“Father, forgive them, for they do not know what they are doing.” – Jesus Christ (Luke 23:34)
On 18th April 2025, Christians around the world will observe Good Friday — a solemn day that marks the crucifixion of Jesus Christ, one of the most powerful events in human history. But why is a day of suffering called “Good”? What makes this Friday “holy” for millions?
Let’s explore the deeper meaning, untold stories, and timeless messages behind Good Friday.
✝️ The Story That Shaped Humanity
Good Friday commemorates the day Jesus was crucified at Calvary, outside Jerusalem. Betrayed by one of his own disciples, arrested, mocked, beaten, and ultimately nailed to a cross — all despite being innocent.
But this was no ordinary death. According to Christian belief, Jesus sacrificed Himself to redeem humanity from sin, opening the path to salvation and eternal life.
🕊 Why It’s Called “Good” Friday
At first glance, calling the day of Christ’s suffering “Good” seems odd. But the “Good” in Good Friday represents the goodness of God’s plan — Jesus’s death was not the end, but the beginning of hope, forgiveness, and eternal love. It was a day of deep pain that led to a resurrection of joy, which is celebrated on Easter Sunday.
🔍 Historical and Biblical Insights
- Jesus was crucified during the Jewish festival of Passover, linking both faiths through the idea of sacrifice and deliverance.
- The sky turned dark for three hours during His crucifixion — a powerful symbol of mourning and cosmic grief.
- The temple curtain was torn in two, symbolizing that God was now accessible to all, not just a select few.
📖 Powerful Stories from Good Friday
1. Simon of Cyrene – A bystander who was forced to carry Jesus’s cross. His unexpected moment of service teaches us that sometimes, life calls us to carry someone else’s burden.
2. The Two Thieves – Crucified beside Jesus. One mocked, the other believed. Jesus told the latter: “Today you will be with me in paradise.” A reminder that redemption is never too late.
3. Mary, His Mother – Stood by the cross, silently bearing a mother’s unbearable pain. Her faith and strength make her one of the greatest symbols of unconditional love.
🌍 Global Observances & Traditions
- In Jerusalem, a procession follows the Via Dolorosa — the path Jesus is believed to have walked to His crucifixion.
- In the Philippines, some devotees even reenact the crucifixion as a mark of deep devotion.
- Across the world, churches conduct solemn services, meditations on the Seven Last Words, and fasting as a way to honor the sacrifice.
❤️ The Message for Today
Good Friday isn’t just about religion — it’s about values that the world desperately needs:
- Forgiveness, even for those who hurt us
- Sacrifice, for something greater than ourselves
- Hope, even when all seems lost
- Love, the kind that gives without expecting anything in return
In a world filled with noise and chaos, Good Friday invites us to pause, reflect, and return to what truly matters.
🙏 Final Thought
As we remember Good Friday this year, let it not be just a ritual or a date. Let it be a reminder that light follows darkness, that hope follows despair, and that love — true, selfless love — can transform the world.
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