Good Friday is one of the most important and sacred days in the Christian calendar. Good Friday is observed every year on the Friday before Easter Sunday. Christians around the world look forward to Good Friday with a lot of faith. But do you know the meaning of Good Friday, and why does it hold such deep importance for Christians around the world?

Good Friday is observed to remember and honour the day when Jesus Christ was crucified. It is the turning point in Christian history that represents the ultimate act of love, sacrifice, and redemption.

Meaning of Good Friday and Why is it called so

Good Friday commemorates the Crucifixion and death of Jesus Christ. So, most of you must be wondering why call such a sad day ‘Good Friday’? It must be sounding unusual to many. However, it is called "Good" because of the good that came from it - the ultimate sacrifice of Jesus Christ, whose death brought salvation and hope to humanity. For Christian believers, Jesus willingly died for the sins of humanity, offering people a path to forgiveness and eternal life.

History of Good Friday

According to the New Testament in the Bible, Good Friday is the day when Jesus was crucified by the Romans. This event occurred over 2000 years ago in Jerusalem. Jesus loved his people and touched many lives by healing the lepers, giving sight to the blind and doing many such miracles. But this did not go down well with the Jewish leaders who later falsely accused him. Jesus was also betrayed by Judas, his disciple. After that Jesus was put on trial, found guilty without fair reason, and sentenced to death by crucifixion — the highest form of criminal punishment of that time.

Jesus was beaten in front of hundreds of people and was forced to carry a cross through the streets to a hill called Golgotha, where he was nailed to it and died. Christians believe that Jesus was the Son of God and that he died to take away the sins of the world. His death showed his deep love for humanity and opened the path to forgiveness and eternal life.

The last word that Jesus said on the cross is deeply moving and filled with meaning. Phrases like “Father, forgive them, for they do not know what they are doing” and “It is finished” speak to his divine mercy and the fulfilment of God’s plan. These words are often central to Good Friday reflection and prayers, encouraging believers to contemplate Christ's message of love and redemption.

How do Christians Observe Good Friday?

Good Friday is not celebrated but observed with respect and solemnity. People around the world observe Good Friday with prayer, fasting and reflection. Believers connect more deeply with the suffering and love of Christ.

Traditions observed on Good Friday often include following Lent, a 40-day period of fasting, prayer, and penance that ends just before Easter. Many Christians continue their Lenten practices on Good Friday by fasting or eating only simple meals, often avoiding meat. Other traditions include attending church services where churches hold special services for Good Friday.

In some cultures, people take part in processions or passion plays that depict the crucifixion. These traditions help believers reflect deeply on Jesus’ sacrifice and prepare their hearts for the joy of Easter Sunday.

Good Friday is not just a historical event, but a reminder of the sacrifice and love Jesus had for people. It is the day of hope. As we reflect on the suffering and death of Jesus, may we also embrace the hope and renewal that comes from his sacrifice.

Whether through silent prayer, reading Scripture, or attending church services, Good Friday calls us all to pause, remember, and give thanks.