What Events Took Place on Good Friday According to the Bible?
– A Deep Dive into the Seven Key Events
Good Friday is one of the most significant days in the Christian calendar. It marks the crucifixion of Jesus Christ, the pivotal event that symbolizes sacrifice, redemption, and the ultimate victory over sin and death. As Christians commemorate this day, it is essential to understand the various events that took place during the crucifixion and their deeper spiritual meanings. From the powerful words spoken by Jesus to the cosmic signs in the heavens, Good Friday is a day filled with profound moments that echo throughout human history.
In this article, we will explore the seven key events that occurred on Good Friday, according to the Bible. Each event reveals something crucial about the nature of Christ’s sacrifice and what it means for humanity. Through these events, we can glimpse into the love, mercy, and grace that God extended to the world through His Son, Jesus Christ.
1. The Betrayal and Arrest of Jesus (Matthew 26:47-56)
The events of Good Friday begin with a dark moment in the Garden of Gethsemane. Jesus, knowing that His time had come, had taken His disciples to pray. It was here that Judas Iscariot, one of Jesus’ twelve disciples, betrayed Him with a kiss. This betrayal was not only a personal act of treachery but also a fulfillment of the prophecies in the Old Testament. Jesus had already foretold His betrayal, and in this moment, Judas’ actions set the stage for the suffering that was about to unfold.
As Judas approached Jesus with a group of soldiers, he betrayed Jesus by greeting Him with a kiss, signaling to the soldiers that Jesus was the one they should arrest. This moment of betrayal by one of His own disciples was a poignant reminder of the fallen nature of humanity and the depth of Christ’s love. He did not retaliate or curse Judas; instead, He addressed him with the words, “Friend, do what you came for” (Matthew 26:50), showing His mercy even in the face of betrayal.
The arrest itself was marked by confusion and violence. Peter, in an attempt to defend Jesus, drew his sword and cut off the ear of a servant of the high priest. However, Jesus rebuked him, telling him to put the sword away. “For all who draw the sword will die by the sword” (Matthew 26:52). With this action, Jesus demonstrated His commitment to fulfill God’s plan of redemption, even at great personal cost.
2. The Religious Trials (Matthew 26:57-68)
After Jesus’ arrest, He was taken to the high priest’s house, where He would face a series of religious trials. These trials were not meant to seek justice but to secure a conviction for Jesus’ execution. The religious leaders, led by Caiaphas, sought to accuse Jesus of blasphemy. However, they struggled to find reliable witnesses to testify against Him.
Jesus remained silent for much of the trial, fulfilling the prophecy in Isaiah 53:7, “He was oppressed and afflicted, yet He did not open His mouth.” When Caiaphas asked Jesus directly if He was the Christ, the Son of God, Jesus affirmed it, stating, “You have said so” (Matthew 26:64). This declaration led to a charge of blasphemy, and the religious leaders condemned Him to death. They spat on Him, struck Him, and mocked Him.
This trial was a pivotal moment in the story of Good Friday because it demonstrated how Jesus endured suffering and humiliation on behalf of humanity. He remained silent in the face of false accusations, knowing that His purpose was to die for the sins of the world.
3. The Roman Trials (Matthew 27:11-26)
After the religious leaders condemned Jesus, they handed Him over to the Roman authorities. Jesus was brought before Pontius Pilate, the Roman governor, who initially found no fault in Him. Pilate tried to avoid making a decision, but the pressure from the Jewish leaders and the crowds intensified. Pilate offered to release Jesus as part of the Passover tradition of releasing a prisoner, but the crowd demanded the release of Barabbas, a notorious criminal, and the crucifixion of Jesus.
Pilate, seeking to absolve himself of responsibility, symbolically washed his hands, saying, “I am innocent of this man’s blood” (Matthew 27:24). However, he ultimately handed Jesus over to be crucified, bowing to the demands of the crowd. This act of political cowardice highlights the struggle between human authority and divine will. Pilate’s refusal to act justly led to Jesus’ condemnation, but even in this, God’s plan of salvation was unfolding.
4. The Scourging and Mockery of Jesus (Matthew 27:27-31)
Before Jesus was led to the cross, He was subjected to horrific physical abuse. The soldiers mocked Him by placing a crown of thorns on His head, dressing Him in a purple robe, and striking Him, hailing Him as “King of the Jews” (Matthew 27:29). This mockery of Jesus’ kingship was both cruel and ironic. The soldiers were blind to the truth that the man they were mocking was indeed the King of kings.
Jesus was then scourged, a brutal form of flogging that often left the victim near death. This suffering was part of the fulfillment of Isaiah 53:5, “But He was pierced for our transgressions, He was crushed for our iniquities; the punishment that brought us peace was on Him, and by His wounds we are healed.” Every lash He endured was not only physical pain but also the weight of humanity’s sin. Jesus took the punishment we deserved, enduring the ultimate suffering for the sake of redemption.
5. The Journey to Golgotha (Matthew 27:32-34)
After the scourging, Jesus was forced to carry His cross to the place of His execution. The journey to Golgotha, known as the Via Dolorosa (the Way of Suffering), was marked by pain, exhaustion, and public humiliation. Jesus, weakened from the scourging, fell under the weight of the cross, and a man named Simon of Cyrene was compelled to help Him carry it (Matthew 27:32).
As Jesus made His way to Golgotha, the women of Jerusalem wept for Him. Jesus, however, responded with compassion, telling them not to weep for Him, but for themselves and their children (Luke 23:28). This moment of sorrow and compassion highlights the deep love Jesus had for the people even as He endured the suffering of the cross.
6. The Crucifixion – The Nails and the Cross (Matthew 27:35-50)
Once at Golgotha, Jesus was nailed to the cross. His hands and feet were pierced with large nails, and He was raised up between two criminals, one on His right and one on His left. This brutal method of execution was not only physically agonizing but also publicly humiliating.
As He hung on the cross, Jesus uttered the first of His seven last words: “Father, forgive them, for they do not know what they are doing” (Luke 23:34). This prayer for His persecutors was a profound demonstration of His love and grace. Even in the midst of His agony, He prayed for the forgiveness of those who were causing His suffering.
Throughout the hours on the cross, various people mocked and taunted Him. They challenged Him to save Himself if He truly was the Son of God. Yet, Jesus did not respond with anger or violence. Instead, He remained silent, fulfilling the prophecy of Isaiah 53:7.
At noon, an eerie darkness covered the land, lasting for three hours. This supernatural event was a sign of the cosmic significance of Jesus’ death. The darkness symbolized the judgment of God falling upon sin and the separation of the Father from the Son as Jesus took on the sins of the world.
7. The Seven Last Words of Jesus (Luke 23:34, 43, John 19:26-30, Matthew 27:46-50)
Throughout His crucifixion, Jesus spoke seven profound statements, known as the “Seven Last Words.” These words reveal His heart and His divine mission. Let’s examine each:
- “Father, forgive them, for they do not know what they are doing” (Luke 23:34) – Jesus’ first words from the cross were words of forgiveness. Even as He suffered, He prayed for the forgiveness of His enemies.
- “Truly I tell you, today you will be with me in paradise” (Luke 23:43) – To the repentant thief hanging next to Him, Jesus promised immediate entrance into heaven, highlighting the power of repentance and grace.
- “Woman, here is your son… Here is your mother” (John 19:26-27) – Jesus’ words to His mother and the beloved disciple, John, show His concern for those He loved, even in His final moments.
- “My God, my God, why have you forsaken me?” (Matthew 27:46) – This cry of abandonment was a direct quotation from Psalm 22, expressing the depth of Jesus’ suffering as He experienced separation from the Father.
- “I am thirsty” (John 19:28) – Jesus’ physical thirst was a reminder of His full humanity. He experienced every aspect of human suffering.
- “It is finished” (John 19:30) – These powerful words marked the completion of Jesus’ redemptive work. His mission was accomplished, and the price for sin had been paid.
- “Father, into your hands I commit my spirit” (Luke 23:46) –
Good Friday: The Ultimate Sacrifice and the Seven Key Events
Good Friday is a day of immense significance, marking the crucifixion of Jesus Christ. It is the culmination of God’s plan for redemption, where Jesus became the ultimate sacrifice for the sins of the world. The events that transpired on this day were not just historical occurrences, but profound spiritual moments that hold deep meaning for all Christians. In this second part of our series, we will continue to explore the powerful events that took place on Good Friday according to the Bible, focusing on the supernatural occurrences, the Seven Last Words of Jesus, and the ultimate meaning behind them.
1. The Darkness that Covered the Land (Luke 23:44-45)
The Bible tells us that from noon until 3 PM, there was an eerie darkness that enveloped the land (Luke 23:44-45). This supernatural event was more than just a physical phenomenon—it was a cosmic sign that something momentous was happening. The darkness served as a powerful visual representation of the spiritual significance of Jesus’ death. The sun’s light was hidden, as if creation itself mourned the death of its Creator. This darkness also symbolized God’s judgment being poured out on sin.
Theologically, this moment signals the weight of the separation between God and humanity caused by sin. Jesus, though sinless, took upon Himself the sins of the world. The three-hour period of darkness was not merely a natural eclipse, but a sign that Jesus was bearing the weight of the world’s sins. It was as if the world itself was plunged into mourning for the Savior who was paying the ultimate price for humanity’s redemption.
2. The Tearing of the Temple Curtain (Matthew 27:51)
Another significant event on Good Friday was the tearing of the curtain in the temple. As Jesus breathed His last breath, the curtain in the temple, which separated the Holy of Holies from the rest of the temple, was torn from top to bottom (Matthew 27:51). This curtain had symbolized the separation between a holy God and sinful humanity. Only the high priest could enter the Holy of Holies once a year, on the Day of Atonement, to offer sacrifices for the people’s sins.
However, at the moment of Jesus’ death, this curtain was torn. This act symbolized the end of the separation between God and humanity. Jesus’ sacrifice had made a way for all people to have direct access to God. No longer would humanity need a high priest to mediate between them and God; Jesus had fulfilled the role of the ultimate mediator. His death opened the door for everyone, regardless of their background or past, to approach God with confidence.
3. The Seven Last Words of Jesus
Throughout His crucifixion, Jesus spoke seven powerful statements that have become known as the “Seven Last Words.” These words reveal the heart of Jesus and His purpose for coming to earth. Each of these sayings provides profound insights into Jesus’ character and His mission.
1. “Father, forgive them, for they do not know what they are doing” (Luke 23:34)
Even as Jesus was being crucified, He expressed love and forgiveness toward those who were mocking Him, beating Him, and nailing Him to the cross. His first words were not of condemnation, but of mercy, showing that His purpose was to bring forgiveness, even to His enemies.
2. “Truly, I say to you, today you will be with me in Paradise” (Luke 23:43)
Jesus spoke these words to one of the thieves who was crucified alongside Him. In a moment of repentance, the thief acknowledged Jesus as the Messiah, and Jesus promised him that he would join Him in paradise that very day. This moment exemplifies the power of repentance and grace—no matter how far one may have fallen, there is always hope for salvation through faith in Jesus.
3. “Woman, behold your son; behold your mother” (John 19:26-27)
In His final hours, Jesus expressed concern for His mother, Mary. He entrusted her care to the Apostle John, demonstrating His deep love and compassion for His family. Even in His suffering, Jesus remained selfless and caring for others.
4. “My God, My God, why have you forsaken Me?” (Matthew 27:46)
This anguished cry of Jesus is one of the most profound moments on the cross. Jesus, in His humanity, felt the weight of separation from God as He bore the sin of the world. This moment fulfilled the prophecy in Psalm 22 and marked the intense spiritual agony that Jesus experienced as He took on the consequences of humanity’s sin.
5. “I thirst” (John 19:28)
In His final hours, Jesus expressed His physical need, showing His full humanity. This simple statement reminds us that Jesus experienced the full range of human suffering and deprivation as He took on the burden of our sins.
6. “It is finished” (John 19:30)
With these words, Jesus declared the completion of His mission on earth. The work of redemption had been accomplished. Sin had been paid for, and the path to salvation had been secured. These words represent the culmination of God’s plan for humanity’s salvation.
7. “Father, into Your hands I commit my spirit” (Luke 23:46)
Jesus’ final words were a prayer of surrender to the Father. In His death, He placed His trust completely in God, showing the ultimate example of faith. His spirit was now ready to return to the Father, having accomplished the purpose for which He came.
4. The Earthquake and the Resurrection of the Saints (Matthew 27:51-53)
Immediately after Jesus’ death, an earthquake shook the land, and many tombs were opened. The bodies of many saints who had died were raised to life and appeared to many people in the city (Matthew 27:51-53). This was a sign that Jesus’ death had not only defeated sin but also conquered death itself. It was a foretaste of the resurrection that would come through Him.
The resurrection of these saints was a powerful testimony of the power of Jesus’ death. It showed that His sacrifice had broken the power of death and that those who die in Christ would one day be raised to life. This moment foreshadowed the resurrection of Jesus Himself, which would become the cornerstone of the Christian faith.
5. The Centurion’s Declaration (Matthew 27:54)
As the centurion who oversaw the crucifixion witnessed all the supernatural events that occurred, including the earthquake and the darkness, he declared, “Truly, this was the Son of God” (Matthew 27:54). This statement, coming from a Roman soldier who had likely seen many crucifixions, was a powerful acknowledgment of Jesus’ divine nature. Even those who were not part of the Jewish faith were compelled to recognize the truth of who Jesus was based on the events surrounding His death.
Discussion Questions for Reflection:
- What does the tearing of the temple curtain mean for you personally? How has Jesus made a way for you to have direct access to God?
- Why do you think the darkness during Jesus’ crucifixion was such a significant event? What does it tell us about God’s judgment on sin?
- Jesus forgave those who crucified Him. How does this demonstrate the nature of God’s love and forgiveness? How can we apply this to our own lives?
- What is the significance of the Seven Last Words of Jesus? How do each of His statements reflect His purpose and mission on earth?
- Why is the resurrection of the saints an important event on Good Friday? What does it teach us about the power of Jesus’ sacrifice over death?
Conclusion
Good Friday is a day of deep reflection on the sacrifice of Jesus Christ. The events that unfolded on that day—such as the tearing of the temple curtain, the supernatural darkness, and the Seven Last Words of Jesus—point to the deep love and grace of God. Through His death, Jesus accomplished the impossible: He reconciled humanity with God, opened the way to eternal life, and defeated sin and death forever. As we remember these events, we are reminded of the immense cost of salvation and the boundless love of God.
Meta Description: Discover the profound events of Good Friday through the Seven Last Words, the tearing of the temple curtain, and cosmic signs. Learn the deep significance of Jesus’ ultimate sacrifice.
Call to Action:
Let the power of Good Friday fill your heart with gratitude and love. Share this article with others and leave your thoughts in the comments below. May God’s love be with you always.
