Afterward, Jesus prayed in the Garden of Gethsemane, where He was later betrayed by Judas Iscariot and arrested by Roman soldiers. He was brought before the Jewish council and then before Pontius Pilate, the Roman governor, who, under pressure from the crowd, sentenced Him to be crucified. Jesus was scourged, mocked, and forced to carry His own cross to Golgotha — the “Place of the Skull.”

At around noon, He was nailed to the cross, and after hours of excruciating pain, He uttered His final words, “Father, into Your hands I commend my spirit.” By 3 p.m., Jesus breathed His last. The Gospel accounts describe a moment of darkness and an earthquake, symbolizing the cosmic significance of His death.

Though it is a day of mourning, Good Friday is “good” because it marks the fulfillment of God’s promise of salvation. Through Jesus’s suffering and death, Christians believe that humanity’s sins were forgiven and that eternal life was made possible through faith in Him.

How Good Friday Is Observed

Across the Christian world, Good Friday is observed with reverence, fasting, and prayer. The day is often marked by church services, scripture readings, and reflections on the Passion of Christ — the series of events leading to His crucifixion.

Many churches hold Stations of the Cross, a devotional service that retraces the steps of Jesus from His condemnation to His burial. This ritual allows worshippers to meditate on His sacrifice and the virtues of patience, humility, and forgiveness.

In some traditions, the Three Hours’ Agony is observed from noon to 3 p.m., the time when Jesus hung on the cross. During these hours, believers meditate on His “Seven Last Words” — powerful statements that reveal His compassion, forgiveness, and divine purpose even in His suffering.

Church altars are often left bare, symbolizing grief, while hymns of lamentation and reflection are sung. The faithful abstain from celebrations and instead spend the day in quiet devotion, preparing spiritually for the joy of Easter Sunday, which celebrates Christ’s resurrection and triumph over death.

The Message of Good Friday

Good Friday carries a timeless message of sacrifice, forgiveness, and hope. It teaches that love is stronger than hatred, and that through suffering comes redemption. It calls believers to selflessness — to bear one’s cross with faith and courage, just as Christ did.

The cross, once a symbol of shame, has become the greatest emblem of love and victory. It stands as a reminder that through the darkest moments, light and salvation await those who trust in God’s plan.

In a broader sense, Good Friday speaks to all humanity. It reminds people of compassion, forgiveness, and the importance of standing for truth and justice, even when it demands personal sacrifice.

Good Friday is not merely a day of sorrow but one of profound gratitude. It invites believers to reflect on the immense love of Christ, who gave His life for the redemption of the world. His crucifixion and death paved the way for resurrection and eternal hope.

As Christians across the globe bow in prayer on this sacred day, they are reminded that every act of love, forgiveness, and sacrifice carries the power to transform lives. The message of Good Friday endures — that from pain arises redemption, and from death springs new life.