Good Friday is a day observed within the Christian faith that commemorates the crucifixion and death of Jesus. This day is marked with sorrow and mourning because, in accordance with the Holy Bible, Jesus was nailed to the cross for the sins of the people. Good Friday, Holy Saturday, and Easter Sunday comprise the Easter Triduum.
The Good Friday Message:
The Crucifixion of Jesus and his death on the cross is seen as the penultimate sacrifice. Jesus bore so much pain and gave up his life just for the redemption of mankind. In the Christain faith, it is believed that Jesus, who taught love, compassion, forgiveness, and kindness was nailed to a cross because of man’s hatred, pride, arrogance, and greed.
The message of Good Friday differs for each individual but the overarching meaning lies within the undying love and sacrifice shown by Jesus. The triumph that veils over this sorrow are Jesus’ resurrection from the dead.
Good Friday Bible Verses:
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“God so loved the world that he gave his only begotten son to mankind.” - John 3:16
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“Who his own self bare our sins in His own body on the tree, that we, being dead to sins, should live unto righteousness: by whose stripes ye were heal - 1 Peter 2: 24
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“For he taught his disciples, and said unto them, The Son of man is delivered into the hands of men, and they shall kill him; and after that, he is killed, he shall rise the third day. - Mark 9:31
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“And they shall mock him, and shall scourge him, and shall spit upon him, and shall kill him: and the third day he shall rise again. - Mark 10:30
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And he began to teach them that the Son of man must suffer many things, and be rejected by the elders, and of the chief priests, and scribes, and be killed, and after three days rise. - Mark 8:13
The Celebration of Good Friday:
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Several Christians follow a fast not only on Good Friday but throughout the Lenten Period. In this fast, they give up and sacrifice certain things such as the consumption of meat. Specifically, on the day of Good Friday, a lot of Christians spend their day in prayer and adoration where the spiritual needs overpower any physical needs of the human body. Thus, a few meals are not eaten in some households or smaller and humble portions are eaten.
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Several Christians visit the Church and retrace the painful steps Jesus took to reach Mount Calvary before his crucifixion. These reflections, known as ‘The Stations of the Cross’ are reflected upon as a community within churches.
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In the Christian faith, it is believed that Jesus died at 3:00 pm. Thus, a prayer is said at this time. People either visit churches and pray there or remain at home and pray.
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The entire day is spent in reflection of the life of Jesus and his sacrifice for the people.
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Many Christians prefer to wear Black colored clothes throughout the day as it symbolizes mourning, sorrow, and grief.