Good Friday, observed during Holy Week, commemorates the crucifixion of Jesus Christ.
It is a solemn day for Christians worldwide, reflecting on the sacrifice made for humanity’s redemption.
Bible verses associated with Good Friday evoke themes of suffering, forgiveness, and hope.
In this post, we explore powerful bible verses that resonate with the significance of this sacred day. Hang on as we take you through this journey.
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Bible Verses For Good Friday
1). Isaiah 53:5
But he was pierced for our transgressions; he was crushed for our iniquities; upon him was the chastisement that brought us peace, and with his wounds we are healed. ESV
Isaiah 53:5 prophetically speaks of the suffering servant, Jesus Christ, who bore the punishment for our sins.
The imagery of being pierced and crushed vividly depicts the crucifixion.
Good Friday is a time to reflect on Jesus’s immense sacrifice, taking upon Himself the punishment that was due to us.
2). 1 Peter 2:24
He himself bore our sins in his body on the tree, that we might die to sin and live to righteousness. By his wounds you have been healed. ESV
1 Peter 2:24 refers to the crucifixion as Jesus bearing our sins on the cross (referred to as a tree).
This act of ultimate sacrifice allows believers to die to sin and live a life of righteousness.
The healing mentioned here is physical and spiritual, as we are restored to a right relationship with God through Jesus’ sacrifice.
3). Mark 9:31
For he was teaching his disciples, saying to them, “The Son of Man is going to be delivered into the hands of men, and they will kill him. And when he is killed, after three days he will rise.” ESV
Mark 9:31 predicts His death and resurrection, central to the Good Friday narrative.
This verse reminds us that Jesus was fully aware of the suffering He would endure but willingly went forward for the sake of humanity.
4). Mark 10:34
And they will mock him and spit on him, and flog him and kill him. And after three days he will rise.
Mark 9:31 foretells the events of His passion. The mocking, spitting, and flogging are specific forms of the suffering He faced.
Good Friday commemorates these events, leading to His death and the hope found in His resurrection.
5). Romans 5:6-10
For while we were still weak, at the right time Christ died for the ungodly. For one will scarcely die for a righteous person—though perhaps for a good person one would dare even to die— but God shows his love for us in that while we were still sinners, Christ died for us. Since, therefore, we have now been justified by his blood, much more shall we be saved by him from the wrath of God. For if while we were enemies we were reconciled to God by the death of his Son, much more, now that we are reconciled, shall we be saved by his life. ESV
Romans 5:6-10 emphasizes the love of God demonstrated through Christ’s death. A profound love chose to die not for the righteous but for sinners.
Good Friday is a powerful reminder of this love and the reconciliation it brings.
6). Mark 8:31
And he began to teach them that the Son of Man must suffer many things and be rejected by the elders and the chief priests and the scribes and be killed, and after three days rise again. ESV
Mark 8:31 highlights the necessity of Jesus’ suffering and rejection as part of God’s redemptive plan.
Good Friday marks the fulfillment of this prophecy.
7). Matthew 12:40
For just as Jonah was three days and three nights in the belly of the great fish, so will the Son of Man be three days and three nights in the heart of the earth. ESV
Matthew 12:40 compares His forthcoming burial to Jonah’s time in the fish, predicting His resurrection and giving hope even in Good Friday’s sorrow.
8). Matthew 26:26–29
Now as they were eating, Jesus took bread, and after blessing it broke it and gave it to the disciples, and said, “Take, eat; this is my body.” And he took a cup, and when he had given thanks he gave it to them, saying, “Drink of it, all of you, for this is my blood of the covenant, which is poured out for many for the forgiveness of sins. ESV
Matthew 26:26–29 highlights that during the Last Supper, Jesus established the practice of communion, symbolizing His body and the blood given to us.
Good Friday is a time to remember the sacrifice that this meal represents.
9). Mark 15:21–41
And they compelled a passerby, Simon of Cyrene, who was coming in from the country, the father of Alexander and Rufus, to carry his cross. And they brought him to the place called Golgotha… ESV
Mark 15:21–41 narrates the crucifixion of Jesus, detailing the events and the characters involved.
It’s a somber account that culminates in the death of Jesus, which is observed on Good Friday.
10). John 3:16
For God so loved the world, that he gave his only Son, that whoever believes in him should not perish but have eternal life. ESV
John 3:16 encapsulates Good Friday’s message: God’s love is displayed in the giving of His Son for our salvation.
Certainly! Here are 10 Bible verses for Good Friday with explanations in ESV translation:
11). Isaiah 53:3-5
He was despised and rejected by men, a man of sorrows and acquainted with grief; and as one from whom men hide their faces he was despised, and we esteemed him not. Surely he has borne our griefs and carried our sorrows; yet we esteemed him stricken, smitten by God, and afflicted. But he was pierced for our transgressions; he was crushed for our iniquities; upon him was the chastisement that brought us peace, and with his wounds we are healed. ESV
Isaiah 53:3-5 is a prophecy about the Messiah who would suffer for the sins of humanity. It is poignant on Good Friday as it reflects Jesus Christ’s suffering on the cross.
The “man of sorrows” title encapsulates the depth of agony and isolation Christ experienced. He was not only physically wounded but also bore the weight of all human sin and sorrow.
The verse ends with a powerful message of redemption: we find peace and healing through His suffering.
12). Mark 15:37-39
And Jesus uttered a loud cry and breathed his last. And the curtain of the temple was torn in two, from top to bottom. And when the centurion, who stood facing him, saw that in this way he breathed his last, he said, “Truly this man was the Son of God!” ESV
Mark 15:37-39 highlights the momentous events that occurred during His death.
The tearing of the temple curtain symbolizes the end of the old covenant and the establishment of a new way to God through Jesus Christ.
The centurion’s declaration is significant as it comes from a Roman soldier, an unlikely witness, affirming Jesus’ divine nature.
This moment encapsulates the realization of who Jesus was and the purpose of His sacrificial death.
13). John 19:30
When Jesus had received the sour wine, he said, “It is finished,” and he bowed his head and gave up his spirit. ESV
John 19:30 shows that Jesus’s final words on the cross signify the completion of His earthly mission. “It is finished” is not a cry of defeat but a proclamation of victory.
With these words, Jesus declares that the work of salvation is complete, the debt of sin is paid in full, and humanity’s reconciliation with God is accomplished.
This statement is the culmination of God’s redemptive plan and the foundation of hope for all believers.
14). Romans 5:6-8
For while we were still weak, at the right time Christ died for the ungodly. For one will scarcely die for a righteous person—though perhaps for a good person one would dare even to die— but God shows his love for us in that while we were still sinners, Christ died for us. ESV
Romans 5:6-8 emphasizes God’s unconditional love demonstrated through Christ’s death.
It is a profound reminder that Christ’s sacrifice was not for the righteous but for sinners.
This passage reassures us that God’s love is not based on our merit but is a gift, and Jesus’s death is the ultimate expression of that love.
It challenges us to reflect on the magnitude of God’s grace and the cost at which it was given.
15). 1 Peter 2:24
He himself bore our sins in his body on the tree, that we might die to sin and live to righteousness. By his wounds you have been healed. ESV
1 Peter 2:24 speaks to the transformative power of Christ’s suffering. The “tree” refers to the cross, and bearing our sins in His body signifies the substitutionary nature of Jesus’ death.
This verse calls believers to a new life that turns away from sin and seeks righteousness.
The healing mentioned here is physical and spiritual, offering a path to restoration and wholeness through Christ’s sacrifice.
16). 1 Corinthians 15:3-4
For I delivered to you as of first importance what I also received: that Christ died for our sins in accordance with the Scriptures, that he was buried, that he was raised on the third day in accordance with the Scriptures. ESV
1 Corinthians 15:3-4 underscores the significance of Christ’s death, burial, and resurrection as foretold by the Scriptures.
This passage is central to the Christian faith. It affirms that the events of Good Friday are not the end but lead to the victory of Easter Sunday.
It is a call to remember the foundational truths of the faith and the hope that lies in the resurrection.
17). Hebrews 4:15-16
For we do not have a high priest who is unable to sympathize with our weaknesses, but one who in every respect has been tempted as we are, yet without sin. Let us then with confidence draw near to the throne of grace, that we may receive mercy and find grace to help in time of need. ESV
Hebrews 4:15-16 presents Jesus as the ultimate high priest who fully understands human frailty.
His experience of temptation and suffering makes Him uniquely qualified to intercede on our behalf.
This passage invites us to approach God’s throne confidently, knowing that we will find mercy and grace because of Christ’s atoning work.
It is a source of comfort and encouragement, especially on Good Friday, as we contemplate the depth of Christ’s empathy and sacrifice.
18). Philippians 2:8
And being found in human form, he humbled himself by becoming obedient to the point of death, even death on a cross. ESV
Philippians 2:8 highlights Jesus’ humility and obedience. Despite being divine, He chose to take on human form and submit to death on the cross.
This humility is an example for believers to follow and the means through which God exalted Jesus.
It is a powerful reminder of the paradox of the cross: through what appeared to be ultimate defeat, Jesus achieved the greatest victory.
19). Luke 23:34
And Jesus said, “Father, forgive them, for they know not what they do.” And they cast lots to divide his garments. ESV
Luke 23:34 challenges us to consider the depth of forgiveness and the call to extend that forgiveness to others.
Even in His suffering, Jesus’ words from the cross are a testament to His mercy and forgiveness.
His plea for forgiveness for those who crucified Him demonstrates the boundless grace that characterizes His ministry.
20). 2 Corinthians 5:21
For our sake he made him to be sin who knew no sin, so that in him we might become the righteousness of God. ESV
2 Corinthians 5:21 speaks to the great exchange on the cross: Jesus, who was sinless, took on the world’s sin so that we might be righteous before God.
It encapsulates the essence of Good Friday—the sacrificial love of Christ that brings about our redemption and reconciliation with God.
This verse is a profound reflection on the transformative power of the cross and the new identity it grants believers.
21). John 3:16
“For God so loved the world, that he gave his only Son, that whoever believes in him should not perish but have eternal life.” ESV
John 3:16 encapsulates the heart of the gospel message. God’s love for humanity is demonstrated through the sacrificial gift of His Son, Jesus Christ.
Good Friday reminds us of this profound act of love—the willingness to give up His own Son for our redemption.
Believing in Jesus leads to eternal life, emphasizing the hope and salvation of His death and resurrection.
22). Galatians 2:20
“I have been crucified with Christ. It is no longer I who live, but Christ who lives in me. And the life I now live in the flesh I live by faith in the Son of God, who loved me and gave himself for me.” ESV
Galatians 2:20 highlights the transformative impact of Christ’s sacrifice. Through His death on the cross, we are united with Him.
Our old self is crucified, and a new life begins—a life lived by faith in Jesus.
This verse invites us to consider the personal implications of the cross: Christ’s love compels us to surrender our lives to Him.
23). Matthew 27:46
“And about the ninth hour Jesus cried out with a loud voice, saying, ‘Eli, Eli, lema sabachthani?’ that is, ‘My God, my God, why have you forsaken me?’” ESV
Matthew 27:46 reveals His deep anguish and the weight of bearing the sins of humanity.
In this moment, Jesus experiences separation from the Father—a profound mystery that underscores the depth of His sacrifice.
Good Friday reminds us that Jesus willingly endured this separation for our sake, bridging the gap between God and humanity.
24). Colossians 1:20
“And through him to reconcile to himself all things, whether on earth or in heaven, making peace by the blood of his cross.” ESV
Colossians 1:20 emphasizes the cosmic significance of Christ’s work on the cross. Through His blood, Jesus reconciles all things—both earthly and heavenly.
The cross becomes the instrument of peace, restoring broken relationships and bringing harmony to a fallen world.
Good Friday invites us to reflect on this grand reconciliation achieved through Christ’s sacrifice.
25). Psalm 22:1
“My God, my God, why have you forsaken me? Why are you so far from saving me, from the words of my groaning?” ESV
Psalm 22:1 echoes Jesus’s cry from the cross. Psalm 22 is a prophetic portrayal of the Messiah’s suffering.
As we read it on Good Friday, we recognize that Jesus fulfilled these words.
His abandonment by God was temporary, but it highlights the depth of His identification with human suffering.
26). Ephesians 2:16
“And might reconcile us both to God in one body through the cross, thereby killing the hostility.” ESV
Ephesians 2:16 speaks of reconciliation once again. Through the cross, Jesus brings together Jews and Gentiles, breaking down the walls of hostility.
His sacrifice not only restores our relationship with God but also paves the way for unity among believers.
Good Friday reminds us of the power of the cross to heal divisions and bring peace.
27). Luke 23:43
“And he said to him, ‘Truly, I say to you, today you will be with me in Paradise.’” ESV
Luke 23:43 shows the words spoken by Jesus to the repentant thief crucified alongside Him, revealing His compassion and grace.
Despite His suffering, Jesus extends forgiveness and the promise of paradise to a dying criminal.
Good Friday teaches us that no one is beyond redemption, and Jesus’ sacrifice opens the door to eternal life for all who turn to Him.
28). Hebrews 9:22
“Indeed, under the law almost everything is purified with blood, and without the shedding of blood there is no forgiveness of sins.” ESV
Hebrews 9:22 underscores the necessity of blood sacrifice for forgiveness.
The Old Testament sacrificial system pointed to the ultimate sacrifice—shedding Jesus’ blood on the cross.
Good Friday reminds us that Jesus’ death fulfills this requirement, providing complete forgiveness and cleansing for our sins.
29). 1 John 4:9-10
“In this the love of God was made manifest among us, that God sent his only Son into the world, so that we might live through him. In this is love, not that we have loved God but that he loved us and sent his Son to be the propitiation for our sins.” ESV
1 John 4:9-10 captures the essence of Good Friday. God’s love is revealed through the sending of His Son as the ultimate sacrifice—the propitiation for our sins.
Jesus’ death satisfies God’s justice and demonstrates His boundless love.
Through Him, we find life and reconciliation.
30). Hebrews 12:2
“Looking to Jesus, the founder and perfecter of our faith, who for the joy that was set before him endured the cross, despising the shame, and is seated at the right hand of the throne of God.” ESV
Hebrews 12:2 encourages believers to fix their eyes on Jesus. Despite the shame and suffering of the cross, Jesus endured it because of the greater joy—the redemption of humanity.
His sacrificial act leads to exaltation, as He is now seated at the right hand of God.
Good Friday reminds us of the depth of Jesus’ love and the hope we have through His finished work on the cross.
Conclusion
Reflecting on Good Friday, we delve into the solemnity of Jesus Christ’s crucifixion and its profound impact on faith.
The scriptures offer a narrative of sacrifice, love, and hope, guiding believers through the gravity of this day.
These verses are not just historical accounts but invitations to experience the depth of God’s grace and the promise of redemption that Jesus’ death on the cross represents for humanity.