Good Friday is a profoundly solemn day for Christians worldwide, a time for reflection and remembrance. Yet, the name itself, “Good Friday,” can seem paradoxical. For many, especially those who have witnessed depictions like The Passion of the Christ, the immediate question arises: why is this day, marked by immense suffering and the brutal crucifixion of Jesus Christ, referred to as “good”? If one were to observe the agonizing details of Jesus’ final hours, the term “good” might seem jarringly out of place. Indeed, as a newcomer to Christianity, grappling with the stark reality of Good Friday, the question, “Why Is It Called Good Friday when it’s the day Jesus, brutally died?” is a natural and compelling one.
Understanding Good Friday: More Than Just Sorrow
For Christians, Good Friday holds a central and indispensable place in the Christian faith. It is considered the most pivotal day in history, commemorating what believers understand to be a turning point for all of humanity. On this day, Jesus Christ willingly endured immense suffering and ultimately died by crucifixion. This act, in Christian belief, was the ultimate sacrifice, offered to atone for the sins of humanity. As 1 John 4:10 states, it is about love: “This is love: not that we loved God, but that he loved us and sent his Son as an atoning sacrifice for our sins.”
Theologian D.A. Carson eloquently captured the essence of this sacrifice, writing, “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” precisely because of this selfless act. Jesus willingly took the place of humanity, bearing the punishment for sin that rightly belonged to humankind. It is a “good” day because, through his suffering and death, Jesus triumphed over sin and death itself, paving the way for humanity to be reconciled with God, both in this life and in eternity.
Reflecting on the day itself, it’s understandable that Jesus’ closest companions – his friends, family, and disciples – would not have perceived it as “good.” On that Friday, despair likely reigned. Hope seemed extinguished, and the forces of evil and death appeared to have won a decisive victory. However, this perception would dramatically shift just three days later with the resurrection of Jesus. The resurrection revealed that the apparent triumph of evil was an illusion. Death was not the end; it was defeated. From that pivotal moment onward, a path was opened for all to find freedom from sin and eternal separation from God, offering a profound hope rooted in the events of Good Friday.
The Origin of the Name “Good Friday”
The nomenclature of “Good Friday” has intrigued many, leading to discussions about its origins. As noted by Justin Holcomb, various Christian traditions approach this day with different linguistic nuances. In German, for example, it is known as Karfreitag, directly translating to “Sorrowful Friday.” This name reflects the somber and mournful nature of the day. Interestingly, even in English, the precise etymology of “Good” in “Good Friday” is debated. Some scholars suggest it may have evolved from “God’s Friday,” an older designation. Regardless of the exact linguistic pathway, the name “Good Friday” is considered deeply appropriate in Christian theology. The suffering and death of Jesus, although undeniably tragic and brutal, represent the culmination of God’s divine plan to redeem humanity from sin. This ultimate act of love and sacrifice is the very essence of why the day is deemed “good.”
The “goodness” of Good Friday, therefore, is not about the events of the day being pleasant or joyful in a worldly sense. Instead, it is “good” because through Jesus’ death, he became the definitive and complete sacrifice for sin. Humanity, in its own capacity, could not erase the stain of sin. The burden of wrongdoing would remain, an insurmountable barrier. However, Jesus, through his sacrifice on Good Friday, broke the chains of sin and death. He offered a path to redemption and reconciliation, transforming a day of profound sorrow into a day of ultimate hope and “goodness” in the context of eternal salvation.
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Events of Good Friday: The Day of Crucifixion
To fully understand the significance of Good Friday, it’s crucial to examine the events that unfolded on that day, leading to Jesus’ crucifixion. The biblical narrative details a series of pivotal moments. It began with the betrayal by Judas Iscariot, one of Jesus’ own disciples and friends. Judas revealed Jesus’ location in the Garden of Gethsemane to the authorities, setting in motion the events that would lead to the crucifixion. Jesus was arrested in the garden and taken to the house of Caiaphas, the high priest. There, an informal, late-night meeting of the Sanhedrin, the Jewish ruling council, took place. This council had already been plotting to condemn Jesus and convened this meeting to initiate a trial.
The Sanhedrin sought to find grounds to justify a death sentence, but they struggled to find legitimate accusations. They eventually focused on Jesus’ claim to be the Messiah and the Son of God. The high priest directly questioned Jesus, demanding, “Tell us if you are the Messiah, the Son of God.” Jesus responded affirmatively, “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 blasphemy by the high priest. The council, seizing this as their justification, declared Jesus deserving of death. In a display of contempt and brutality, they spat in Jesus’ face and began to beat him.
Having condemned Jesus in their religious trial, the Sanhedrin faced a legal hurdle. Under Roman law, they lacked the authority to execute anyone. Therefore, they took Jesus to Pontius Pilate, the Roman governor. They presented false charges to Pilate, accusing Jesus of treason against the Roman Empire. They claimed he was inciting rebellion by proclaiming himself “King of the Jews” and by urging people to refuse paying taxes to Caesar. Pilate, however, recognized the lack of substance in these accusations and understood that Jesus was innocent of any crime warranting Roman punishment. Yet, facing pressure from the increasingly agitated mob who demanded Jesus’ crucifixion, Pilate ultimately yielded. In a symbolic act of abdication, he washed his hands, declaring himself innocent of Jesus’ blood, and acceded to the crowd’s demands.
Crucifixion, in Roman times, was an excruciatingly cruel form of capital punishment, reserved for the most heinous criminals and slaves. Jesus, despite his innocence and divine nature, was subjected to this barbaric practice. He was brutally flogged, weakening him severely, and then forced to carry the heavy wooden cross upon which he would be crucified. Upon reaching Golgotha (the Place of the Skull), Jesus was nailed to the cross. Roman soldiers further mocked him by placing a crown of thorns on his head and affixing a sign above him proclaiming, “King of the Jews.” He was crucified alongside two other men who were also condemned criminals. The soldiers left Jesus on the cross to die, a process that could take hours, even days. The Gospels recount that Jesus hung on the cross for approximately six hours. The Bible describes that as noon approached, a supernatural darkness descended upon the land, lasting for three hours, adding to the day’s profound and unsettling atmosphere. In his final moments, Jesus cried out, “Father, into your hands I commend my spirit,” and then breathed his last. At that moment, the Gospel accounts record extraordinary events: the thick curtain in the Temple sanctuary, separating the Holy of Holies, was torn in two from top to bottom, and a powerful earthquake shook the land. This Good Friday was also the afternoon before the Sabbath, and this particular Sabbath was during the Passover celebration, making it a highly significant and solemn Passover. After Jesus’ death, his body was taken down from the cross, wrapped in linen cloths, and placed in a tomb. To prevent any potential deception or rumors of resurrection, Roman guards were stationed to secure the tomb. This was the somber conclusion to Good Friday, yet it was not the end of the story. Three days later, Easter Sunday would dawn, bringing with it the resurrection of Jesus Christ and the ultimate triumph over death.
The Significance of Good Friday: A Bridge to Salvation
Good Friday is observed and commemorated not to celebrate suffering, but to recognize the immensity of Jesus’ sacrifice and its profound implications for humanity. Christians believe that Jesus endured immense suffering to bridge the chasm between humanity and God, a divide created by sin. Good Friday serves as a stark reminder of the “darkness within ourselves,” the inherent sinfulness that Christians believe separates them from a holy God. It brings awareness of personal failings and the understanding that, according to God’s righteous standards, humanity’s actions and thoughts often fall short and are deserving of judgment.
The Christian faith emphasizes that living in accordance with God’s will requires sinless perfection, a standard that no human being, except Jesus, has ever achieved. This is why the concept of a Savior is central to Christianity. Scripture identifies Jesus Christ as that Savior (Luke 2:11; Titus 2:13–14). Humanity’s need for a savior stems from the inability to achieve holiness on their own. Hebrews 12:14 states that “without holiness no one will see the Lord,” highlighting the critical need for divine intervention. Ephesians 2:12 further emphasizes humanity’s plight without Christ, describing people as “having no hope and without God in the world.” Salvation, therefore, is not seen as a self-achieved accomplishment but as a gift made possible through Jesus’ sacrifice.
Even though the Bible does not explicitly command the celebration of Good Friday, Christians observe it as a day of profound significance. It is called “Good Friday” because, in the grand narrative of salvation, it is undeniably a “good” day for humankind. It is the day God’s love was most dramatically demonstrated through the perfect sacrifice of his son, Jesus. Romans 5:8 proclaims, “But God demonstrates his own love for us in this: While we were still sinners, Christ died for us.” 1 Peter 3:18 further elucidates, “For Christ also suffered once for sins, the righteous for the unrighteous, to bring you to God. He was put to death in the body but made alive in the Spirit.” Good Friday, therefore, is not an end in itself, but a necessary step in God’s plan of redemption, leading to the promise of resurrection and eternal life.
Observing Good Friday Today
Good Friday, observed this year on Friday, April 2nd (adjust to current year as needed), is a day for Christians to deeply reflect on the sacrifice of Jesus Christ. Observance varies among individuals and denominations, but common practices include attending church services focused on the crucifixion narrative, engaging in prayer and fasting, and spending time in quiet contemplation. Regardless of how one chooses to observe Good Friday, the core purpose is to remember and give thanks for the profound love and sacrifice demonstrated on that day. Understanding the story of Good Friday evokes humility and gratitude, prompting hearts to cry out to God in thanksgiving. It is a day considered holy, making those who reflect upon it holy as they recognize God’s act of drawing the world back to Himself through Christ.
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Heather Riggleman, author of the original article, standing outdoors.
Heather Riggleman is a believer, wife, mom, author, social media consultant, and full-time writer. She lives in Minden, Nebraska with her family and pets. She is known for her engaging writing style and her ability to connect with readers on faith-based topics.
Conclusion
In conclusion, while the name “Good Friday” might initially seem incongruous with the events of the day, its meaning is deeply rooted in Christian theology. It is called “Good Friday” not because the crucifixion was a good event in itself, but because it was the catalyst for humanity’s redemption. Through the suffering and death of Jesus Christ on this day, a path to forgiveness, reconciliation with God, and eternal life was paved. Good Friday is a day to remember the immense love of God, the ultimate sacrifice of Jesus, and the hope of salvation offered to all. It is a day that calls for both solemn reflection on the cost of sin and joyful anticipation of the resurrection that followed, forever transforming the meaning of that Friday and bestowing upon it the name “Good.”
