Today we will talk about Was Jesus Crucified On Good Friday. Many Christians do not know what this means. Good Friday is a significant day in the Christian calendar, representing Jesus’ crucifixion, but the question remains: Was it truly on a day known as Good Friday? As we journey through the scriptures, we will explore various aspects associated with this topic, including the meanings behind the names, their historical context, and biblical references that shed light on this essential part of our faith. Be on the mode of meditation as we read through God’s word.
Was Jesus Crucified On Good Friday
The Meaning of Good Friday
The term “Good Friday” can be understood on multiple levels. Firstly, “good” may signify “holy.” In this sense, Good Friday is the day commemorating a holy event—the crucifixion of Jesus Christ. Interestingly, in some languages, the term for this day translates to “Holy Friday.” In Old English, the word “Good” comes from the word “God,” which emphasizes the sanctity of the day. The Hebrew word for “good” is “טוֹב” (tov), which embodies excellence, beauty, and the Heavenly nature of events.
Good Friday represents the culmination of Jesus’ earthly mission, where He bore our sins and ultimately fulfilled God’s plan for humanity’s redemption. As John 3:16 tells us, “For God so loved the world that he gave his one and only Son, that whoever believes in him shall not perish but have eternal life.” Thus, while one may lament the sorrow associated with Jesus’ suffering and death, the “goodness” derives from its significant outcome—salvation.
Another meaning emerges when we consider the Greek word for “good,” which is “ἀγαθός” (agathos). This word signifies goodness that comes from fulfilling divine commandments. The events of Good Friday profoundly illustrate this virtue, emphasizing Jesus’ obedience to God’s will, even to the point of death. As noted in Philippians 2:8, “And being found in appearance as a man, he humbled himself by becoming obedient to death—even death on a cross!”
Historically, the day of Jesus’ crucifixion did not carry a positive connotation at first glance. However, its results changed the perception—a day that began in sorrow transitioned into one of triumph. The contrasts of pain and joy, sacrifice and salvation highlight the depth of God’s love.
The Historical Context of Good Friday
Understanding the historical backdrop of Good Friday helps shed light on the significance of Jesus’ crucifixion. The Gospels narrate the last days of Jesus and describe crucial events leading up to this momentous occasion. During the Paschal holiday, Jewish customs mandated that a lamb be sacrificed, recalling God’s deliverance of His people from Egypt (Exodus 12). Because of this connection, the timing of Jesus’ death as the ultimate sacrificial Lamb carries immense importance.
Historically, it is believed that Jesus was crucified on a Friday, which is now commemorated as Good Friday. In the early church, there was no debate on the day of His crucifixion. According to Mark 15:25, “It was nine in the morning when they crucified him.” The Romans practiced crucifixion as an execution method, often used for rebels and criminals. Crucifixion was not merely an execution but a means to publicly shame the victim (Galatians 3:13).
The specific year of crucifixion is debated by scholars but is commonly placed between 30 and 36 AD. The Jewish calendar, based on lunar months, means that the date fluctuates yearly in our solar calendar. This element may cause confusion about whether Good Friday coincides with the actual crucifixion date. However, the significance remains, as each year Christians around the world observe this important day, commemorating Christ’s ultimate sacrifice.
In terms of community impact, Good Friday also paved the way for the early church’s formation. After the resurrection, the apostles boldly proclaimed the message of salvation, leading to the Church’s rapid growth. Acts 2:23 notes, “This man was handed over to you by God’s deliberate plan and foreknowledge; and you, with the help of wicked men, put him to death by nailing him to the cross.” Such passages emphasize that the crucifixion was not an accident; it was God’s deliberate plan for redemption.
Theological Significance of the Crucifixion
The act of crucifixion goes beyond a historical event; it carries a deep theological significance. Through Jesus’ death on the cross, many key concepts in Christian theology are illustrated.
First is atonement. According to Leviticus 17:11, “For the life of a creature is in the blood, and I have given it to you to make atonement for yourselves on the altar.” Jesus became the ultimate sacrifice, fulfilling the sacrificial system established in the Old Testament. Hebrews 10:12 explains, “But when this priest had offered for all time one sacrifice for sins, he sat down at the right hand of God.” The atonement signifies that through faith in Christ, we can be reconciled to God.
Second is redemption. The Christian belief centers around the notion that through Christ’s death and resurrection, humanity was redeemed from sin. Mark 10:45 clarifies this purpose when it states, “For even the Son of Man did not come to be served, but to serve, and to give his life as a ransom for many.” Therefore, redemption not only highlights deliverance from sin but the assurance of eternal life (Titus 2:14).
Third is salvation. The crucifixion solidifies the promise of eternal life in God’s Kingdom. As stated in Romans 10:9-10, “If you declare with your mouth, ‘Jesus is Lord,’ and believe in your heart that God raised him from the dead, you will be saved.” The central message of salvation is that faith in the crucified Christ leads to new life.
Finally, the crucifixion signifies a new covenant. Jeremiah 31:31-34 prophesies this covenant, and in Luke 22:20, Jesus says, “This cup is the new covenant in my blood, which is poured out for you.” This new covenant is the promise of a relationship with God built on grace rather than the law.
When we embrace these theological tenets, we understand the depth and richness of what Good Friday represents. It is not just a day to recall the sorrow of Christ’s crucifixion but a day to celebrate His ultimate victory over sin and death.
Biblical Evidence Regarding the Date of Jesus’ Death
Numerous biblical references provide insight into the time frame surrounding Jesus’ crucifixion. The Gospels present various details that help us pinpoint Good Friday as the day of Jesus’ death.
First, we can reference Matthew 27:45-50, indicating that darkness covered the land from noon until three in the afternoon when Jesus cries out, “My God, my God, why have you forsaken me?” After this declaration, He breathes His last. This account illustrates that remarkable events occurred that day, confirming its significance.
Moreover, John 19:14 notes that Jesus was handed over to be crucified on “the day of Preparation of the Passover week.” This phrase suggests that the crucifixion occurred on the eve of the Sabbath (Friday), reinforcing the traditional view of Good Friday.
Mark 15:42-43 supports this conclusion, stating, “It was Preparation Day (that is, the day before the Sabbath), so as evening approached, Joseph of Arimathea took courage and went to Pilate to ask for Jesus’ body.” This scripture confirms that Jesus was indeed crucified before the Sabbath began, lending further credibility to the timing being Good Friday.
We also have to consider the timeline of events after Jesus’ preparation. The crucifixion is significant as it aligns perfectly with the Passover, as exemplified in 1 Corinthians 5:7, where Jesus is referred to as our Passover lamb. This reinforces the idea that his death occurred during a time of deep significance related to Jewish custom.
Finally, it’s essential to note that early church traditions recognized the crucifixion on Friday. Multiple church fathers, such as Irenaeus and Tertullian, wrote about this date and have shaped Christian observance of Good Friday throughout the centuries.
In summary, from these scriptural accounts, theological elements, and historical traditions, we find a compelling case that Jesus was indeed crucified on what is referred to as Good Friday. The essence of this day carries both sorrow and a celebration of hope, embodying the very foundation of our faith.
Final Thoughts
As we reflect on whether Jesus was crucified on Good Friday, we see that the Scriptures and historical evidence align to affirm this belief. Good Friday is not merely a day on the calendar; it encapsulates profound meanings tied to love, sacrifice, and redemption. Our understanding of this day deepens through its historical significance, theological implications, and biblical events. Each year, as we honor Jesus’ ultimate sacrifice, we remember that through His death, we gain access to eternal life. Through His love, we are welcomed into an everlasting relationship with God. Thus, as we observe Good Friday, let us cherish the ultimate victory over sin and celebrate the hope that arises from Christ’s resurrection.
In contemplating the meaning of Good Friday and Jesus’ crucifixion, we find a foundation for our faith, a story of unfathomable love, and an assurance of salvation. Let every somber moment on this day lead to a joyful reminder of the grace provided to us through Christ’s sacrifice. Amen.
Further Reading
30 Bible Verses About Getting Closer To God (With Commentary)
30 Bible Verses About Removing People From Your Life (With Commentary)
30 Bible Verses About Israel (With Explanation)
30 Bible Verses About Being Lukewarm (With Explanation)
4 Ways to Encounter Grace and Truth: A Study on John, Chapter 4