Why do we call Good Friday "good"?
Why do we call Good Friday "good"? Isn't that the day of horror and suffering that Jesus endured? We picture the tear-stained cheeks of the disciples and wonder, "What about this is good? Isn't this the most tragic event to ever transpire in all of history?"What is our relationship with God?
In order to understand why we call this seemingly dark Friday, “good”, we must fully understand our relationship with God and the cost of our sin.
Romans 6:23 tells us, “For the wages of sin is death, but the gift of God is eternal life in Christ Jesus our Lord.” Sin is anything we do that breaks God’s law. That means not telling the truth (even once), stealing anything (even that pen from work), hating someone …the list goes on (and on and on). We have ALL sinned. Not one of us is perfect. Romans 3:23 spells it out pretty clearly “for all have sinned and fall short of the glory of God“. With this sin staining our lives, we cannot be in God’s perfect presence. A perfect God cannot be part of imperfection.
So, what hope do we have?
On our own, we will live separated from God forever.
There is an irreconcilable gap between us and a holy God.
Now what? There is an irreconcilable gap between us and a Holy God.
Good news: This gap was closed!
This gap was closed through Jesus’ work on the cross, which allows us to have direct access to God. Many shy away from the mention of the cross. They look at the cross as a symbol of death; a horrific reminder of the murder of Jesus. However, it is crucial to understand that Jesus wasn’t murdered. John 10:18 says, “No one takes it [my life] from Me, but I lay it down of Myself. I have power to lay it down, and I have power to take it again. This command I have received from My Father.” Clearly, Jesus prophesies of His own death and His willingness to offer Himself as a sacrifice for sins.
What about the cross?
Should the symbol of eternal life be the instrument of death for the Savior?
Remember, Jesus’ time on the cross was not about the end of His life. It was about the beginning of ours. Hebrews 9:14 says, “How much more, then, will the blood of Christ, who through the eternal Spirit offered Himself unblemished to God, cleanse our consciences from acts that lead to death, so that we may serve the living God!” Because of Jesus’ willing sacrifice, we are now free from eternal death and sin and can serve God.
If we accept this gift of Jesus’ life for ours, we are now free.
If we accept this gift of Jesus’ life for ours, we are now free from eternal death and sin, and can serve God as His children.
The Bible as a whole lifts the curtain on this scene revealing what was truly going on behind the scenes on that Friday. Jesus chose each of us as His own and counted us precious enough to give Himself up as a sacrifice on the cross. He loved each of us so much He was willing to pay the ultimate price so that we could be together with God forever if we choose.
Now, that sounds like a Good Friday!
If you have more questions, and would like to speak with a pastor, or submit a question, we’d love to hear from you!
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