Good Friday marks the day Jesus was crucified, a pivotal moment in human history. It was a day of sorrow, sacrifice, and ultimately, hope. Jesus, the Son of God, willingly gave His life to save humanity from sin.

Easter Is A Happy Day

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You're My Little Honey Bunny

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The story of the crucifixion of Jesus began in the Garden of Gethsemane, where Jesus prayed in anguish, knowing what lay ahead. It ends at the cross, where His death brought redemption to the world. Though it was a day of darkness, it paved the way for the light of Easter Sunday.

Fun Fact: The term “Good Friday” comes from the old English word “good,” meaning holy or pious.

Link to Other Story: Discover the story of Jesus’ resurrection on Easter Sunday!

The Crucifixion of Jesus

Chapter 1: The Betrayal and Arrest

After the Last Supper, Jesus went to the Garden of Gethsemane to pray. He was deeply troubled, saying, “My soul is overwhelmed with sorrow to the point of death.” (Matthew 26:38). He prayed, “Father, if it is possible, let this cup pass from Me. Yet not as I will, but as You will.” (Matthew 26:39).

While Jesus prayed, Judas Iscariot arrived with soldiers to arrest Him. Judas betrayed Jesus with a kiss, identifying Him to the authorities. Peter tried to defend Jesus, cutting off the ear of the high priest’s servant, but Jesus healed the man and surrendered Himself (Luke 22:47-53).

This moment shows Jesus’ willingness to fulfill God’s plan, even in the face of betrayal and suffering. It also highlights His compassion, as He healed His enemy in the midst of His own pain.

Chapter 2: The Trials

Jesus was taken to the high priest, where false witnesses accused Him. When asked if He was the Messiah, Jesus replied, “You have said so. But I say to all of you: From now on you will see the Son of Man sitting at the right hand of the Mighty One and coming on the clouds of heaven.” (Matthew 26:64).

The high priest declared this blasphemy, and the council condemned Jesus to death. He was then taken to Pontius Pilate, the Roman governor, who found no fault in Him but gave in to the crowd’s demands to crucify Jesus (Matthew 27:11-26).

These trials highlight the injustice Jesus endured and His unwavering commitment to God’s will. Despite the false accusations and mockery, Jesus remained silent, fulfilling the prophecy in Isaiah 53:7: “He was oppressed and afflicted, yet He did not open His mouth.”

Chapter 3: The Crucifixion

Jesus was led to Golgotha, where He was crucified between two criminals. As He hung on the cross, He prayed, “Father, forgive them, for they do not know what they are doing.” (Luke 23:34).

Darkness covered the land for three hours. At the ninth hour, Jesus cried out, “It is finished.” (John 19:30), and gave up His spirit. The temple curtain tore in two, symbolizing access to God for all people (Matthew 27:51).

This moment was the ultimate sacrifice, demonstrating God’s love and the fulfillment of His plan for salvation. Jesus bore the weight of humanity’s sin, offering forgiveness and reconciliation to all who believe in Him.

Chapter 4: The Burial

After Jesus’ death, Joseph of Arimathea, a secret follower of Jesus, asked Pilate for His body. With Pilate’s permission, Joseph and Nicodemus prepared Jesus for burial. They wrapped His body in linen cloths with spices, following Jewish burial customs (John 19:38-40).

They placed Jesus in a new tomb cut out of rock, located in a garden near Golgotha. A large stone was rolled in front of the entrance to seal it. The religious leaders, remembering Jesus’ prediction of His resurrection, asked Pilate to post guards at the tomb to prevent His disciples from stealing the body (Matthew 27:62-66).

Though it seemed like the end, this was only the beginning. The burial of Jesus was a quiet, solemn moment, but it set the stage for the greatest miracle in history—His resurrection. The sealed tomb and guarded entrance would soon be powerless against the power of God.

This chapter reminds us that even in death, there is hope. Jesus’ burial was not the end of the story but the prelude to His victory over death and sin.

What Can We Learn from This Story?

• Sacrificial Love: Jesus’ death on the cross demonstrates the depth of God’s love for us. He willingly gave His life to save us from sin and offer us eternal life.
• Forgiveness: Even while suffering, Jesus forgave those who crucified Him. His example challenges us to extend forgiveness to others, no matter how difficult it may seem.
• Hope in Darkness: Good Friday reminds us that even in our darkest moments, God is at work. What seems like an end can be the beginning of something miraculous.
• Obedience to God’s Will: Jesus’ submission to God’s plan, even in the face of immense suffering, shows us the importance of trusting and obeying God, even when it’s hard.
• Victory Over Death: Jesus’ death was not the end. His resurrection on Easter Sunday proves that God has the final say, and His promises are always fulfilled.

Discussion Questions:

• Why was the Last Supper so important to Jesus and his disciples?
• How did Jesus show his love for his friends at the Last Supper?
• How did Jesus feel in the Garden of Gethsemane?
• Why was it unfair that Jesus was arrested and crucified?
• What does the story of the crucifixion tell us about Jesus?

Bible Verses to Remember

• “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.”
  —John 3:16
• “It is finished.”
  —John 19:30
• “He was pierced for our transgressions, He was crushed for our iniquities; the punishment that brought us peace was on Him, and by His wounds we are healed.”
  —Isaiah 53:5

Activity: Apply the Lesson!

1. Act it Out: With your friends or family, act out the story of the Last Supper. You can take turns being Jesus and the disciples.
2. Make a Cross: Create a simple cross using craft sticks or paper. Decorate it to remind you of Jesus' sacrifice.
3. Kindness Challenge: Just like Jesus washed his disciples' feet, try to do something kind for someone else this week without being asked.
4. Prayer Time: Spend some quiet time talking to God, just like Jesus did in the Garden of Gethsemane. You can share your feelings and ask for help with things that are hard.

Frequently Asked Questions

1. Why did Jesus have to die on the cross?
   Jesus died on the cross to pay the price for our wrongdoings so that everyone who believes in Him can be close to God and have eternal life.
2. What is the meaning of resurrection?
   Resurrection means coming back to life. Jesus’ resurrection shows His power over death and his promise of new life for us.
3. Why do we celebrate Easter?
   We celebrate Easter because it’s the day Jesus rose from the dead, showing that He has won over sin and death, offering us hope and a new beginning.
4. What can we learn from the crucifixion and resurrection of Jesus?
   We learn about love, sacrifice, forgiveness, and hope. Jesus’ crucifixion and resurrection teach us that no matter what happens, God's love for us is so great, and through Jesus, we have the promise of being with Him forever.