Good Friday and the Significance of Jesus’ Crucifixion

Gospel John 19:16–30 The Lamb of God

Jesus was led away. Carrying his cross himself, he went out of the city to the place called the Place of a Skull, which in Hebrew is Golgotha. There the soldiers crucified Jesus and two others with him, one on each side, and Jesus in the middle. Pilate had a title written and put on the cross. It read, “Jesus of Nazareth, the King of the Jews.” Many of the Jews read the title, for the place where Jesus was crucified was near the city. It was written in Hebrew, Latin, and Greek. The chief priests of the Jews said to Pilate, “Do not write, ‘The King of the Jews,’ but that he said, ‘I am King of the Jews.’” Pilate answered, “What I have written, I have written.”

When the soldiers crucified Jesus, they took his clothes and divided them into four parts, one for each soldier. They also took the tunic, but since it was seamless from top to bottom, they said to one another, “Do not tear it; let us cast lots for it.” This was to fulfill what is written:

“They will divide my clothes among themselves,

and for my clothing they will cast lots.”

The soldiers did this.

Standing by the cross of Jesus were his mother and her sister, Mary the wife of Clopas, and Mary Magdalene. When Jesus saw his mother and the disciple whom he loved standing there, he said to his mother, “Woman, here is your son!” Then he said to the disciple, “Here is your mother!” From that hour the disciple took care of Jesus’ mother.

Jesus knew that all was now finished. So that the scripture might be fulfilled, he said, “I thirst.” There was a jar full of sour wine. The soldiers dipped a sponge in it and put it on a hyssop stick to Jesus’ lips. Jesus drank the wine and said, “It is finished.” He bowed his head and gave up the ghost. (John 19:16–30)

Gospel John 19:16–30 The Lamb of God

They led Jesus away. Carrying his cross, he went out of the city to the place called The Place of a Skull, which in Hebrew is called Golgotha. There the soldiers crucified Jesus and two others with him, one on each side, and Jesus in the middle. Pilate had a title written and put on the cross. It read, “Jesus of Nazareth, the King of the Jews.” Many of the Jews read the title, for the place where Jesus was crucified was near the city. It was written in Hebrew, Latin, and Greek. The chief priests of the Jews said to Pilate, “Do not write, ‘The King of the Jews.’ Write, ‘He said, ‘I am King of the Jews.’” Pilate answered, “What I have written, I have written.”

When the soldiers had crucified Jesus, they took his clothes and divided them into four parts, to each soldier a part. They also took the tunic, but since it was seamless, woven from top to bottom, they said to one another, “Do not tear it; let us cast lots for it.” This was to fulfill what is written:

“They will divide my clothes among them,

and for my clothing they will cast lots.”

The soldiers did this.

Standing by the cross of Jesus were his mother and his sister, Mary the wife of Clopas, and Mary Magdalene. When Jesus saw his mother and the disciple whom he loved standing there, he said to his mother, “Woman, this is your son!” Then he said to the disciple, “Here is your mother!” From that hour on, the disciple took care of Jesus’ mother.

Jesus knew that everything had now been accomplished. So that the scripture might be fulfilled, he said, “I am thirsty.” There was a jar full of sour wine there. The soldiers dipped a sponge in it and put it on a hyssop branch and put it to Jesus’ lips. Jesus drank the wine and said, “It is finished.” He bowed his head and gave up his spirit. (John 19:16–30)

The Trial and Innocence of Jesus

Good Friday is a special day in Christendom when we remember Jesus’ death on the cross. This day is a day of deep emotion and reflection, as it symbolizes suffering, atonement, and redemption. The descriptions of Jesus’ final moments on the cross in the Gospel of John (John 19:16–30) are full of meaning, not only for us but for all mankind.

Jesus' fate was sealed even before he was sentenced. The Jews, the chief priests, and the scribes refused to accept his compromise. Their strong accusations against the innocent and righteous Jesus led to his condemnation. Pilate, knowing Jesus' innocence, nevertheless yielded to pressure and condemned Jesus. This situation is often mirrored in modern trials. For example, in 2020, statistics showed that 45% of courts had given wrong verdicts to defendants who had already.

The Cross and Love

Jesus’ death on the cross was filled with love. His pain and suffering did not prevent him from loving. Just before he died, he turned his attention to his mother, Mary, and cared for her well-being. Jesus, even though he was feeling the weight of humanity’s sin, cared for his mother and entrusted her care to John, his disciple. This is not just a story, but a symbol of deep love and care among family and friends.

The Faithful Disciple

John was the only disciple who stood at the foot of the cross with the women. His courage and loyalty led him to a great position of trust. Jesus’ words, “Behold, your mother!” confirm his concern. At the same time, Mary had lost her husband, James, and Jesus made sure she had support. This is an important lesson about how the support of friends and family can be paramount in difficult times. John serves as an example of how it is worth being there for others, even when the situation is difficult.

The Foundation of the Cross

When we discuss Jesus’ death on the cross, two central themes emerge: atonement and redemption. These concepts tell us what really happened on the cross. God took upon Himself what humans could not do on their own.

Jesus, innocent and blameless, made peace with God through his death. He bore all the guilt that we ourselves had deserved. His last words on the cross, “It is finished,” carry deep meaning. All has been finished. Jesus’ mission on earth has been completed, which is the foundation of salvation.

Grace and its meaning

Good Friday is a day when grace is especially evident. The Gospel proclaims grace and atonement. Many people say that they feel guilty about their past mistakes. This is a powerful message for us, as it offers comfort to all who feel pressured by their sins. It is also important to remember that grace is not cheap. It is expensive, because it was paid for on the cross of Jesus. The cross symbolizes that grace was achieved through hard work and suffering, and we do well to understand that.

The power of the gracious atonement

The suffering and death of Jesus on the cross show us that God loves us deeply. This love does not look at the sins of man, but calls us from all our sins. The passion that comes from this love can change our hearts and give us the opportunity to live a new life. It does not only mean forgiveness, but also a gesture in everything we do and are. When Jesus died on the cross, he not only took our sins upon himself, but also opened the way for us to eternal life. This is a possibility that brings light into our lives. Good Friday reminds us of this blessing that we can always return to God.

Summary: A time of love and grace

Good Friday is not only a remembrance of Jesus’ suffering. It is also a moment when we can renew our hearts. Jesus gave his life so that we might have life - and his love for us is eternal. Good Friday reminds us of Jesus' last words, which are full of meaning and hope. The cross is the place where the old ends and the new begins. Let us be grateful for all of this, and let the light of grace and love shine in our hearts.