the Holy Week weight loss journal now.
Other Posts for Lent and Holy Week
How Do You Know When is Easter?
What is the Meaning of Palm Sunday?
Why You Should Honor Holy Week Before Easter
What Does Maundy Thursday Mean?
Other Lenten Resources
Good Friday — Arch Children’s Book
Six Hours One Friday — Max Lucado
Carrying the Cross — video devotion by The Skit Guys
Get a Free Bible Journaling Kit Now!
Journaling guide & reading plan for strong faith.
Hi, a link to my Facebook post (with picture) of “a lot can happen in 3 days”—Sunday’s coming. I have always loved this picture of Friday’s crown of thorns and Sunday’s kingly crown…..
Charlotte
https://www.facebook.com/share/p/1AugWbPDni/
No baptism, no communion, no confirmation, no speaking in tongues, no mission trip, no volunteering, no financial gifts, and no church clothes. He couldn’t even bend his knees to pray. He didn’t say the sinner’s prayer and among other things, he was a thief. Jesus didn’t take away his pain, heal his body, or smite his scoffers. Yet, it was a thief who walked into paradise the same hour as Jesus simply by believing. He had nothing more to offer other than his belief that Jesus was who He said He was.
No spin from brilliant theologians. No ego or arrogance. No shiny lights, skinny jeans, or crafty words. No haze machine, donuts, or coffee in the lobby. Just a naked dying man on a cross unable to even fold his hands to pray.
“For God so loved the world that He gave His only Son so that WHOEVER believes in Him will not perish but have everlasting life.”
~ John 3:16
“For it is by grace you have been saved, through faith—and this is not from yourselves, it is the gift of God— not by works, so that no one can boast.”
~ Ephesians 2:8-9
I attend Good Friday service. I love the Veneration of the Cross. Very moving and humbling.
Hello!! I honor Good Friday with attending a prayer vigil at my church and also attending Good Friday service.