Good Friday: The Crucifixion of Jesus

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Good Friday holds a central place in the Christian liturgical calendar as the day commemorating the crucifixion and death of Jesus Christ. It is a day of solemn reflection, mourning, and gratitude for the ultimate sacrifice of love made by Jesus for the salvation of humanity. The events of Good Friday, as described in the Gospels (Matthew 27:32-56, Mark 15:21-41, Luke 23:26-49, John 19:16-37), invite believers to meditate on the depth of Christ's suffering and the profound mystery of the cross.

Christ on Cross
Good Friday invites believers to stand at the foot of the cross, to contemplate the sacrifice of Christ, and to embrace the paradox of the cross: through death comes life, through surrender comes victory. Source.

The Path to Golgotha

Good Friday begins with Jesus' journey to Golgotha, "the place of the skull," where He was crucified between two thieves. This journey followed a night and morning of betrayal, false accusations, unjust trials, and brutal scourging. Despite His innocence, Jesus embraced His cross, fulfilling His own words about laying down His life for His friends (John 15:13).

The Crucifixion

At Golgotha, Jesus was nailed to the cross, an execution method reserved for the most egregious criminals. The Gospels detail the mockery and derision He faced, even as He prayed for the forgiveness of those who crucified Him (Luke 23:34). Above His head, a sign proclaimed, "Jesus of Nazareth, the King of the Jews" (John 19:19), a declaration of His kingship in irony by His accusers but in truth by the faithful.

Jesus' Seven Last Words

The Gospels record seven last statements of Jesus on the cross, offering profound insights into His humanity and divinity:

  1. "Father, forgive them, for they do not know what they are doing" (Luke 23:34).
  2. "Truly I tell you, today you will be with me in paradise" (Luke 23:43).
  3. "Woman, here is your son... Here is your mother" (John 19:26-27).
  4. "My God, my God, why have you forsaken me?" (Matthew 27:46; Mark 15:34).
  5. "I am thirsty" (John 19:28).
  6. "It is finished" (John 19:30).
  7. "Father, into your hands I commit my spirit" (Luke 23:46).

The Death of Jesus

Jesus' death was marked by several miraculous signs, including darkness over the land, the tearing of the Temple veil, and an earthquake, signifying the cosmic significance of His sacrifice (Matthew 27:45-51). His side was pierced, confirming His death, and fulfilling the prophecy that none of His bones would be broken (John 19:33-36, referencing Exodus 12:46, Numbers 9:12, and Psalm 34:20).

The Burial of Jesus

Jesus' body was taken down from the cross and laid in a new tomb, donated by Joseph of Arimathea, a secret disciple of Jesus (Matthew 27:57-60, Mark 15:42-46, Luke 23:50-53, John 19:38-42). This act of devotion contrasts with the abandonment and betrayal Jesus experienced from many followers, fulfilling the prophecy of Isaiah about the suffering servant (Isaiah 53).

Reflections

Good Friday is a call to Christians to reflect on the magnitude of Jesus' love and the cost of our redemption. It is a day of fasting, prayer, and penance, observing the passion and death of the Savior. This solemn commemoration is not without hope, for it looks forward to the resurrection on Easter Sunday, the victory over sin and death.

Conclusion

Good Friday invites believers to stand at the foot of the cross, to contemplate the sacrifice of Christ, and to embrace the paradox of the cross: through death comes life, through surrender comes victory. It challenges the faithful to live in the light of this sacrifice, to carry their own crosses with the hope of the resurrection, and to offer their lives in service to God and neighbor, inspired by the supreme example of love and obedience demonstrated by Jesus Christ.

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