20 Powerful Bible Verses for Good Friday

Good Friday holds deep meaning for Christians around the world. It’s a solemn reminder of the sacrifice Jesus Christ made for humanity on the cross. On this day, believers reflect on His suffering, death, and the promise of redemption. Whether you are preparing a sermon, personal devotion, or sharing encouragement, these Bible verses for Good Friday will help focus your heart on the significance of the cross.

What Does the Bible Say About Good Friday?

Though the term “Good Friday” doesn’t appear in Scripture, the Bible gives us detailed accounts of the events that took place on the day Jesus was crucified. From prophecy to fulfillment, the Bible reveals that Christ’s death was no accident—it was part of God’s redemptive plan from the beginning.

The Gospels of Matthew, Mark, Luke, and John describe the betrayal, trial, crucifixion, and burial of Jesus. Isaiah foretold the suffering of the Messiah hundreds of years before it happened (Isaiah 53 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). The book of Hebrews explains why Jesus’ sacrifice was necessary for the forgiveness of sins. In all these passages, the message is clear: Jesus willingly laid down His life to save us.

Good Friday is called “good” not because the events were pleasant, but because of what they accomplished—our salvation. These Bible verses for Good Friday are perfect for meditation and sharing the hope that comes through Christ’s sacrifice.

20 Powerful Bible Verses for Good Friday

Here are 20 carefully selected Bible verses for Good Friday, grouped to reflect key moments and themes of Jesus’ passion and death:

Isaiah 53:5 (NIV) “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.”
John 3:16 (KJV) “For God so loved the world, that he gave his only begotten Son, that whosoever believeth in him should not perish, but have everlasting life.”
Matthew 27:46 (ESV) “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?’”
Luke 23:34 (NIV) “Jesus said, ‘Father, forgive them, for they do not know what they are doing.’ And they divided up his clothes by casting lots.”
1 Peter 2:24 (NIV) “He himself bore our sins in his body on the cross, so that we might die to sins and live for righteousness; by his wounds you have been healed.”
Romans 5:8 (NIV) “But God demonstrates his own love for us in this: While we were still sinners, Christ died for us.”
Mark 15:37-38 (NIV) “With a loud cry, Jesus breathed his last. The curtain of the temple was torn in two from top to bottom.”
Philippians 2:8 (ESV) “And being found in human form, he humbled himself by becoming obedient to the point of death, even death on a cross.”
Hebrews 9:28 (NIV) “So Christ was sacrificed once to take away the sins of many; and he will appear a second time, not to bear sin, but to bring salvation to those who are waiting for him.”
Galatians 3:13 (NIV) “Christ redeemed us from the curse of the law by becoming a curse for us, for it is written: ‘Cursed is everyone who is hung on a pole.”
Psalm 22:16-18 (KJV) “For dogs have compassed me: the assembly of the wicked have inclosed me: they pierced my hands and my feet… They part my garments among them, and cast lots upon my vesture.”
John 19:30 (NIV) “When he had received the drink, Jesus said, ‘It is finished.’ With that, he bowed his head and gave up his spirit.”
Colossians 1:19-20 (NIV) “For God was pleased to have all his fullness dwell in him, and through him to reconcile to himself all things… by making peace through his blood, shed on the cross.”
2 Corinthians 5:21 (NIV) “God made him who had no sin to be sin for us, so that in him we might become the righteousness of God.”
Acts 2:23 (NIV) “This man was handed over to you by God’s deliberate plan and foreknowledge; and you, with the help of wicked men, put him to death by nailing him to the cross.”
Revelation 1:5 (NIV) “…To him who loves us and has freed us from our sins by his blood.”
Matthew 26:28 (NIV) “This is my blood of the covenant, which is poured out for many for the forgiveness of sins.”
Hebrews 4:15 (NIV) “For we do not have a high priest who is unable to empathize with our weaknesses…”
Isaiah 50:6 (ESV) “I gave my back to those who strike, and my cheeks to those who pull out the beard…”
Romans 6:6 (NIV) “For we know that our old self was crucified with him so that the body ruled by sin might be done away with…”

How to Use These Bible Verses for Good Friday

Here are a few ways you can use these scriptures on good Friday:

Devotional Journal: Reflect on one verse each hour of the day.
Prayer Time: Use them to guide personal or group prayer.
Social Media Sharing: Post one verse with your reflections to encourage others.
Church Service: Share them as part of a sermon, meditation, or Scripture reading.

Whether you are observing the day quietly or with your faith community, these Bible verses for Good Friday are a powerful resource for connection and contemplation.

Conclusion

Good Friday isn’t just about looking back—it’s about what it means for our lives today. These Bible verses for Good Friday highlight the love, sacrifice, and victory of Jesus Christ. They remind us of what was accomplished on the cross and call us to live in gratitude and obedience.

As you prepare for Good Friday, consider meditating on these Scriptures. Whether you’re attending a service, leading a group, or spending quiet time with the Lord, these Bible verses for Good Friday are a powerful guide for remembering the cross and rejoicing in the hope of the resurrection.