On Good Friday, Christians worldwide commemorate Jesus' crucifixion at Calvary. Historical evidence suggests the first Good Friday occurred on April 3, AD 33, with Easter following on April 5, 33 AD.

Jesus of Nazareth, a historically documented figure, was arrested, subjected to an unjust trial, and sentenced to death. Days before, crowds had celebrated his entry into Jerusalem on Palm Sunday, believing him to be their deliverer. Instead, political and religious authorities conspired to execute him.

Jesus, being sinless, didn't deserve death. Though he had the power to prevent it, he chose to fulfill his mission, stating, "for I did not come to judge the world but to save the world" (John 12:47b).

Despite its somber nature, this day is called "Good" because it fulfilled God's plan for humanity's redemption. Through his death, Jesus accomplished four crucial things:

• Took the punishment humans deserved
• Removed God's righteous anger
• Restored humanity's relationship with God
• Freed believers from sin's bondage

Jesus endured this suffering out of love, knowing the joy that would come from reconciling humanity with God. His death wasn't the end of the story - Good Friday precedes Holy Saturday, leading to Easter Sunday when everything changed.

Through his sacrifice, Jesus made it possible for people to become God's children, transforming a day of apparent tragedy into one of profound hope and redemption.

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