As part of the Holy Week sacraments, Christians the world are marking today as Good Friday.
Good Friday is the Christian day to commemorate the crucifixion of Jesus and His death at the cross of Calvary.
This Christian holiday is also known as Holy Friday, Great Friday, Great and Holy Friday, and Black Friday.
For Christians, Good Friday is an important day of the year because it celebrates what we believe to be the most momentous weekend in the history of the world.
“Good Friday” instead of “Bad Friday” or something similar? Some Christian traditions take this approach: in German, for example, the day is called Karfreitag, or “Sorrowful Friday.”
Also read
- A’Ibom Christians Join In Marking Good Friday
- 2022: Christians Mark Good Friday globally
- Good Friday: CAN Urges Christians To Pray For Release Of Leah Sharibu
In English, the origin of the term “Good” is debated: some believe it developed from an older name, “God’s Friday.”
Regardless of the origin, the name Good Friday is entirely appropriate because the suffering and death of Jesus, as terrible as it was, marked the dramatic culmination of God’s plan to save his people from their sins.
Holy Week, also known as Passion Week, is the week leading up to Easter Sunday and is a significant period in the Christian calendar.
Palm Sunday
It commemorates Jesus’ triumphal entry into Jerusalem, a fulfilment of prophecy and the beginning of the end of Jesus’ earthly ministry. Matthew 21:1-11.
Monday of Holy Week
It means Jesus’ cleansing of the Temple, emphasising the purity and sanctity of God’s house. Matthew 21:12-17.
Tuesday of Holy Week
Meaning: Teaching and parables, including the Olivet Discourse.
Importance: Jesus’ preparation of His disciples for what is to come. Matthew 21:23-26:5.
Wednesday of Holy Week (Spy Wednesday)
Meaning: Judas’ agreement to betray Jesus.
Importance: The turning point towards Jesus’ arrest.
Matthew 26:14-16.
Maundy Thursday
The Last Supper, washing of disciples’ feet, institution of the Lord’s Supper were held, establishing the sacrament of communion. Matthew 26:17-30.
Good Friday
It marks the crucifixion and death of Jesus, signifying atonement for sins through Jesus’ sacrifice on the cross of Calvary.
Matthew 27:1-61
Holy Saturday (Black Saturday)
It means that Jesus’ body was in the tomb, indicating a day of reflection and waiting. Matthew 27:62-66.
Easter Sunday
Its significance is the resurrection of Jesus, meaning victory over sin and death, the foundation of the Christian faith. Matthew 28:1-10.
These days hold deep significance for Christians worldwide, reflecting on the events leading to the crucifixion and celebrating the resurrection, which is the core of the Christian faith.
