Good Friday Devotional: Jesus’ Sacrifice
Inside: Good Friday Devotional
This Good Friday Devotional is close to my heart, designed to walk with you through the day’s deep meaning.
Whether you’re navigating tough times or just wanting to dive deeper into the essence of Good Friday, I’m here to share insights and stories that resonate.
Let’s journey together through this Good Friday Devotional, seeking comfort, inspiration, and maybe even new understanding. Glad you’re here with me.
See the Good Friday Devotional below.
What Is Good Friday and Why Is It Important
Good Friday is a Christian holiday commemorating the crucifixion of Jesus Christ and His death at Calvary.
It’s observed during Holy Week on the Friday before Easter Sunday.
This day is important because it represents the sacrifice Jesus made out of love for humanity.
His death on the cross is central to Christian faith because it is believed to have paid the penalty for sin, offering people the opportunity for forgiveness and a relationship with God.
It’s a day of reflection and gratitude for the ultimate act of love and sacrifice.
Good Friday Devotional
On this special day, Good Friday, let’s take a moment together. It’s a day filled with so much meaning, a day when we remember the incredible love Jesus showed us all. For anyone going through tough times, this day reminds us of a love that can truly change everything.
Imagine this: “Greater love has no one than this: to lay down one’s life for one’s friends.” (John 15:13). That’s exactly what Jesus did for us. He chose to give up His life because He loves us that much. When you’re feeling down or lost, remember, you’re so loved. Jesus went through the hardest time imaginable because He cares for you deeply.
Good Friday isn’t just about remembering; it’s about feeling inspired to spread love too. It could be as simple as listening to a friend, sharing an encouraging word, or just being there for someone. By doing these small acts of love, we’re reflecting Jesus’s love to those around us.
Here’s something comforting: “The Lord is close to the brokenhearted and saves those who are crushed in spirit.” (Psalm 34:18). If you’re going through a rough patch, feeling broken and lost, remember, God is right there with you. He sees your pain, He feels it, and He’s holding you, helping you through every moment.
Today, let’s think about the cross. It stands for love, for sacrifice, and also for hope and victory over the tough stuff. It’s a reminder that even in the darkest times, there’s light and hope ahead.
So, as we reflect on Good Friday, let it fill your heart with hope. Remember, you’re not alone. Jesus is with you, every step of the way. And just like He overcame the grave, we can find strength and courage in Him to overcome the challenges we face.
Let this day be a turning point, a moment of deep comfort and hope. Keep in mind how much you are loved and cherished by Jesus. And let’s spread that love around, lighting up the world with kindness and hope.
Wishing you a Good Friday filled with peace, love, and the deepest sense of comfort and hope. You are loved, more than you can imagine, by someone who gave everything for you.
Good Friday Is Part Of Holy Week
Good Friday is part of Holy Week. Use this information as part of your daily devotions this week.
Holy Week is the week leading up to Easter, and is a time of reflection and preparation for the Easter holiday. The timeline for Holy Week is as follows:
Palm Sunday: On Palm Sunday, Christians commemorate Jesus’ triumphal entry into Jerusalem. This day is also known as Passion Sunday, and marks the beginning of Holy Week.
Maundy Thursday: Maundy Thursday is the day on which Christians remember the Last Supper, when Jesus shared bread and wine with his disciples. This day is also known as Holy Thursday.
Good Friday: Good Friday is the day on which Christians remember the crucifixion of Jesus. This day is a day of fasting and prayer, and is the most somber day of Holy Week.
Holy Saturday: Holy Saturday is the day between Good Friday and Easter Sunday. It is a day of reflection and preparation for the Easter celebration.
Easter Sunday: Easter Sunday is the day on which Christians celebrate the resurrection of Jesus. This day is a day of joy and celebration, and is the culmination of Holy Week.
Read more about Holy Week Timeline, including scriptures, in my article, Palm Sunday Prayer.
What Is A Good Scripture To Read On Good Friday
A great scripture to read on Good Friday is Isaiah 53:5, which says,
“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.”
This verse speaks directly to the heart of Good Friday, highlighting the sacrifice Jesus made for us.
It reminds us that through His suffering and death, we find forgiveness, peace, and healing.
It’s a powerful message of love and redemption that resonates deeply, especially on this day.
What Lesson Do We Learn From Good Friday
Good Friday teaches us some really important things, especially when we’re going through tough times.
Here are a few lessons we can take to heart:
- Love Others Deeply: Just like Jesus showed the ultimate love by giving up His life, we can show love to others, even when it’s hard. Helping and caring for people around us can make a big difference.
- Keep Going, Even When It’s Hard: Jesus went through something really tough because He loved us. When we have our own tough times, remembering Jesus’ strength can help us keep going, knowing we’re not alone.
- There’s Always Hope: Good Friday might seem sad because it’s about Jesus dying, but it’s also about hope because we know Easter Sunday is coming. No matter how dark things look, there’s always light ahead.
- Forgiving Is Powerful: Jesus forgave the people who hurt Him. When we forgive others, it can free our hearts from anger and hurt, helping us heal.
- It’s Okay to Ask for Help: Jesus showed us it’s okay to be vulnerable and ask for help, like when He prayed in the garden before He was arrested. Reaching out when we’re struggling is a sign of strength.
- Trust the Bigger Plan: Even in His hardest time, Jesus trusted God’s plan. When we’re in tough situations, trusting that God has a plan for us can give us peace, even if we don’t understand it all right now.
Good Friday reminds us of love, hope, and the strength we can find even in hard times. It’s about knowing we’re loved deeply and there’s always light after the darkness.
Related: 20 Beautiful Psalms For Easter
How Is Good Friday Celebrated
Good Friday is celebrated by Christians as the day on which Jesus Christ was crucified.
It is a somber day of prayer and fasting, and many churches hold special services.
Some Christians also take part in plays or re-enactments of the crucifixion.
Some families get together for prayer and a dinner.
Good Friday is a public holiday in many countries, and people often have the day off work.
How do you and your family celebrate Good Friday?
Powerful Prayer For Good Friday
This Good Friday Devotional wouldn’t be complete without a prayer!
Dear Lord, We reflect on Good Friday, the day of Your sacrificial death. We remember how You willingly laid down Your life for us, even though we are sinners. We are so grateful for Your great love and mercy.
Help us to remember that we, too, are called to lay down our lives in service to others. May we have the courage to follow in Your footsteps, even when it is difficult. We know that ultimately, Your love will triumph over all evil.
In Jesus’ name, Amen.
Good Friday is a special day for us to remember the incredible love Jesus Christ has for us and the great sacrifice He made for us.
As we reflect on His journey to Calvary, we must be in awe of His selfless love and grace and be thankful for the gift of salvation He has given us.
May we strive to live lives that honor Him and celebrate His resurrection.
I pray this Good Friday Devotional blesses you this season.
What Not To Do On Good Friday
On Good Friday, many Christians observe the day with reverence and reflection, considering it a time to commemorate the crucifixion of Jesus Christ.
While traditions and practices can vary widely across different cultures and denominations, here are some general suggestions on what not to do on Good Friday, aiming to honor the solemnity of the day:
- Avoid Unnecessary Work: Many choose to take the day off from work or avoid engaging in laborious activities, focusing instead on prayer, reflection, and attending religious services.
- Skip Festive Activities: It’s generally considered respectful to avoid parties, loud music, and other festive celebrations, keeping the day’s tone solemn and reflective.
- Refrain from Excessive Eating or Luxury: Some people fast on Good Friday, while others may opt for simple meals. The idea is to practice modesty and self-discipline, remembering the sacrifice made by Jesus.
- Limit Entertainment: Watching movies, playing video games, or engaging in leisure activities that distract from the day’s purpose is often avoided. Instead, reading the Bible, especially passages related to Jesus’ passion and death, is encouraged.
- Postpone Large Purchases or Celebrations: Making significant purchases or holding celebratory events (like weddings) is usually avoided, out of respect for the day’s solemn nature.
- Use Social Media Sparingly: If you’re active on social media, consider using it in a way that reflects the day’s significance. Some choose to share verses or religious content, while others may opt for a digital fast.
Remember, these are general suggestions and the observance of Good Friday can vary greatly among individuals and communities.
The focus is on creating a space for reflection on the sacrifice of Jesus Christ and its impact on faith and life.
See the Good Friday Devotional above.
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