Today, we call this Good Friday – although it would be impossible to describe what happened on this day in history as good. On this day, we pause to deeply reflect on the events that led to the crucifixion and death of our Lord and Savior, Jesus. The Scriptures provide a clear account of these events, guiding us through the final hours of Jesus’ earthly life before His glorious resurrection. Today, let us walk together through the traditional events of Good Friday, as recorded in the Gospels, and consider their significance for our lives as followers of Christ.
The Timeline of Good Friday: A Day of Sacrifice
The events of Good Friday unfold within a single day, from early morning to late afternoon, according to the Jewish reckoning of time, which marks a day from sunset to sunset. The Gospels – Matthew, Mark, Luke, and John – offer a harmonious testimony to the trials, suffering, and death of Jesus, each emphasizing unique details of His redemptive work. Below, I organize these events with their approximate timing, drawn from the biblical narrative, to help us grasp the weight of this day. As you read through these times, please pause and take a moment to consider the significance of what happened on this dreadful day in human history. I have included the relevant passages – if you have time, please take a moment to read them for yourself in the Bible.
The Trial Before Pontius Pilate (Early Morning, Approximately 6–7 AM)
Following His arrest in the Garden of Gethsemane late Thursday night, Jesus faces a series of trials. The Jewish authorities, led by Caiaphas and the Sanhedrin, condemn Him, but they lack authority to execute. Thus, they bring Jesus before Pontius Pilate, the Roman governor. Pilate questions Jesus, finds no guilt in Him, yet succumbs to the crowd’s demand for crucifixion (Matthew 27:11–26; Mark 15:1–15; Luke 23:1–25; John 18:28–19:16). In this moment, we see the injustice of human systems contrasted with the divine purpose of God, as Jesus willingly submits to the path of the cross (Acts 2:22-23).
The Scourging and Mockery (Morning, Approximately 7–8 AM)
Before leading Him to the cross, the Roman soldiers subject Jesus to brutal scourging. They crown Him with thorns, drape a purple robe over His wounded shoulders, and mock Him as “King of the Jews” (Matthew 27:27–31; Mark 15:16–20; John 19:1–3). This act of cruelty reveals the depth of human sin, yet Jesus endures it silently, fulfilling Isaiah’s prophecy of a suffering servant (Isaiah 53:5–7). As His followers, we pause here to consider the cost of our redemption, borne in the wounds of our Savior.
The Journey to Golgotha (Morning, Approximately 8–9 AM)
Weakened by flogging, Jesus is forced to carry His cross to Golgotha (see pictures below), meaning “Place of the Skull.” When His strength fails, Simon of Cyrene is compelled to bear the cross for Him (Matthew 27:32–33; Mark 15:21–22; Luke 23:26–32; John 19:16–17). This journey reminds us of Jesus’ humanity – He was one of us and lived under the limitations as we do as people – He suffered as we do, yet without sin. Simon’s role also challenges us: Are we willing to take up our cross and follow Him (Matthew 16:24)?
The Crucifixion (Mid-Morning, Approximately 9 AM)
Around the “third hour” (Mark 15:25), Roman soldiers nail Jesus to the cross, alongside two criminals. A sign above Him reads, “King of the Jews,” proclaiming a truth His enemies refuse to acknowledge (Matthew 27:35–37; Mark 15:25–26; Luke 23:33–38; John 19:18–22). Here, Jesus hangs as the Lamb of God, slain for the sins of the world. The physical agony is unimaginable, yet His spiritual burden – bearing the wrath of God for our sin – is infinitely greater.
The Hours on the Cross (9 AM–3 PM)
The First Three Hours (Approximately 9 AM–Noon):
As Jesus hangs on the cross, He faces mockery from passersby, religious leaders, and soldiers. Yet, in His mercy, He prays, “Father, forgive them, for they know not what they do” (Luke 23:34). To the repentant thief crucified beside Him, He offers assurance: “Today you will be with me in paradise” (Luke 23:43). These words reveal the heart of our Savior, extending grace even in His suffering. Overwhelming grace!
The Darkness (Approximately Noon–3 PM):
For three hours, an unnatural darkness blankets the land, a sign of divine judgment and mourning (Matthew 27:45; Mark 15:33; Luke 23:44–45). In this darkness, God’s wrath is poured out on Jesus, who becomes sin for us (2 Corinthians 5:21).
The Final Moments (Approximately 3 PM):
Near the “ninth hour,” Jesus cries out, “My God, My God, why have You forsaken Me?” (Matthew 27:46; Mark 15:34), echoing Psalm 22. He declares, “It is finished” (John 19:30), signifying the completion of His atoning work, and entrusts His spirit to the Father (Luke 23:46). With these words, Jesus dies, having accomplished our salvation.
The Death and Its Signs (Approximately 3 PM)
At the moment of Jesus’ death, extraordinary events occur: the temple veil tears in two, granting access to God’s presence; an earthquake shakes the earth; and some tombs open, with saints later rising (Matthew 27:50–54; Mark 15:37–39; Luke 23:45–47; John 19:30). A Roman centurion, witnessing these signs, proclaims, “Truly this was the Son of God” (Matthew 27:54; Mark 15:39). These events affirm Jesus’ identity and the most incredible significance of His sacrifice.
The Burial (Late Afternoon, Approximately 3–6 PM)
To ensure death before the Sabbath begins at sunset, soldiers pierce Jesus’ side with a spear, confirming His death as blood and water flow (John 19:31–37). Joseph of Arimathea, joined by Nicodemus, requests Jesus’ body from Pilate. They wrap Him in linen and lay Him in a new tomb before the Sabbath begins (Matthew 27:57–60; Mark 15:42–46; Luke 23:50–54; John 19:38–42). This act of devotion prepares the way for the miracle of resurrection we celebrate on Resurrection Sunday.
Applying the Truth of Good Friday
Dear friends, the events of Good Friday are not mere history; they are the foundation of our faith. Jesus’ suffering and death paid the penalty for our sins which reconciled us to God (Romans 5:8–10). As each of us meditate on these events, please consider these three responses:
- Gratitude: Thank God for the immeasurable love displayed on the cross.
- Repentance: Turn from sin, recognizing the cost Jesus paid to redeem us.
- Worship: Lift your heart in adoration, for Jesus is the victorious Savior who conquered sin and death.
On this Good Friday – which is the worst of the worst – may each one of us draw near to the cross, resting in the finished work of Christ. If you struggle to grasp the depth of His love or carry burdens of guilt, I encourage you to reach out to a trusted pastor. Possibly, right now, realizing the incredible love of the Savior for each one of us, you need to ask God to forgive you of your sins, apply the sacrifice of Jesus through His death on the cross to your personal sin, and choose to follow Jesus as your Savior and Lord. You can do this simply through prayer where you are at as you read this. The cross assures us that no sin is too great for God’s grace.
If you are local to our area, join us at Sonrise today, April 18th, for Good Friday service at 6:00 PM and on Easter at 10:00 AM. Both are online as well.
The place in Jerusalem called Gordon’s Calvary or Golgotha – the place of the skull – 1895
The place in Jerusalem called Gordon’s Calvary or Golgotha – the place of the skull – Early 1900s
The place in Jerusalem called Gordon’s Calvary or Golgotha – the place of the skull – 1935
The place in Jerusalem called Gordon’s Calvary or Golgotha – the place of the skull – 1964
The place in Jerusalem called Gordon’s Calvary or Golgotha – the place of the skull – 2008
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