To read the story of Good Friday in the Bible, go to Matthew 26-27, Mark 14-15, Luke 22-23, or John 18-19. (Click the arrows at the top to view the next chapter.)
Good Friday is the day we remember Jesus Christ's death on the cross to pay for our sins. We call it "good" because without Jesus's death, there would be no resurrection and no payment for our sins - no freedom from guilt for the things we do wrong, for doing things our way instead of God's way. We would have to die and suffer forever, for we could never repay God and make things right.
But God loves us so much, that he sent his Son Jesus into this world to live and die for us - to save us, so that we could have a relationship with him again. "For God so loved the world, that he gave his only Son, that whoever believes in him should not perish but have eternal life." (John 3:16 NIV)
On Good Friday, we remember Jesus's loving sacrifice - he was beaten and tortured and hung on a cross to die; he was executed like a criminal. He was willing to suffer like this in order to save us, because he loved us. "Christ suffered for our sins once for all time. He never sinned, but he died for sinners to bring you safely home to God. He suffered physical death, but he was raised to life in the Spirit." (1 Peter 3:18 NLT)
To hear the rest of the story and more about what it means for people - us - today, check out our Easter page.
Or - email pastorpete@ebcnorfolk.org or call 508-528-5862. Pastor Pete and others at Emmanuel would love to talk with you.
Good Friday Resources
Children's & Youth Resources
Check out the free children's & youth resources below from Group Publishing. There are video lessons and activity ideas and pages you can print out, along with devotionals for teens. There are resources for Good Friday and Easter, for how Jesus's power helps us overcome fear, and for many other Bible stories and lessons. No login required.
Worship
- Song Playlist - Listen to a collection of hymns and worship songs for Good Friday on Spotify or YouTube.
- 5pm Good Friday Show - This show Friday, April 10 at 5pm, features several well-known Christian worship artists and speakers, including Lauren Daigle, Michael W. Smith, Ravi Zacharias, and Francis Chan. To watch and listen, click 5pm Show.
- 8pm Good Friday Show - This is a one-hour show Friday, April 10 at 8pm, featuring Chris Tomlin and Max Lucado, with guest appearances by Pat Barrett, We The Kingdom, and Matt Maher. For details on how to watch and listen, click 8pm Show.