Good Friday, The Most Difficult Day Of Holy Week - Christian Perspectives

What Jesus accomplished on the day when He died on the cross was for all eternity. There were however some immediate results on this most difficult day of Holy Week. The lives of at least 3 people that we know of were impacted during the events of the day.

The first was Simon who was forced to carry the cross of Jesus. The second one was one of the thieves who died with our Lord and later joined Him in paradise. The last one was the Roman centurion who recognized Jesus as the Son of God.

Others as they were passing by yelled mockingly at the Lord. Then some religious leaders refused to change their minds about Jesus. Their attitudes seemed to get worse in their gloating.

The leading priests, the teachers of religious law, and the elders also mocked Jesus. “He saved others,” they scoffed, “but he can’t save himself! So he is the King of Israel, is he? Let him come down from the cross right now, and we will believe in him! He trusted God, so let God rescue him now if he wants him! For he said, ‘I am the Son of God.’” Matthew 27:41-43

The 7 Things Jesus Said from the Cross

Jesus uttered 7 things when He was dying on the cross on this difficult day of Holy week. He spoke 3 times to the Father, 2 times to individuals, once He spoke for anyone who was listening, and once to all of creation.

He Spoke to the Father

His first words reflected His compassion. The Romans whipped Him, the crowds sneered at Him. Below Him, the soldiers gambled for His clothes and the Jewish leaders mocked Him. Yet the first thing He said as He looked to heaven and prayed;

“Father, forgive them, for they don’t know what they are doing.” Luke 23:34

The second time He spoke to the Father was evidently when all of our sin was thrust upon Him. It was at that moment He freed humanity from the clutches of sin. Look at what Peter told us in his second epistle.

He personally carried our sins in his body on the cross so that we can be dead to sin and live for what is right. 1 Peter 2:24

The second phrase Jesus spoke from the cross is recorded in Mark chapter 15.

Then at three o’clock, Jesus called out with a loud voice, “Eloi, Eloi, lema sabachthani?” which means “My God, my God, why have you abandoned me?” Mark 15:34

The third thing He said to the Father was right at the end of His life. For 3 hours darkness had fallen upon the earth, the curtain in the temple was torn in two and the ground shook. What He said could almost be interpreted as this. “Father, I’m coming home.”

Then Jesus shouted, “Father, I entrust my spirit into your hands!” And with those words he breathed his last. Luke 23:46

He Spoke Directly to Some People

We have already mentioned that He spoke to one of the men who was being crucified with Him.

We deserve to die for our crimes, but this man hasn’t done anything wrong.” Then he said, “Jesus, remember me when you come into your Kingdom.” And Jesus replied, “I assure you, today you will be with me in paradise.” Luke 23:41-43

The other phrase spoken by Jesus was to two people, His mother, and the apostle John. As the oldest son, He was taking care of some family business.

When Jesus saw his mother standing there beside the disciple he loved, he said to her, “Dear woman, here is your son.” And he said to this disciple, “Here is your mother.” And from then on this disciple took her into his home. John 19:26-27

It was less than 24 hours prior when Jesus prayed. He said, Father, if you are willing, please take this cup of suffering away from me. Even though this had been His most difficult day of Holy week, He needed to do one more thing. He knew there was a prophecy that needed to be fulfilled before His work was completed. That is why He spoke the next few words.

Jesus knew that his mission was now finished, and to fulfill Scripture he said, “I am thirsty.” John 19:28

They raised a soaked sponge so he could drink. The gospel of Mark says Jesus uttered another loud cry and breathed his last. What was that loud cry? John tells us in chapter 19 of his gospel.

When Jesus had tasted it, he said, “It is finished!” Then he bowed his head and gave up his spirit.  John 19:30

He Spoke to the Whole World

Jesus had to have been to the point of total exhaustion with His strength completely depleted. Yet He shouted out for the whole world to hear “It Is Finished” The price for your sins and my sins has been paid in full.

Since we have referenced several books of the Bible, just go to Bible.com to look up individual chapters.

All of the other related Holy Week Posts include the following. 

• Monday Of Holy Week, Jesus Cleaned Out The Temple. 
• Tuesday Of Holy Week, Opportunities Taken By Jesus. 
• Wednesday of Holy Week, Jesus Knows How To Be Our Savior. 
• Thursday of Holy Week – The Agreement Of The New Covenant.
• Good Friday, The Most Difficult Day Of Holy Week.
• Saturday Of Holy Week – Jesus’ Body Laid In A New Tomb
• Jesus’ Resurrection, The Most Important Event Of Christianity

Featured Image Photo by Sangia on Unsplash

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