One of the most significant and revered days in the Christian calendar is Good Friday. Every year on the Friday before Easter Sunday, people celebrate Good Friday. Everywhere in the globe, Christians eagerly await Good Friday. However, are you aware of what Good Friday means and why it is so significant to Christians worldwide?

The purpose of Good Friday is to commemorate and remember the day when Jesus Christ was crucified. It is the pivotal moment in Christian history that symbolises the pinnacle of selflessness, love, and salvation.

What does Good Friday mean and why is it named that?
Jesus Christ’s crucifixion and death are remembered on Good Friday. The majority of you are probably asking why this depressing day is called “Good Friday”. To many, that must sound strange. But the reason it is termed “Good” is because of the good that resulted from it—the supreme sacrifice made by Jesus Christ, whose death gave mankind hope and redemption. For Christians, Jesus voluntarily gave his life to atone for humanity’s sins, providing a way to everlasting life and forgiveness.

Good Friday’s past
The New Testament of the Bible states that Jesus was crucified by the Romans on Good Friday. This incident took place in Jerusalem more than 2,000 years ago. By curing lepers, providing sight to the blind, and performing several other miracles, Jesus showed his love for his people and changed countless lives. However, this did not sit well with the Jewish authorities, who eventually blamed him without proof. Judas, a follower of Jesus, also betrayed him. Following that, Jesus was tried, convicted without a good cause, and given the death penalty by crucifixion, which at the time was the worst punishment for crimes.

In front of hundreds of people, Jesus was thrashed and made to carry a cross through the streets to Golgotha, where he was crucified and killed. Christians believe that Jesus died on the cross to atone for the sins of the world and that he was the Son of God. His death demonstrated his abiding love for people and made forgiveness and everlasting life possible.

Jesus’ last words on the cross are profoundly poignant and profoundly significant. Words like “It is finished” and “Father, forgive them, for they do not know what they are doing” allude to God’s benevolence and the accomplishment of his purpose. These words, which inspire Christians to consider Christ’s message of love and salvation, are often at the heart of Good Friday prayers and meditation.

How is Good Friday observed by Christians?
Good Friday is respected and solemnly honoured, but it is not celebrated. Everywhere in the globe, people mark Good Friday by fasting, praying, and reflecting. Believers have a deeper connection to Christ’s love and suffering.

Following Lent, a 40-day season of fasting, prayer, and penance that concludes shortly before Easter, is a common tradition celebrated on Good Friday. On Good Friday, many Christians observe Lenten rituals by abstaining from meat and either fasting or eating only basic meals. Attending church services, where churches have special services on Good Friday, is another custom.

People participate in processions or passion plays that portray the crucifixion in some civilisations. These customs assist Christians in preparing their hearts for the pleasure of Easter Sunday and in reflecting profoundly on Jesus’ sacrifice.

Good Friday serves as a reminder of Jesus’ compassion and sacrifice for humanity in addition to being a historical event. Today is the day of optimism. May we welcome the hope and rejuvenation that result from Jesus’ sacrifice as we consider his suffering and death.

Good Friday encourages us all to take a moment to reflect, recall, and express gratitude, whether via church services, solitary prayer, or Scripture reading.