Good Friday, observed by Christians worldwide, commemorates a day of profound sorrow and reflection – the day Jesus Christ was crucified. For many outside the faith, or even new believers, the name itself can seem perplexing. If the day marks the agonizing death of Jesus, why is it called “Good” Friday? Exploring this question reveals the deeply significant and ultimately hopeful meaning behind this sacred day.
Heather Riggleman, Author
The Paradox of “Good” Friday: Sorrow and Salvation
The initial reaction to the term “Good Friday” is understandable. Witnessing depictions of Christ’s suffering, such as in The Passion of the Christ, evokes a sense of anguish and injustice. The graphic portrayal of the scourging, the crown of thorns, and the crucifixion itself hardly aligns with the adjective “good.” Indeed, if we were to ask Jesus’s disciples and loved ones on that very Friday, their descriptions of the day would undoubtedly be filled with despair and loss. Hope appeared extinguished, and darkness seemed to prevail.
However, the designation “Good” Friday arises from a theological understanding of the events of that day. For Christians, Good Friday is considered pivotal in human history. It marks the day Jesus willingly offered himself as the ultimate sacrifice for the sins of humanity (1 John 4:10). This act of self-sacrifice is believed to be the cornerstone of salvation, offering a path to reconciliation with God and eternal life.
As theologian D.A. Carson eloquently stated, “It was not nails that held Jesus to that wretched cross; it was his unqualified resolution, out of love for his Father, to do his Father’s will—and it was his love for sinners like me.” From this perspective, “Good” Friday is “good” because of its ultimate outcome. It is the day that, through immense suffering, Jesus triumphed over sin and death, paving the way for humanity’s redemption. It is a day where divine love and justice converged, resulting in the promise of eternal life for believers.
Tracing the Origins of the Name “Good Friday”
While the theological rationale for “Good Friday” is clear, the etymological origins of the name itself are somewhat debated. Interestingly, not all languages share this designation. In German, for instance, the day is known as Karfreitag, or “Sorrowful Friday,” a name that directly reflects the somber nature of the event.
In English, the term “Good” in “Good Friday” may have evolved from “God’s Friday.” Some linguistic scholars suggest that “Good” was historically used to denote “holy” or “pious.” This older usage aligns with the profound religious significance Christians ascribe to this Friday in Holy Week. The Catholic Encyclopedia notes the debate surrounding the origin, acknowledging the possibility of “God’s Friday” as a precursor to “Good Friday.”
Regardless of the precise linguistic pathway, the name “Good Friday” in English is undeniably fitting. It encapsulates the paradoxical nature of the day – a day of immense suffering that is simultaneously “good” because it marks the culmination of God’s plan for salvation. The suffering and death of Jesus, while tragic, were not in vain. They were purposeful and ultimately redemptive.
The Events of Good Friday: From Betrayal to Burial
To fully grasp the significance of Good Friday, it’s crucial to understand the key events that unfolded on this day, as recounted in the Gospels.
The narrative begins with betrayal. Judas Iscariot, one of Jesus’s own disciples, betrayed him in the Garden of Gethsemane. This betrayal led to Jesus’s arrest and subsequent trial before the Jewish Sanhedrin, a ruling council. In what was essentially a mock trial held late at night, the Sanhedrin sought to condemn Jesus, desperately searching for grounds to justify his execution. They eventually accused him of blasphemy when he affirmed his identity as the Messiah, the Son of God. “Tell us if you are the Messiah, the Son of God,” the high priest demanded. Jesus responded, “I am, and you will see me, the Son of Man, sitting at God’s right hand and coming back on the clouds of heaven.” This declaration was deemed blasphemous, and they declared him deserving of death.
However, the Sanhedrin lacked the authority to carry out a death sentence under Roman law. Therefore, they took Jesus to Pontius Pilate, the Roman governor. They shifted their accusations, now falsely accusing Jesus of treason against the Roman Empire, claiming he was inciting rebellion and refusing to pay taxes, and declaring himself “King of the Jews.” Pilate, recognizing Jesus’s innocence, was hesitant to condemn him. Yet, facing pressure from the increasingly agitated mob, Pilate ultimately yielded to their demands. To avoid unrest and maintain political stability, he condemned Jesus to crucifixion.
Crucifixion was a brutal and agonizing form of execution reserved by the Romans for the most heinous criminals and slaves. Jesus was subjected to horrific treatment. He was flogged, a brutal beating intended to weaken the victim before crucifixion. He was forced to carry his own cross, or at least the horizontal beam (patibulum), to the site of execution, Golgotha (Calvary). He was nailed to the cross, a crown of thorns was mockingly placed upon his head, and he was labeled “King of the Jews” in a final act of humiliation. Crucified alongside common criminals, Jesus endured hours of torment on the cross.
The Gospels record that darkness fell over the land at noon, a supernatural event coinciding with Jesus’s suffering. Around 3 pm, after enduring immense physical and spiritual agony, Jesus cried out, “Father, into your hands I commend my spirit,” and breathed his last. The earth shook, and the curtain of the Temple, symbolizing the separation between God and humanity, was torn in two from top to bottom, signifying a new access to God made possible through Christ’s sacrifice. As evening approached, and with the Sabbath (and Passover Sabbath, a particularly holy Sabbath that year) drawing near, Jesus’s body was taken down from the cross and placed in a tomb. Roman guards were stationed to prevent any theft of the body and dispel any rumors of resurrection.
Good Friday’s Enduring Significance: A Bridge to Redemption
Despite the somber nature of Good Friday, it is not a day of despair for Christians, but rather a day of profound gratitude and hope. It is a day to reflect on the immense love of God, who willingly sacrificed his own Son for humanity’s sake. “But God demonstrates his own love for us in this: While we were still sinners, Christ died for us” (Romans 5:8).
Good Friday underscores the gravity of sin and its consequences. It highlights humanity’s inherent imperfection and the chasm that sin creates between humanity and a holy God. “For all have sinned and fall short of the glory of God” (Romans 3:23). However, it simultaneously proclaims God’s immeasurable mercy and grace. Through Jesus’s sacrifice, a bridge is built across this chasm. He became the “one mediator between God and mankind, the man Christ Jesus” (1 Timothy 2:5).
While the Bible doesn’t explicitly command a celebration of Good Friday, its observance arises from a deep understanding of its significance. It is a day to acknowledge our own shortcomings, to recognize the depth of Christ’s sacrifice, and to approach God with humility and thanksgiving. It is a day that leads to Easter, the celebration of resurrection and the ultimate victory over death that was made possible by the events of Good Friday.
A Prayer for Good Friday
Heavenly Father, on this Good Friday, we come before you with hearts both heavy and grateful. We remember the immense suffering of your Son, Jesus Christ, on the cross. We acknowledge the weight of our sins that he bore, and we are humbled by the magnitude of his sacrifice.
Thank you for your boundless love that motivated this ultimate act of redemption. Thank you for Jesus’s willingness to endure such pain for our salvation. Help us to never forget the price that was paid for our freedom.
As we reflect on the darkness of Good Friday, keep our eyes fixed on the hope of Easter morning. Strengthen our faith, deepen our gratitude, and empower us to live lives worthy of the sacrifice made for us.
In the name of Jesus Christ, our crucified and risen Savior, Amen.
Related Resources:
- 7 Incredible Good Friday Traditions
- A Good Friday Prayer
- When is Good Friday?
- What is Lent? It’s Meaning and Why We Celebrate
- What is Holy Week?
This article is part of our ongoing exploration of Holy Week and Easter, helping you understand the profound meaning behind these pivotal Christian observances. We encourage you to continue exploring these resources to deepen your understanding of God’s incredible love and plan for humanity.
