What is Good Friday? Date, History and Celebration

Good Friday falls on the Friday before Easter Sunday, which itself is determined by the ecclesiastical approximation of the March equinox. Since the equinox can vary between March 19 and March 21, Easter Sunday can fall between March 22 and April 25. Therefore, Good Friday, being two days before Easter Sunday, varies accordingly. The Eastern Orthodox Church uses the Julian calendar for determining the date of Easter, which often results in a different date compared to Western Christianity (which uses the Gregorian calendar).

What does the "Good" in Good Friday signify?

The "good" in Good Friday stands for "Holy and Pious." In historical expressions, "good" in religious contexts often refers to things that are sacred, such as "Good Book" for the Bible.

What is the historical significance of Judas's betrayal on Good Friday?

Judas Iscariot, one of Jesus's disciples, betrayed him by identifying him to the authorities with a kiss in the Garden of Gethsemane. This betrayal led directly to Jesus's arrest, trial, and crucifixion on Good Friday. It is significant because it fulfilled the prophecy and initiated the events leading to Jesus's death.

How did the high priest Caiaphas respond to Jesus's claim of being the Son of God?

During Jesus's trial before the Sanhedrin, Caiaphas asked him if he was the Messiah, the Son of God. Jesus affirmed this, which led to accusations of blasphemy by the Jewish leaders, resulting in their decision to hand him over to the Roman authorities for execution.

What role did Peter play during the interrogation of Jesus?

Peter denied Jesus three times during his trial, fulfilling Jesus's prediction that Peter would disown him before the rooster crowed. This moment underscored Peter's human frailty and the fulfillment of prophecy regarding Jesus's fate.

How did Pontius Pilate handle the trial and sentencing of Jesus?

Pilate, the Roman governor, initially found no basis to charge Jesus but yielded to pressure from the crowd and the Jewish leaders, ultimately sentencing Jesus to crucifixion to appease the crowd and maintain order.

What were King Herod's actions and reactions regarding Jesus?

When Jesus was brought before King Herod Antipas during his trial, Herod mocked him and sent him back to Pilate without making any judgment. Herod showed no interest in Jesus and treated the situation with disdain.

How did Pilate's wife influence the trial of Jesus?

Pilate's wife had a dream warning him about Jesus, advising him to have nothing to do with "that innocent man" because she suffered greatly in a dream because of him. Pilate was conflicted by the warning, and he tried to have Jesus released, although he eventually succumbed to pressure from the Jewish leaders to sentence Jesus to death by crucifixion.

What actions did Pilate take to show he was not responsible for Jesus's death?

Pilate publicly washed his hands to symbolize that he was innocent of Jesus's blood, stating, "I am innocent of this man's blood. It is your responsibility!" Despite this symbolic act, Pilate still ordered Jesus's crucifixion, ultimately fulfilling the desires of the crowd and the Jewish leaders.

How did Jesus's crucifixion unfold?

Jesus's crucifixion began with his journey to Golgotha (the place of the skull), where he carried his own cross. At Golgotha, Jesus was nailed to the cross and crucified alongside two criminals. During his crucifixion, he was mocked and insulted. He spoke several famous words from the cross, including "Father, forgive them, for they do not know what they are doing." He eventually died after several hours of agony on the cross.

What occurred after Jesus's death on the cross?

Immediately after Jesus's death, there was an earthquake and the curtain of the temple was torn in two. The centurion and those guarding Jesus were terrified and declared, "Surely he was the Son of God!" Joseph of Arimathea, a disciple of Jesus, requested his body from Pilate and, with the help of Nicodemus, prepared Jesus's body with spices and wrapped it in linen before placing it in a new tomb.

Who was responsible for the burial of Jesus, and how was it conducted?

Joseph of Arimathea, a wealthy follower of Jesus, requested permission from Pilate to take Jesus's body for burial. Together with Nicodemus, another follower, they wrapped Jesus's body in linen with spices, as was the Jewish custom of burial. They placed his body in a new tomb cut out of rock, rolling a large stone in front of the entrance.

What did Mary Magdalene and the other Mary discover after the Sabbath?

Mary Magdalene and the other Mary went to Jesus's tomb after the Sabbath and found that the stone had been rolled away from the entrance. An angel appeared to them and announced that Jesus had risen from the dead, fulfilling his promise of resurrection.

Why is Good Friday considered a day of somber reflection?

Christians observe Good Friday as a day of somber reflection because it commemorates the crucifixion and death of Jesus Christ. It is a time to contemplate the sacrifice Jesus made for humanity's sins and to reflect on the solemnity and sorrow of his death on the cross. Many churches hold services of worship and meditation, often focusing on readings of the Passion of Christ and observing moments of silence and prayer.