What Happened on the First Good Friday?

Quite a number of things. During the night, Jesus had been arrested and taken before the high priests Annas and Caiaphas. It was during this time that Peter denied him.

According to the gospels, Jesus:

• Was taken before Pilate in the morning
• Sent to Herod
• Returned to Pilate
• Was mocked and beaten
• Saw Barabbas released in his stead
• Was crowned with thorns
• Was condemned to death
• Carried the crushing burden of his cross
• Told the weeping women what would happen in the future
• Was crucified between two thieves
• Forgave those who crucified him
• Entrusted the Virgin Mary to the beloved disciple
• Assured the good thief of his salvation
• Said his famous seven last words
• Cried out and died

In addition:

• There was darkness over the land
• There was an earthquake
• The veil of the temple was torn in two
• Many saints of the Old Testament period were raised
• A soldier pierced Christ's side and blood and water flowed out
• Joseph of Arimathea and Nicodemus went to Pilate and asked for Jesus' body
• He was buried in Joseph's own tomb
• A guard was set over the tomb
• All Jesus' friends and family grieved at his death 
  The Gospel account can be found in the book of John 18:1-19:42