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Good Friday History

What does Good Friday mean for us?

Good Friday is celebrated by Christians worldwide, on the Friday before Easter Sunday. It marks the day that Jesus was tortured and crucified on Calvary Hill, outside the city walls of Jerusalem.

Who is Jesus?

Jesus is the Messiah. He is the Son of God. He is our Lord and our Saviour. He was born humbly in a manger, died brutally on a wooden cross and rose gloriously to Heaven on the third day. Christians worldwide follow Jesus and embrace the parables, or teachings that he taught his disciples. As Jesus was growing up, he learned and understood the Holy scriptures that were taught in the temples. As a teenager, the elders were amazed at this young man’s understanding of God’s word. As an adult, Jesus spread God’s word to anyone who would listen and embrace his words.

What is crucifixion?

Thought to be one of the most horrific ways to die, a sentenced person was usually beaten, made to carry his own cross, and then nailed to the cross through the palms of the hands and the feet. The actual unbearable weight of the body would ultimately cause suffocation.

Why was Jesus Crucified?

It was God’s decision to send Jesus to death. Jesus’ resurrection would cheat death of its powers over mankind. Those who believe that Jesus was God’s son, and our only Salvation; will be guaranteed a sweet life in Heaven. Jesus willingly shed his innocent and pure blood to save our souls, and to guarantee that all of us who believe in Him should not perish, but have eternal life. It was God’s will that Jesus conquer death in order to give us all eternal life.

Who was Pontius Pilate?

He was the Roman ruler of the time. Threatened by the mob and facing repercussions from Caesar, Pontius Pilate was forced to make a decision during the Passover. It was tradition to release a prisoner. The mob chose Barabbas, a thug; leaving Jesus to be crucified and ultimately fulfilling scripture and God’s grandest gift to mankind – forgiveness of sins and eternal salvation.

Hanging on the cross, did Jesus say anything?

Scripture in the Bible reveals that Jesus spoke seven different times while on the cross. Listed below are the sentences and the coinciding verses:

• 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, behold your son: behold your mother. (John 19:26)
• Eli Eli lema sabachthani? (Matthew 27:46 and Mark 15:34)
• I thirst. (John 19:28)
• It is finished. (John 19:30)
• Father, into your hands I commit my spirit. (Luke 23:46)

How long did Jesus hang on the cross, before he died?

Six hours. Jesus would have been nailed to the cross and hung to die at approximately 9 o’clock in the morning on Good Friday. At noon, the skies drew dark and at 3 o’clock in the afternoon, Jesus gave up His spirit.