What Happened on Friday of Holy Week

The Crucifixion and the Ultimate Sacrifice of Jesus

As we journey through Holy Week, we come to the most significant day in the Christian faith—the day that Jesus gave His life for the salvation of the world. Friday of Holy Week, also known as Good Friday, is the day that Jesus was crucified on the cross. This was the culmination of God’s perfect plan of salvation, and it is a moment in history that forever changed the course of humanity.

In this blog post, we will reflect on the powerful events of Good Friday—from Jesus’ suffering on the cross to His final words, and the meaning of His sacrifice for us today. We’ll also explore how His sacrifice applies to our businesses, relationships, and faith, reminding us of the power of God’s love and the hope we have in Christ’s victory over sin and death.

The Arrest and Trial: Jesus Faces the Sanhedrin

On Friday morning, Jesus faced a mock trial before the Sanhedrin, the Jewish ruling council. The high priest, Caiaphas, and the religious leaders had already decided that Jesus must die. They sought false witnesses to testify against Him, trying to find grounds to condemn Him.

In Matthew 26:59-63, we read:

“The chief priests and the whole Sanhedrin were looking for false evidence against Jesus so that they could put him to death. But they did not find any, though many false witnesses came forward. Finally, two came forward and declared, ‘This fellow said, I am able to destroy the temple of God and rebuild it in three days.’ Then the high priest stood up and said to Jesus, ‘Are you not going to answer? What is this testimony that these men are bringing against you?’ But Jesus remained silent.”

Despite the false accusations and the intense pressure from the religious leaders, Jesus remained silent, fulfilling the prophecy in Isaiah 53:7, which says:

“He was oppressed and afflicted, yet he did not open his mouth; he was led like a lamb to the slaughter, and as a sheep before its shearers is silent, so he did not open his mouth.”

This silence was not weakness; it was a demonstration of Jesus’ obedience to the Father’s will. Jesus knew that His purpose was to die for the sins of the world, and He was willing to endure the trial, the false accusations, and the injustice in order to fulfill God’s redemptive plan.

The Crucifixion: The Ultimate Sacrifice

Later that day, Jesus was sentenced to death by crucifixion, one of the most painful and humiliating forms of execution in the Roman Empire. Jesus carried His cross to Golgotha, where He was nailed to the cross between two criminals. As He hung there, the crowd mocked Him, and even the religious leaders joined in saying:

“He saved others, but he can’t save himself!” (Matthew 27:42, NIV)

Yet, despite the pain and the mockery, Jesus chose to stay on the cross, knowing that His sacrifice was the only way to bring salvation to humanity.

In John 19:28-30, we read:

“Later, knowing that everything had now been finished, and so that Scripture would be fulfilled, Jesus said, ‘I am thirsty.’ A jar of wine vinegar was there, so they soaked a sponge in it, put the sponge on a stalk of the hyssop plant, and lifted it to Jesus’ lips. When he had received the drink, Jesus said, ‘It is finished.’ With that, he bowed his head and gave up his spirit.”

When Jesus declared, “It is finished,” He was proclaiming that the work of redemption was complete. The price of sin had been paid, and the door to salvation was now open to all who would believe.

The Significance of the Cross for Christian Entrepreneurs and Business Owners

The cross represents the ultimate sacrifice of Jesus, a gift of love and grace that we could never earn but that is freely given to us. For Christian business owners, the cross should remind us that we are not just working for earthly success but for a higher purpose—to glorify God and serve others in His name.

Just as Jesus sacrificed His life for the salvation of the world, we too are called to sacrifice for the greater good. Whether it’s offering excellent products and services, treating others with kindness, or using our businesses to make a positive impact, we are called to live out the love of Christ in all that we do.

In our businesses, we can reflect Jesus’ sacrifice by:

• Serving others with humility, love, and grace
• Putting God first in every decision
• Using our businesses to build God’s Kingdom and serve others
• Being generous with our time, talents, and resources

As we reflect on Good Friday, let us remember that our businesses are not just about profits, but about serving God’s purpose and loving others as Christ loves us.

The Death of Jesus: Victory Over Sin and Death

When Jesus died on the cross, He took upon Himself the sins of the world—your sins, my sins, and the sins of all people, past, present, and future. 2 Corinthians 5:21 says:

“God made him who had no sin to be sin for us, so that in him we might become the righteousness of God.”

The death of Jesus marked the moment when God’s wrath against sin was fully satisfied. Jesus’ death was not the end—it was the beginning of a new life for all who believe in Him.

In Luke 23:44-46, we read:

“It was now about noon, and darkness came over the whole land until three in the afternoon, for the sun stopped shining. And the curtain of the temple was torn in two. Jesus called out with a loud voice, ‘Father, into your hands I commit my spirit.’ When he had said this, he breathed his last.”

When Jesus died, the veil in the temple was torn from top to bottom, symbolizing that the barrier between God and humanity was now removed. Through Jesus’ sacrifice, we have direct access to God and the forgiveness of sins. Jesus’ death was the ultimate act of love and grace that offers freedom and new life to all who believe.

The Cross and the Call to Follow Jesus

Good Friday is a reminder of the great price Jesus paid for our salvation. As believers, we are called to take up our cross and follow Jesus. This means living a life of sacrifice, service, and obedience to God’s will.

In Luke 9:23, Jesus said:

“Whoever wants to be my disciple must deny themselves and take up their cross daily and follow me.”

This is a call to live with purpose and intention, using our lives and our businesses to honor God and serve others. As Christian entrepreneurs, we are called to be faithful stewards of the resources God has given us and to use our work for His glory.

Conclusion: Reflecting on the Power of the Cross

As we reflect on Good Friday, we are reminded of the incredible sacrifice Jesus made for us. Through His death, we are reconciled to God, and through His Resurrection, we have the hope of eternal life. This Holy Week, let us remember the power of the cross and the love that was poured out for us.

As Christian business owners, let us take the example of Jesus’ humility and sacrifice and apply it to our work. May we always remember that our businesses are not just about profits, but about serving others and glorifying God in all that we do.

Galilee Life

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