What Is Good Friday, Holy Saturday, Easter Sunday & Monday?

The Easter weekend is the most important period in the Christian calendar because it remembers the death, burial and resurrection of Jesus Christ.

But what actually happened on Good Friday, Holy Saturday, Easter Sunday and Easter Monday?

The Bible presents a specific sequence of events across the four days surrounding Jesus’ crucifixion, burial, and resurrection, even though many people discuss them together.

Good Friday remembers the crucifixion and death of Jesus.

Holy Saturday remembers the day Jesus’ body remained in the tomb while His disciples mourned and waited.

Easter Sunday celebrates the resurrection of Jesus Christ from the dead.

Easter Monday is not a specific biblical event or feast commanded in Scripture. It is a later Christian tradition associated with continuing the celebration of Jesus’ resurrection.

The most important event of all is Easter Sunday.

Jesus died for our sins, was buried, and rose again on the third day.

Quick Answer: What Happened Over Easter?

You can understand the Easter story through this simple sequence:

Good Friday: Jesus was arrested, tried, crucified and died on the cross.

Holy Saturday: Jesus’ body remained in the tomb. His disciples were mourning, while the chief priests and Pharisees arranged for the tomb to be guarded.

Easter Sunday: The women discovered that Jesus’ tomb was empty. Jesus had risen from the dead.

Easter Monday: The Bible does not describe a specific event called Easter Monday. The day is traditionally used in some Christian communities as an extension of Easter celebrations.

The central message of the entire weekend is this:

Jesus Christ died for our sins and rose again, defeating death and giving believers the hope of eternal life.

What Is Good Friday?

Good Friday is the day Christians remember the crucifixion and death of Jesus Christ.

Judas betrayed Jesus, the Jewish authorities questioned Him, Pilate sentenced Him to death, and the soldiers crucified Him.

Although the crucifixion was an act of terrible violence, the Bible teaches that Jesus willingly gave His life as a sacrifice for sin.

His death was not an accident.

It was part of God’s plan of salvation.

Jesus Was Betrayed and Arrested

Jesus knew that His arrest and death were approaching.

After the Last Supper, He went with His disciples to the Garden of Gethsemane, where Judas arrived with an armed crowd.

Matthew 26:47–50 — Jesus Is Arrested

“And while he yet spake, lo, Judas, one of the twelve, came, and with him a great multitude with swords and staves, from the chief priests and elders of the people.

Now he that betrayed him gave them a sign, saying, Whomsoever I shall kiss, that same is he: hold him fast.

And forthwith he came to Jesus, and said, Hail, master; and kissed him.

And Jesus said unto him, Friend, wherefore art thou come? Then came they, and laid hands on Jesus, and took him.”

Jesus knew what would happen and willingly faced it.

He knew He had come into the world for this purpose.

Jesus Was Put on Trial

The religious leaders questioned Jesus before bringing Him before Pontius Pilate.

Pilate found no legitimate reason to execute Jesus, but the crowd demanded crucifixion.

Matthew 27:22–26 — Jesus Is Sent to Be Crucified

“Pilate saith unto them, What shall I do then with Jesus which is called Christ? They all say unto him, Let him be crucified.

And the governor said, Why, what evil hath he done? But they cried out the more, saying, Let him be crucified.

When Pilate saw that he could prevail nothing, but that rather a tumult was made, he took water, and washed his hands before the multitude, saying, I am innocent of the blood of this just person: see ye to it.

Then answered all the people, and said, His blood be on us, and on our children.

Then released he Barabbas unto them: and when he had scourged Jesus, he delivered him to be crucified.”

The soldiers mocked and beat Jesus before leading Him away to be crucified.

Jesus Was Crucified

The Roman Empire used crucifixion as one of its most brutal forms of execution.

The soldiers nailed Jesus to the cross between two criminals.

Yet even while suffering, Jesus prayed for forgiveness for those responsible for His crucifixion.

Luke 23:33–34 — Jesus Is Crucified

“And when they were come to the place, which is called Calvary, there they crucified him, and the malefactors, one on the right hand, and the other on the left.

Then said Jesus, Father, forgive them; for they know not what they do. And they parted his raiment, and cast lots.”

The cross is central to Christianity because Christians believe Jesus was bearing the punishment for sin.

Jesus Died on the Cross

After several hours on the cross, Jesus died.

Those present, including Jesus’ followers and the Roman soldiers, witnessed His death.

John 19:30 — It Is Finished

“When Jesus therefore had received the vinegar, he said, It is finished: and he bowed his head, and gave up the ghost.”

The words “It is finished” carry enormous significance.

Jesus had completed the work He came to accomplish.

His sacrifice was complete.

Why Did Jesus Have to Die?

The Bible teaches that sin separates humanity from God.

Jesus came to deal with the problem of sin by giving His life as a sacrifice.

Isaiah 53:5 — He Was Wounded for Our Transgressions

“But he was wounded for our transgressions, he was bruised for our iniquities: the chastisement of our peace was upon him; and with his stripes we are healed.”

Isaiah was written centuries before Jesus’ crucifixion, yet Christians understand this passage as pointing to Christ’s suffering and sacrifice.

Jesus’ death was not simply the death of an innocent man.

It was the sacrifice through which God provided salvation.

1 Peter 2:24 — Jesus Bore Our Sins

“Who his own self bare our sins in his own body on the tree, that we, being dead to sins, should live unto righteousness: by whose stripes ye were healed.”

The cross demonstrates both the seriousness of sin and the depth of God’s love.

Romans 5:8 — Christ Died for Us

“But God commendeth his love toward us, in that, while we were yet sinners, Christ died for us.”

This is one of the central truths of Good Friday.

Jesus did not wait until humanity became worthy.

He died for sinners.

What Happened After Jesus Died?

After Jesus died, Joseph of Arimathaea asked Pilate for Jesus’ body.

Joseph of Arimathea wrapped Jesus’ body in linen and placed it inside a new tomb.

Matthew 27:57–60 — Jesus Is Buried

“When the even was come, there came a rich man of Arimathaea, named Joseph, who also himself was Jesus’ disciple:

He went to Pilate, and begged the body of Jesus. Then Pilate commanded the body to be delivered.

And when Joseph had taken the body, he wrapped it in a clean linen cloth,

And laid it in his own new tomb, which he had hewn out in the rock: and he rolled a great stone to the door of the sepulchre, and departed.”

The authorities secured the tomb.

This leads us to Holy Saturday.

What Is Holy Saturday?

Holy Saturday is the day between Jesus’ crucifixion and His resurrection.

Jesus died on Friday and was buried before the Sabbath began.

On Saturday, His body remained in the tomb.

The Gospels do not provide a detailed chronological account of everything the disciples did throughout that day.

However, Matthew records that the religious leaders remembered Jesus’ statement that He would rise again and asked Pilate to secure the tomb.

Matthew 27:62–66 — The Tomb Is Guarded

“Now the next day, that followed the day of the preparation, the chief priests and Pharisees came together unto Pilate,

Saying, Sir, we remember that that deceiver said, while he was yet alive, After three days I will rise again.

Command therefore that the sepulchre be made sure until the third day, lest his disciples come by night, and steal him away, and say unto the people, He is risen from the dead: so the last error shall be worse than the first.

Pilate said unto them, Ye have a watch: go your way, make it as sure as ye can.

So they went, and made the sepulchre sure, sealing the stone, and setting a watch.”

The tomb was therefore sealed and guarded.

This detail becomes particularly significant when the women arrive at the tomb on Sunday morning.

Why Is Holy Saturday Important?

Holy Saturday is a day of waiting.

Jesus’ followers had witnessed His death.

His body was in the tomb.

The disciples did not yet understand the full meaning of what was about to happen.

From their perspective, the One they had followed had been killed.

But God’s plan was not finished.

The silence of Saturday was followed by the announcement of Sunday morning:

Jesus had risen.

What Is Easter Sunday?

Easter Sunday is the day Christians celebrate the resurrection of Jesus Christ.

According to the Gospel accounts, women went to Jesus’ tomb early in the morning and discovered that someone had rolled away the stone.

Jesus’ body was not there.

Matthew 28:1–6 — Jesus Has Risen

“In the end of the sabbath, as it began to dawn toward the first day of the week, came Mary Magdalene and the other Mary to see the sepulchre.

And, behold, there was a great earthquake: for the angel of the Lord descended from heaven, and came and rolled back the stone from the door, and sat upon it.

His countenance was like lightning, and his raiment white as snow:

And for fear of him the keepers did shake, and became as dead men.

And the angel answered and said unto the women, Fear not ye: for I know that ye seek Jesus, which was crucified.

He is not here: for he is risen, as he said. Come, see the place where the Lord lay.”

This is the heart of Easter.

Jesus was not in the tomb because He had risen from the dead.

Jesus Had Predicted His Resurrection

The resurrection should not have been a complete surprise.

Jesus had repeatedly told His disciples that He would be killed and raised again.

Matthew 16:21 — Jesus Predicts His Death and Resurrection

“From that time forth began Jesus to shew unto his disciples, how that he must go unto Jerusalem, and suffer many things of the elders and chief priests and scribes, and be killed, and be raised again the third day.”

Jesus knew what was coming.

His death and resurrection were part of His mission.

Why Is the Resurrection So Important?

The resurrection is not simply the happy ending to the Easter story.

It is the foundation of the Christian faith.

Paul makes this extremely clear.

1 Corinthians 15:3–4 — Christ Died and Rose Again

“For I delivered unto you first of all that which I also received, how that Christ died for our sins according to the scriptures;

And that he was buried, and that he rose again the third day according to the scriptures.”

The Gospel centres on three connected truths:

Jesus died, Jesus was buried and Jesus rose again.

Without the resurrection, Christianity would have no foundation.

1 Corinthians 15:14 — Without the Resurrection, Faith Is Empty

“And if Christ be not risen, then is our preaching vain, and your faith is also vain.”

The resurrection is therefore not an optional part of Christianity.

It is essential.

1 Corinthians 15:17 — The Resurrection and Forgiveness

“And if Christ be not raised, your faith is vain; ye are yet in your sins.”

Jesus’ resurrection confirms the victory accomplished through His death.

Because Christ rose, Christians have the hope of forgiveness, salvation and eternal life.

What Does the Resurrection Mean for Christians?

The resurrection means that death does not have the final word.

Jesus conquered death.

1 Corinthians 15:54–57 — Victory Over Death

“So when this corruptible shall have put on incorruption, and this mortal shall have put on immortality, then shall be brought to pass the saying that is written, Death is swallowed up in victory.

O death, where is thy sting? O grave, where is thy victory?

The sting of death is sin; and the strength of sin is the law.

But thanks be to God, which giveth us the victory through our Lord Jesus Christ.”

The resurrection gives believers hope beyond this present life.

Because Jesus lives, those who belong to Him have the hope of resurrection too.

Jesus Appeared to His Followers

The resurrection was not based simply on an empty tomb.

Jesus appeared to His followers after rising from the dead.

John 20:19–20 — Jesus Appears to His Disciples

“Then the same day at evening, being the first day of the week, when the doors were shut where the disciples were assembled for fear of the Jews, came Jesus and stood in the midst, and saith unto them, Peace be unto you.

And when he had so said, he shewed unto them his hands and his side. Then were the disciples glad, when they saw the Lord.”

The disciples saw the risen Jesus.

They were not simply celebrating an idea.

They believed they had encountered their resurrected Lord.

What Is Easter Monday?

Unlike Good Friday and Easter Sunday, Easter Monday is not a specific event recorded in the Bible.

The Bible does not command Christians to observe a day called Easter Monday.

Easter Monday is a later Christian tradition that extends the celebration of Easter beyond Resurrection Sunday.

The New Testament does, however, record that Jesus appeared to His followers after His resurrection.

Therefore, the days following Easter Sunday were certainly significant in the biblical story, even though Scripture does not identify one of them as “Easter Monday.”

Jesus Continued Appearing After His Resurrection

Paul gives us a summary of several resurrection appearances.

1 Corinthians 15:5–8 — Jesus Appeared to Many

“And that he was seen of Cephas, then of the twelve:

After that, he was seen of above five hundred brethren at once; of whom the greater part remain unto this present, but some are fallen asleep.

After that, he was seen of James; then of all the apostles.

And last of all he was seen of me also, as of one born out of due time.”

The resurrection appearances continued beyond Easter Sunday.

This is another reason Easter should not simply be treated as one day on the calendar.

The resurrection changed everything.

What Happened After Easter Sunday?

Jesus remained with His disciples for a period of time after His resurrection.

The book of Acts tells us that He appeared to them over a period of forty days before His ascension.

Acts 1:3 — Jesus Appeared for Forty Days

“To whom also he shewed himself alive after his passion by many infallible proofs, being seen of them forty days, and speaking of the things pertaining to the kingdom of God.”

Jesus’ resurrection appearances therefore continued for weeks.

The Easter story did not end when the women discovered the empty tomb.

The risen Christ continued teaching His disciples and preparing them for what would come next.

The Ascension of Jesus

Eventually, Jesus ascended into heaven.

Acts 1:9–11 — Jesus Ascends Into Heaven

“And when he had spoken these things, while they beheld, he was taken up; and a cloud received him out of their sight.

And while they looked stedfastly toward heaven as he went up, behold, two men stood by them in white apparel;

Which also said, Ye men of Galilee, why stand ye gazing up into heaven? this same Jesus, which is taken up from you into heaven, shall so come in like manner as ye have seen him go into heaven.”

The resurrection therefore began a new chapter in the mission of Jesus’ followers.

They were instructed to take the Gospel into the world.

What Is the Difference Between Good Friday and Easter Sunday?

The simplest distinction is:

Good Friday remembers Jesus’ death.

Easter Sunday celebrates Jesus’ resurrection.

Both are essential to understanding the Gospel.

The cross shows us the seriousness of sin and the sacrificial love of Christ.

The resurrection shows us Christ’s victory over death and confirms the hope of salvation.

Romans 4:25 — Jesus Was Delivered and Raised

“Who was delivered for our offences, and was raised again for our justification.”

The cross and resurrection should therefore never be separated.

Jesus died, Jesus was buried and Jesus rose again.

That is the Gospel.

Why Is Good Friday Called “Good”?

At first, the name “Good Friday” can seem strange.

How can the day Jesus was brutally crucified be called good?

The answer is found in what Jesus’ death accomplished.

The day was terrible from a human perspective.

But through His death, Jesus accomplished salvation for sinners.

2 Corinthians 5:21 — Christ Became Sin for Us

“For he hath made him to be sin for us, who knew no sin; that we might be made the righteousness of God in him.”

The cross was horrific, but what Christ accomplished through it was good.

Jesus willingly gave Himself so that sinners could be reconciled to God.

Colossians 1:20 — Peace Through the Cross

“And, having made peace through the blood of his cross, by him to reconcile all things unto himself; by him, I say, whether they be things in earth, or things in heaven.”

The cross is therefore at the centre of God’s plan of reconciliation.

What Should Christians Remember on Good Friday?

Good Friday gives Christians an opportunity to reflect on the sacrifice of Jesus.

It is a time to remember:

• the seriousness of sin
• the love of God
• the suffering of Christ
• the sacrifice of Jesus
• the forgiveness made possible through Him
• and the price Jesus paid for our salvation

Galatians 2:20 — Christ Loved Us and Gave Himself

“I am crucified with Christ: nevertheless I live; yet not I, but Christ liveth in me: and the life which I now live in the flesh I live by the faith of the Son of God, who loved me, and gave himself for me.”

Jesus’ sacrifice was personal.

He gave Himself “for me.”

What Should Christians Remember on Holy Saturday?

Holy Saturday can remind us of the importance of waiting.

The disciples did not yet understand everything God was doing.

The tomb was closed.

The body of Jesus was inside.

Yet Sunday was coming.

For Christians today, this can be a powerful reminder that God’s silence does not mean God is absent.

Sometimes we cannot see what God is doing.

Psalm 27:14 — Wait on the Lord

“Wait on the Lord: be of good courage, and he shall strengthen thine heart: wait, I say, on the Lord.”

Holy Saturday reminds us that there can be a period between the promise and the fulfilment.

The disciples experienced that waiting.

Then everything changed.

What Should Christians Remember on Easter Sunday?

Easter Sunday is a day to celebrate.

Jesus Christ is alive.

He conquered death.

He fulfilled His promises.

And because He lives, Christians have hope.

Luke 24:5–7 — He Is Risen

“And as they were afraid, and bowed down their faces to the earth, they said unto them, Why seek ye the living among the dead?

He is not here, but is risen: remember how he spake unto you when he was yet in Galilee,

Saying, The Son of man must be delivered into the hands of sinful men, and be crucified, and the third day rise again.”

The question from the angels captures the extraordinary reality of Easter:

“Why seek ye the living among the dead?”

Jesus was no longer in the tomb.

He had risen.

How Should Christians Celebrate Easter?

The Bible does not give Christians a required list of Easter traditions.

There is no command that every Christian must celebrate Easter in a particular way.

However, Easter can be a wonderful opportunity to focus our attention on Jesus and the Gospel.

You can spend time:

• reading the crucifixion and resurrection accounts
• praying and thanking God
• worshipping Jesus
• reflecting on what Christ accomplished
• sharing the Gospel with others
• remembering the hope of eternal life
• and considering how the resurrection should affect your life

Romans 6:4 — Walk in Newness of Life

“Therefore we are buried with him by baptism into death: that like as Christ was raised up from the dead by the glory of the Father, even so we also should walk in newness of life.”

The resurrection is not merely something Christians remember.

It should affect how we live.

Because Christ has given us new life, we are called to live differently.

The Easter Story Is the Heart of the Gospel

The events of Good Friday through Easter Sunday are not simply historical events that Christians remember once a year.

They are the heart of the Gospel.

Jesus died for our sins.

He was buried.

He rose again.

And He offers salvation and eternal life to those who believe in Him.

Romans 10:9 — Believe in the Risen Christ

“That if thou shalt confess with thy mouth the Lord Jesus, and shalt believe in thine heart that God hath raised him from the dead, thou shalt be saved.”

The resurrection demands a response.

It is not merely something to learn about.

It is something that calls us to faith in Jesus Christ.

Bible Verses About the Death and Resurrection of Jesus

If you want to study the Easter story directly from Scripture, these passages are especially important.

The Crucifixion

Matthew 27:50 — Jesus Gives Up His Spirit

“Jesus, when he had cried again with a loud voice, yielded up the ghost.”

John 19:30 — It Is Finished

“When Jesus therefore had received the vinegar, he said, It is finished: and he bowed his head, and gave up the ghost.”

The Burial

Matthew 27:59–60 — Jesus Is Placed in the Tomb

“And when Joseph had taken the body, he wrapped it in a clean linen cloth,

And laid it in his own new tomb, which he had hewn out in the rock: and he rolled a great stone to the door of the sepulchre, and departed.”

The Resurrection

Matthew 28:5–6 — He Is Risen

“And the angel answered and said unto the women, Fear not ye: for I know that ye seek Jesus, which was crucified.

He is not here: for he is risen, as he said. Come, see the place where the Lord lay.”

The Gospel

1 Corinthians 15:3–4 — Christ Died and Rose Again

“For I delivered unto you first of all that which I also received, how that Christ died for our sins according to the scriptures;

And that he was buried, and that he rose again the third day according to the scriptures.”

Victory Over Death

1 Corinthians 15:55–57 — Thanks Be to God

“O death, where is thy sting? O grave, where is thy victory?

The sting of death is sin; and the strength of sin is the law.

But thanks be to God, which giveth us the victory through our Lord Jesus Christ.”

Eternal Life

John 11:25–26 — Jesus Is the Resurrection and the Life

“Jesus said unto her, I am the resurrection, and the life: he that believeth in me, though he were dead, yet shall he live:

And whosoever liveth and believeth in me shall never die. Believest thou this?”

Final Thought

Good Friday, Holy Saturday and Easter Sunday tell one continuous story.

On Good Friday, Jesus died on the cross.

For Holy Saturday, His body remained in the tomb.

On Easter Sunday, the tomb was found empty because Jesus had risen from the dead.

Easter Monday is not a specific biblical event, but it can provide another opportunity to continue reflecting on the significance of Christ’s resurrection.

The most important thing to remember is that Easter is not ultimately about chocolate, Easter eggs or even a holiday.

It is about Jesus Christ.

He came into the world to save sinners.

Jesus willingly gave His life.

He was buried.

Jesus rose again.

And because He lives, those who trust in Him have the hope of forgiveness, salvation, resurrection and eternal life.

1 Peter 1:3 — A Living Hope Through the Resurrection

“Blessed be the God and Father of our Lord Jesus Christ, which according to his abundant mercy hath begotten us again unto a lively hope by the resurrection of Jesus Christ from the dead.”

That is the message of Easter.

Jesus died, Jesus was buried and Jesus is risen.

And because Jesus lives, we have hope.

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