Easter & Passion Week FAQs
Why Is It Called Good Friday?
The name Good Friday (not to be confused with Black Friday) might seem a little confusing. It’s the day Jesus was crucified (a brutal form execution carried out by the Romans), so why do we call that day “good”? The goodness of Good Friday comes from what Christians believe Jesus accomplished through His death.
According to the Bible, humanity is separated from God because of sin, which at the core is a rejection of a relationship with God. No amount of moral living, time spent attending church, or good intentions can repair that broken relationship. But Jesus lived a perfectly sinless life and willingly took the punishment for sin upon Himself when He died on the cross. Jesus’ death on the cross is “good” because through it God made a way for forgiveness, reconciliation, and new life. As the apostle Paul wrote, “God shows his love for us in that while we were still sinners, Christ died for us” (Romans 5:8). Good Friday is the day Christians remember the depth of God’s love displayed through Jesus’ sacrifice.
Why Is It Called Passion Week?
The week leading up to Easter is often referred to as Passion Week. The word passion here doesn’t mean romantic emotion, but comes from the Latin word passio, which means “suffering.” This week leading up to Easter is a time to remember the final week of Jesus’ life before His crucifixion. During this week, Christians reflect on the events leading up to His arrest, trial and crucifixion on the original Good Friday.
As we reflect on the people He interacted with and the events that led to His crucifixion, two of the primary themes that emerge are the depth of human brokenness, and the depth of Jesus’ love for us in spite of that brokenness. Rather than avoiding suffering, Jesus directly faced it, knowing it was the path through which He would save others. Passion Week invites Christians to slow down from the busyness and distracting pace of life to reflect on the sacrifice Jesus made for us, and the love that motivated Him.
How Is Jesus’ Death on the Cross 2,000 Years Ago Relevant to Us Today?
It’s fair to ask: how can something that happened two thousand years ago matter for our lives today? Christians believe the cross addresses the deepest human problem—our separation from God. Every culture and generation wrestles with guilt, brokenness, injustice, and the awareness that things are not the way they should be. The Bible describes this condition as sin: our rejection of a relationship with God and our tendency to live for ourselves rather than for Him.
Jesus’ death on the cross was not just a tragic execution. It was a deliberate act in which Jesus took the penalty of sin upon Himself so that people could be forgiven and restored to God. Because of that, the cross speaks directly to issues we still face today:
Guilt: the message of the cross offers forgiveness
Shame: the message of the cross shows our value to God
Broken relationships: the message of the cross opens the door to reconciliation with God and, through that, with others too
Fear of death: the message of the cross promises eternal life in heaven
The message of the cross is that God did not remain distant from human suffering. Instead, He stepped into it in order to redeem it. That’s why Christians still see Jesus’ death on the cross as profoundly relevant today.
How Can I Believe That the Resurrection Actually Happened?
The resurrection of Jesus is the central claim of Christianity. If it didn’t happen, the Christian faith falls apart. But if it did happen, it changes everything. While belief in the resurrection ultimately involves faith, there are several historical reasons many people find the claim credible.
1. The Empty Tomb
All four Gospel accounts report that Jesus’ tomb was found empty. Even opponents of Christianity in the first century did not produce a body; instead, they claimed the disciples had stolen it—a response that actually acknowledges the empty tomb.
2. Eyewitness Testimony
The earliest Christian writings report that many people saw the risen Jesus—individuals and groups, including more than 500 people at once (1 Corinthians 15:6).
3. The Transformation of the Disciples
Before the resurrection, Jesus’ followers were fearful and scattered. Afterward, they boldly proclaimed that He had risen—even when it cost them persecution and death. Something dramatic clearly changed them.
4. The Rapid Growth of the Early Church
Within a few decades, the message of the risen Jesus spread throughout the Roman Empire. The earliest Christians were not simply teaching moral philosophy; they were proclaiming a historical event they believed had actually occurred.
For many people, belief in the resurrection comes from considering both the historical evidence and the personal claims Jesus made about Himself. If Jesus truly rose from the dead, it means His promises about forgiveness, new life, and eternal hope can be trusted.
How Can I Observe Passion Week as a Christian?
Passion Week is an opportunity to intentionally remember the events leading up to Jesus’ death and resurrection. Christians throughout history have observed the week in different ways, but the goal is the same: to focus our hearts on Christ.
Here are a few meaningful practices:
1. Read Through the Gospel Accounts
Set aside time each day to read the passages that describe Jesus’ final week (often found in the last chapters of Matthew, Mark, Luke, and John). Try to imagine the events as they unfolded.
2. Reflect on the Cross
Take time to meditate on what Jesus accomplished through His death. Prayer, journaling, bible reading passages like Isaiah 53 or Psalm 22, or different Christian writing (see resources below!) can help deepen reflection.
3. Fast or Simplify
Some Christians fast from certain foods, media, or distractions during the week as a way to create space to focus on God.
4. Participate in a Good Friday Service
Many churches hold special services to remember the crucifixion. These services often emphasize quiet reflection, Scripture reading, and prayer.
5. Prepare Your Heart for Easter
Passion Week ultimately leads to the celebration of the resurrection. Spending time in reflection makes Easter Sunday all the more meaningful.
Observing Passion Week is not about religious performance, it’s about remembering the love of Christ and allowing that truth to shape our lives.
Where can I find resources?
Online Passion Experience: An interactive, immersive experience designed to help you meditate on the events of Jesus’ final week.
Passion Reader Online: Curated excerpts offering a deep dive into the Gospel and the significance of the cross.
Simplified Passion Reader: Simplified excerpts from Christian literature, ideal for youth and non-native English speakers
Matthew DeVogelaere (c/o 2017) graduated from the University of California, Berkeley B.S. and Masters in Mechanical Engineering. Hit him up to ball at the RecCen. He’s currently serving as a mentor to the Sophomores at acts2fellowship SB.