The Day the Sky Went Dark: Why Good Friday Is the Most Important Day in History
- Jose Vicenty
- Apr 19
- 4 min read
It’s called Good Friday—but at first glance, it doesn’t seem good at all.
The sinless Son of God is arrested.
Falsely accused.
Beaten.
Mocked.
And crucified.
This was the day the sky grew dark at noon. The day the curtain in the temple tore in two. The day death tried to silence the Light.
And yet, we call it good.
Why?
Because what seemed like defeat… was actually divine victory.
What Is Good Friday?
Good Friday is the day Christians around the world remember the crucifixion of Jesus Christ—the Savior of the world. It is the most somber day of Holy Week, commemorating the moment when Jesus took our place, bore our sin, and died our death.
“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. By his wounds you are healed.” -1 Peter 2:24
It’s called Good Friday, not because the events were painless, but because the result was priceless. The word “good” in this context means holy, sacred, and salvific, for it was on this day that salvation was made possible.
Without Good Friday, there would be no resurrection. No freedom from sin. No open door to the Father.
What Happened on Good Friday?
The Gospels give us a vivid account of the events of this day (Matthew 26–27, Mark 14–15, Luke 22–23, John 18–19):
The Trials
Jesus was arrested late Thursday night and brought before several rulers:
Annas (former high priest)
Caiaphas (current high priest)
The Sanhedrin (Jewish ruling council)
Pontius Pilate (Roman governor)
Herod Antipas (ruler of Galilee)
And finally, back to Pilate, who sentenced Him to be crucified.
The charges? Blasphemy and treason—neither of which He was guilty of.
The Beating
He was whipped with a Roman scourge—a whip embedded with bones and metal. Mocked with a crown of thorns. Beaten until He was nearly unrecognizable.
“But he was pierced for our rebellion, crushed for our sins.” - Isaiah 53:5
The Cross
Jesus was forced to carry His own cross to Golgotha—the “Place of the Skull.” There, He was nailed to the wood through His hands and feet. He hung for hours, in agony, exposed to public shame.
Yet in His pain, He spoke love:
“Father, forgive them…”
“Today, you will be with me in paradise.”
“It is finished.”
The Death
At about 3:00 p.m., Jesus breathed His last breath.
“Then Jesus shouted again, and he released his spirit.” - Matthew 27:50
At that moment:
The sky turned dark.
The earth shook.
The temple curtain tore from top to bottom.
Tombs broke open.
It was as if all of creation recognized: The Lamb of God had just died.
Why Do Some People Avoid Eating Meat on Good Friday?
This tradition dates back centuries and is particularly common among Catholics and some other Christian denominations. But what’s the meaning behind it?
Meat—especially red meat—was historically seen as a luxury or celebration food. Avoiding meat on Good Friday is an act of penance and self-denial to honor the immense suffering and sacrifice of Christ.
Instead, many choose to eat fish, which was viewed as a humble alternative.
It’s not about legalism, but about reverence.
It’s a way of saying, “Today, I remember.” I will not indulge while my Savior hung on a cross. I will choose simplicity and reflection over satisfaction.
“So whether you eat or drink, or whatever you do, do it all for the glory of God.” -1 Corinthians 10:31
Why Does This Matter?
If we lose sight of the cross, we lose the gospel. If we rush to Sunday without sitting in the pain of Friday, we cheapen the power of the resurrection.
Good Friday forces us to face the reality:
That sin is real.
That the cost was high.
That love bled.
But it also shouts the greatest truth ever declared:
God didn’t stay distant. He came close. He came to rescue. To redeem. To take our punishment so we could walk free.
“But God showed his great love for us by sending Christ to die for us while we were still sinners.” - Romans 5:8
How Should We Respond?
Good Friday calls for silence, sobriety, and worship. Here’s how you can respond today:
Read the Passion story. (Matthew 26–27, John 18–19)
Spend time in prayerful reflection. Thank Jesus for the cross.
Fast or simplify your meals. Let hunger lead you to the Bread of Life.
Attend a Good Friday service. Join with others in reverence.
Consider silence. Turn off music and media. Let the weight of the moment settle.
This isn’t just history. It’s our story.
Jesus didn’t just die for humanity.
He died for you.
Final Thoughts
Yes, it’s called Good Friday.
Because the blood that flowed that day purchased your forgiveness. The cross that stood in shame now stands as a symbol of victory. And the Savior who was pierced now offers peace to all who believe.
“It is finished!” - John 19:30
That wasn’t a cry of defeat. It was a declaration of triumph.
Comments