Good Friday stands as a cornerstone of Christian faith, commemorating the crucifixion of Jesus Christ and reflecting on the profound sacrifice He made for humanity’s redemption.
It is a day of solemn reflection, gratitude, and contemplation of the immense love demonstrated on the cross. The Bible, the sacred text of Christianity, offers a rich tapestry of verses that illuminate the significance of this pivotal event.
In this exploration, we will delve into twenty-five.
Good Friday Bible Verses
Isaiah 53:5 (NIV)
But 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 is a prophetic passage that vividly portrays the suffering and sacrificial death of Jesus. It emphasizes that His crucifixion was not for His own wrongdoing, but for the redemption and healing of humanity’s sins.
This verse poignantly captures the profound sacrifice of Jesus on the cross. It serves as a powerful reminder of the depth of God’s love and the extent to which He was willing to go to reconcile humanity to Himself. Through Christ’s wounds, we find spiritual healing and the promise of peace with God.
Matthew 27:50 (NIV)
And when Jesus had cried out again in a loud voice, he gave up his spirit.
This verse marks the moment of Jesus’ death on the cross. It signifies the completion of His earthly mission, culminating in the ultimate act of self-sacrifice for the sins of humanity.
The moment when Jesus gave up His spirit is a somber yet pivotal event in Christian theology. It represents the culmination of His earthly ministry and the fulfillment of God’s redemptive plan. Jesus willingly surrendered His life, demonstrating the depth of His love for humanity.
John 19:30 (NIV)
When he had received the drink, Jesus said, ‘It is finished.’ With that, he bowed his head and gave up his spirit.
In John 19:30, Jesus declares, “It is finished,” signifying the completion of His mission to provide salvation for humanity. This statement encapsulates the victory over sin and death that Jesus achieved through His crucifixion.
“It is finished” are powerful words that signify the accomplishment of Jesus’ mission. Through His sacrificial death, Jesus accomplished what no human effort could achieve – the reconciliation of humanity with God. This moment is a source of profound hope and comfort for Christians, as it signifies the ultimate triumph over sin.
2 Corinthians 5:21 (NIV)
God made him who had no sin to be sin for us, so that in him we might become the righteousness of God.
This verse encapsulates the profound exchange that took place on the cross. Jesus, who was sinless, took on the weight of humanity’s sin, allowing us to be reconciled to God and receive His righteousness.
This verse beautifully articulates the concept of imputation – the transfer of our sin to Christ and His righteousness to us. Through His sacrificial death, Jesus bridged the gap between sinful humanity and a holy God. It is a powerful reminder of God’s incredible love and His desire for reconciliation with His creation.
Galatians 2:20 (NIV)
I have been crucified with Christ and I no longer live, but Christ lives in me. The life I now live in the body, I live by faith in the Son of God, who loved me and gave himself for me.
Galatians 2:20 speaks to the transformative power of the cross in the life of a believer. It signifies the identification of a believer with the crucifixion of Christ and the subsequent indwelling of Christ’s life within them.
This verse encapsulates the essence of Christian living in light of the crucifixion. It teaches that through faith, believers participate in the death and resurrection of Christ, allowing His life to be manifest in them. It emphasizes a life lived in gratitude for the sacrificial love of Christ.
Hebrews 9:28 (NIV)
so Christ was sacrificed once to take away the sins of many; and he will appear a second time, not to bear sin, but to bring salvation to those who are waiting for him.
Hebrews 9:28 highlights the uniqueness of Christ’s sacrifice – a once-for-all offering to cleanse humanity from sin. It also looks forward to His second coming, not as a sacrifice for sin, but as the bringer of salvation to those who eagerly await Him.
This verse underscores the significance of Good Friday in the redemptive narrative. Christ’s sacrifice was complete and sufficient to cleanse the sins of many. It also provides hope for the future, as believers anticipate the return of Christ for their ultimate salvation.
1 Peter 2:24 (NIV)
He himself bore our sins in his body on the cross, so that we might die to sins and live for righteousness; ‘by his wounds you have been healed.’
1 Peter 2:24 echoes Isaiah’s prophetic words, affirming that Jesus bore our sins on the cross. It emphasizes the transformative impact of His sacrifice, inviting believers to live in righteousness.
This verse encapsulates the profound exchange that occurred at the cross. Through Christ’s sacrificial death, believers are not only forgiven but also empowered to live a life of righteousness. The healing mentioned here is not just physical, but also spiritual, mending the broken relationship between God and humanity.
Mark 15:37 (NIV)
“With a loud cry, Jesus breathed his last.”
Mark 15:37 succinctly captures the moment of Jesus’ passing on the cross. The mention of a loud cry signifies the intensity of His sacrifice and the weight of the moment. It emphasizes the gravity of His act of redemption, offering Himself as a sacrifice for the sins of humanity. This verse serves as a poignant reminder of the depth of Jesus’ commitment to our salvation.
Hebrews 9:28 (NIV)
“so Christ was sacrificed once to take away the sins of many; and he will appear a second time, not to bear sin, but to bring salvation to those who are waiting for him.”
Hebrews 9:28 encapsulates the essence of Good Friday and looks forward to the hope of Christ’s return. It emphasizes the completeness of Christ’s sacrifice, affirming that His once-for-all offering has taken away the sins of many. This verse also offers reassurance to believers, as it points to Christ’s future return, not as a sin-bearer, but as the victorious Savior who will bring ultimate salvation.
John 19:29-30 (NIV)
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.
These verses depict the moments just before Jesus’ death. The offering of vinegar on a sponge fulfills a prophetic element from Psalm 69:21. Jesus’ declaration, “It is finished,” signifies the completion of His mission to provide salvation for humanity.
Matthew 27:51 (NIV)
At that moment the curtain of the temple was torn in two from top to bottom. The earth shook, the rocks split.
This verse describes the dramatic events that accompanied Jesus’ death. The tearing of the temple curtain symbolizes the access to God that is now available to all through the sacrificial work of Christ.
1 Corinthians 1:18 (NIV)
For the message of the cross is foolishness to those who are perishing, but to us who are being saved it is the power of God.
This verse highlights the paradox of the message of the cross. While it may seem foolish to some, for believers, it represents the incredible power of God for salvation.
1 Peter 2:24-25 (NIV)
He himself bore our sins in his body on the cross, so that we might die to sins and live for righteousness; “by his wounds you have been healed.” For “you were like sheep going astray,” but now you have returned to the Shepherd and Overseer of your souls.
Peter echoes Isaiah’s prophetic words, emphasizing the transformative impact of Jesus’ sacrifice. Through His sacrificial death, believers are not only forgiven but also empowered to live a life of righteousness.
Revelation 1:5 (NIV)
…and from Jesus Christ, who is the faithful witness, the firstborn from the dead, and the ruler of the kings of the earth. To him who loves us and has freed us from our sins by his blood…
In this verse, Jesus is hailed as the faithful witness and the one who has conquered death. His love and the shedding of His blood are the means by which believers are freed from their sins.
Psalm 22:1-2 (NIV)
My God, my God, why have you forsaken me? Why are you so far from saving me, so far from my cries of anguish? My God, I cry out by day, but you do not answer, by night, but I find no rest.
This psalm is often referred to as a prophetic depiction of Jesus’ crucifixion. Jesus Himself quoted the opening lines while on the cross (Matthew 27:46). It conveys the deep anguish and sense of abandonment Jesus felt as He bore the weight of the world’s sins.
Hebrews 9:22 (NIV)
In fact, the law requires that nearly everything be cleansed with blood, and without the shedding of blood there is no forgiveness.
Hebrews underscores the necessity of blood sacrifice for forgiveness of sins. The shedding of Jesus’ blood on the cross represents the ultimate and perfect sacrifice that grants forgiveness and redemption to all who believe.
Colossians 2:13-14 (NIV)
“When you were dead in your sins and in the uncircumcision of your flesh, God made you alive with Christ. He forgave us all our sins, having canceled the charge of our legal indebtedness, which stood against us and condemned us; he has taken it away, nailing it to the cross.”
Colossians 2:13-14 provides a comprehensive view of the impact of Christ’s sacrifice. It highlights that through Jesus’ death and resurrection, believers are brought from spiritual death to life.
Our sins are completely forgiven, and the record of our transgressions is nailed to the cross, demonstrating God’s gracious act of reconciliation. This passage underscores the liberating power of the cross in setting us free from the weight of sin.
Matthew 27:45-46 (NIV)
From noon until three in the afternoon darkness came over all the land. About three in the afternoon Jesus cried out in a loud voice, “Eli, Eli, lema sabachthani?” (which means “My God, my God, why have you forsaken me?”).
These verses capture a powerful moment during the crucifixion of Jesus. The darkness that enveloped the land symbolized the weight of sin and the separation from God that Jesus experienced on our behalf. Jesus’ cry of abandonment, quoting Psalm 22, illustrates the depth of His suffering and the price He paid for our reconciliation with God.
John 19:30 (NIV)
When he had received the drink, Jesus said, “It is finished.” With that, he bowed his head and gave up his spirit.
Jesus’ declaration, “It is finished,” marks the culmination of His earthly mission. It signifies the completion of His work of redemption, where He bore the sins of the world and provided the way for humanity to be reconciled with God. This moment is of immense significance in Christian theology, as it represents the victory over sin and death.
Luke 23:34 (NIV)
Jesus said, “Father, forgive them, for they do not know what they are doing.” And they divided up his clothes by casting lots.
In the midst of His excruciating pain, Jesus displays unparalleled compassion and forgiveness. His plea for forgiveness on behalf of His executioners reveals the boundless love and grace He extended even to those responsible for His crucifixion. It serves as a profound example of divine mercy.
Isaiah 53:5 (NIV)
“But 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 is a prophetic passage that vividly portrays the suffering and atoning sacrifice of Jesus on the cross. It beautifully encapsulates the purpose of Christ’s crucifixion – to bear the weight of our sins, providing reconciliation and peace with God.
This verse is a powerful reminder of the depth of God’s love and the profound extent to which He went to redeem humanity.
John 19:30 (NIV)
“When he had received the drink, Jesus said, ‘It is finished.’ With that, he bowed his head and gave up his spirit.”
These are the last words of Jesus on the cross. “It is finished” signifies the completion of His redemptive work. It signifies that every prophecy, every promise, and every act of suffering foretold in the Scriptures had been fulfilled. It is a moment of profound significance, marking the culmination of God’s plan for the salvation of humanity through the sacrificial death of His Son.
Matthew 27:51 (NIV)
“At that moment the curtain of the temple was torn in two from top to bottom. The earth shook, the rocks split.”
The tearing of the temple curtain holds immense symbolic significance. This thick curtain separated the Holy of Holies, where God’s presence dwelt, from the rest of the temple. Its tearing symbolized the removal of the barrier between God and humanity.
Through the sacrifice of Jesus, access to God was now open to all, not limited to a select few. The earthquake and splitting rocks further underscore the cosmic significance of Jesus’ crucifixion.
Luke 23:46 (NIV)
“Jesus called out with a loud voice, ‘Father, into your hands I commit my spirit.’ When he had said this, he breathed his last.”
In this poignant moment, Jesus entrusts His spirit to the Father. It demonstrates His complete surrender and obedience to God’s will, even in the face of excruciating suffering.
It is a testament to His unwavering faith and serves as a powerful example for us in moments of surrender and trust in God.
Romans 5:8 (NIV)
“But God demonstrates his own love for us in this: While we were still sinners, Christ died for us.”
Romans 5:8 encapsulates the essence of Good Friday – the incredible, unconditional love of God. Christ’s crucifixion is the ultimate demonstration of His love, as He willingly laid down His life for a fallen and undeserving humanity.
This verse serves as a foundation for our faith, reminding us of the immeasurable love that God has lavished upon us.
What Does The Bible Say About Good Friday
The term “Good Friday” is not explicitly mentioned in the Bible, as it is a term that developed later in Christian tradition to refer to the day on which Jesus Christ was crucified. However, the events and significance of Good Friday are indeed described in the Bible. Here is what the Bible says about Good Friday:
Crucifixion of Jesus (Matthew 27:32-56; Mark 15:21-41; Luke 23:26-49; John 19:16-30): The Gospels provide detailed accounts of the crucifixion of Jesus. They describe how He was led to Golgotha, nailed to the cross, and crucified alongside criminals. The darkness that covered the land, the tearing of the temple curtain, and Jesus’ final words, “It is finished,” are all significant events associated with Good Friday.
Suffering and Sacrifice (Isaiah 53:3-5): Isaiah 53 is a prophetic passage that foretells the suffering and sacrifice of the Messiah, emphasizing that He would be “pierced for our transgressions” and that “by his wounds we are healed.” This chapter is often associated with the crucifixion of Jesus and highlights the redemptive purpose of His suffering.
Forgiveness (Luke 23:34): During His crucifixion, Jesus famously prayed for the forgiveness of those who crucified Him, saying, “Father, forgive them, for they do not know what they are doing.” This act of forgiveness exemplifies His divine love and mercy.
It is Finished (John 19:30): Jesus’ final words, “It is finished,” signify the completion of His mission and the accomplishment of God’s plan for the salvation of humanity. His sacrificial death on the cross paid the price for our sins and opened the way to reconciliation with God.
Salvation and Reconciliation (2 Corinthians 5:18-21): These verses explain the significance of Jesus’ death on the cross in terms of reconciliation. It states that God reconciled us to Himself through Christ, not counting our sins against us. It emphasizes that Jesus, who knew no sin, became sin for us so that we might become the righteousness of God in Him.
A Prayer About Good Friday
Heavenly Father,
As we reflect on this solemn day, we come before you with hearts filled with gratitude and reverence for the sacrifice of your Son, Jesus Christ, on the cross. We remember the immense love that led Him to lay down His life for our redemption.
Lord, we are humbled by the depth of His suffering and the weight of our sins that He bore. We acknowledge the immeasurable price He paid to reconcile us to You. May we never take this sacrifice for granted, but rather, may it be a constant reminder of your boundless love and grace.
On this Good Friday, we also seek to live in a manner worthy of the gift we have received. Help us to die to ourselves, crucifying our own desires and selfishness, so that we may live in obedience to Your will. May the significance of this day shape our attitudes, actions, and relationships.
Lord, we thank you for the victory that was ultimately achieved through the cross. We find hope and assurance in the knowledge that death could not hold Him, and that through His resurrection, we have the promise of eternal life.
We offer our prayers in the name of Jesus, our Savior and Redeemer.
Amen.