Good Friday - What is it?

TL;DR:

Good Friday is the Friday before Easter Sunday and is traditionally celebrated as the day Jesus died on the cross. Although we don't know for sure that Friday was the day Jesus was crucified (many argue that it may also have been a Thursday or even a Wednesday), this day was chosen as a remembrance of Christ's sacrifice for us.

what does the bible say?

Good Friday is the traditional day Christians remember Jesus’ crucifixion, recognizing His sacrificial death for the forgiveness of sins. While the exact day of the week is debated, Friday has long been observed through Scripture readings, prayer, and quiet reflection. Old Testament prophecies such as Isaiah 53 and Psalm 22 foretell the suffering of the Messiah, while the New Testament Gospels recount Jesus’ betrayal, trial, and death. His sacrifice fulfilled the role of the Passover lamb, offering eternal redemption and demonstrating God’s love for sinners (Romans 5:8; Hebrews 9:12). Though solemn, Good Friday is called “good” because it marks the moment when Jesus secured salvation for all who trust in Him.

from the old testament

Isaiah 53:3-7 describes the suffering servant who bears the sins of many—widely seen as a prophecy of Jesus' crucifixion: “He was despised and rejected by men... pierced for our transgressions… by his wounds we are healed.”
Psalm 22:1, 16-18 vividly describes a crucifixion centuries before that punishment was practiced. Jesus fulfilled that prophecy on the cross: “My God, my God, why have you forsaken me?... They pierced my hands and feet… They divide my garments among them.”
The Passover lamb’s blood symbolizes God's deliverance, pointing to Christ, the ultimate Lamb of God (Exodus 12:5-7, 13).
Zechariah 12:10 is a prophecy of sorrow and repentance over the Messiah’s suffering.

from the new testament

Matthew 26:36—27:56, Mark 14:32—15:41, Luke 22:39—23:49, and John 18:1—19:37 are the Gospel accounts of Jesus' betrayal, trial, crucifixion, and death.
First Peter 2:24 explains how Jesus’ death dealt with sin and brought healing: “He himself bore our sins in his body on the tree…” This is what we remember on Good Friday.
God’s love is shown through Jesus’ death for the undeserving. Romans 5:8 tells us that “while we were still sinners, Christ died for us.”
Jesus became the substitute to reconcile us with God (2 Corinthians 5:21).
Hebrews 9:11-15 tells us that “Christ… entered the Most Holy Place once for all by his own blood, thus obtaining eternal redemption.” Jesus’ death was the fulfillment of the sacrificial system, ending it once and for all.

implications for today

Catholics and Protestants across denominations usually observe Good Friday with solemn services consisting of hymns, Scripture readings, prayer, and retellings of Christ's death on the cross. Some families choose to have a quiet service of remembrance at home. God does not require us to celebrate Good Friday, but it can be a spiritually enriching experience as we remember the pain Jesus went through both before and during His crucifixion. It can also prepare us for the joy that comes when we celebrate Easter—the day of Jesus' resurrection—on Sunday.

If Good Friday is such a solemn occasion, then why do we refer to it as "good"? Although there was technically nothing good about the day Jesus suffered and died for us, the outcome certainly is! It was the day Jesus became the perfect, sacrificial Lamb who shed His blood for the remission of our sins (Romans 5:8; 6:23; 1 Peter 3:18). This was the greatest act of love known to man—God the Father sent His Son, Jesus, to die in our place. And because of Jesus' Sunday morning resurrection, those who place their trust in Him believe in a living Savior who will one day return to claim His own (John 14:1-3).

Even if we choose not to celebrate on Good Friday, we should always have Jesus' death and resurrection on our minds and hearts. We can commemorate this throughout the year with prayers of thanksgiving and by celebrating the Lord's Supper, which Jesus commanded His followers to do to "proclaim [His] death until he comes" (1 Corinthians 11:26).

understand

Good Friday commemorates the crucifixion of Jesus Christ.
Jesus’ sacrificial death was the fulfillment of prophecy and the means of eternal redemption.
Good Friday is often remembered with solemn worship as a powerful reminder of Christ’s love and sacrifice for our sins.

reflect

How does remembering Jesus’ suffering on Good Friday deepen your understanding of what it cost to secure your forgiveness?
How do you personally remember Christ’s sacrifice on Good Friday and throughout the year?
What habits or practices help you keep Jesus’ death and resurrection at the center of your faith?

engage

Why is the day we remember Jesus’ death called “Good” Friday, and how does that shape how we view suffering and sacrifice?
How do Old Testament prophecies like Isaiah 53 and Psalm 22 help us see the connection between God’s plan and Jesus’ crucifixion?
What are meaningful ways we, as believers, can observe Good Friday and keep the message of the cross alive in our daily lives?