The Hidden Glory of Good Friday:
Why the Darkest Day Became the Brightest Hope
Why is it called ‘Good Friday’ when it marks the crucifixion of Jesus? Discover the deep biblical, historical, and spiritual meaning behind Good Friday, and how it brings eternal hope through the darkest moment in history.
Introduction: A Paradox of Pain and Glory
Why do Christians call the day of Jesus’ brutal death on the cross “Good Friday”? At first glance, this seems confusing—even offensive. How can a day marked by agony, betrayal, and execution be described as “good”? For many, the term feels like a contradiction. But when we look deeper, both through the lens of history and the truth of Scripture, we discover a profound mystery: the darkest day in history is also the day of greatest redemption. Good Friday is not good because of what happened to Jesus—it is good because of what happened for us.
This article will explore:
- The historical roots of Good Friday
- The spiritual and theological significance
- Biblical references and prophecy
- The global and eternal impact
- How we can personally respond to its message today
Let’s dive deep into the richness of Good Friday and uncover why it’s called “Good.”
1. Historical Origin of the Term “Good Friday”
The term “Good Friday” dates back centuries. Some scholars suggest that “Good” was originally a corruption of “God’s Friday” (similar to how “goodbye” is a contraction of “God be with ye”). Others believe that “good” here means “holy,” “pious,” or “righteous.” In many languages, the name for this day reflects its sacredness. For example:
- In German: Karfreitag (Sorrowful Friday)
- In Spanish: Viernes Santo (Holy Friday)
- In French: Vendredi Saint (Holy Friday)
So why has English preserved the term “Good”? The answer lies not just in linguistics, but in theology.
2. A Day of Unimaginable Suffering
Good Friday commemorates the crucifixion of Jesus Christ—the Son of God betrayed by one of His own, abandoned by friends, falsely accused, mocked, beaten, and executed by being nailed to a Roman cross. Crucifixion was not only torturous but humiliating—a punishment reserved for criminals and traitors.
Biblical Reference: “But He was pierced for our transgressions, He was crushed for our iniquities…” (Isaiah 53:5)
The Gospels portray Jesus’ physical and emotional suffering with sober detail. Yet the deepest agony came not from nails or lashes, but from bearing the weight of the world’s sin and being forsaken by the Father (Matthew 27:46).
3. The Theological Goodness of the Cross
So how can this horror be called good?
Because through His death, Jesus accomplished something no other act in history has achieved: the salvation of humanity. On the cross, Jesus took our place. He bore the penalty we deserved. The righteous died for the unrighteous. Justice and mercy met.
“God made Him who had no sin to be sin for us, so that in Him we might become the righteousness of God.” (2 Corinthians 5:21)
In this divine exchange, our sin was transferred to Christ, and His righteousness was transferred to us. This is the heart of the Gospel.
4. Prophecy Fulfilled: The Suffering Servant
Hundreds of years before Jesus’ birth, prophets foretold His sacrificial death:
- Isaiah 53: speaks of a man “despised and rejected,” “pierced for our transgressions,” and “led like a lamb to the slaughter.”
- Psalm 22: eerily echoes crucifixion details centuries before the Romans even used crosses.
These prophecies show us that Good Friday was not an accident, but a divine appointment.
5. The Curtain Torn: A New Access to God
At the moment Jesus died, the veil in the Temple tore from top to bottom (Matthew 27:51). This was no ordinary curtain—it separated the Holy of Holies, where God’s presence dwelled. Only the high priest could enter once a year.
The torn veil symbolized that Jesus had opened the way for all people to approach God directly. The barriers of sin, guilt, and separation were removed.
6. The Earthquake of Redemption
Matthew 27:51–53 tells us that at Jesus’ death, the earth shook, rocks split, and tombs broke open. Even creation responded. The death of Christ wasn’t just symbolic—it changed the cosmos.
These signs served as both judgment and invitation. Judgment for sin; invitation to salvation.
7. Why It Had to Be Friday
Jesus’ death occurred on the day before the Jewish Sabbath, which adds layers of meaning. He entered rest—just as God rested after creation. His body lay in the tomb, initiating a new creation that would be revealed on Easter Sunday.
The “Friday” also represents the sixth day of creation—when man was made. On this sixth day, Jesus died for mankind, and on the seventh (Saturday), He rested. On the eighth (Sunday), new life began.
8. Good Friday in Church Tradition
The early church began commemorating Jesus’ death as early as the 2nd century. Fasting, somber reflection, and Scripture reading were common practices. Today, many Christian traditions observe it through:
- Tenebrae services (candlelight and shadow)
- Reading the Passion narratives
- Communion or Eucharist services
Good Friday reminds us of the price of grace and the weight of love.
9. What Good Friday Means for Us Today
For the believer, Good Friday is a time of both mourning and rejoicing:
- Mourning the cost of our sin
- Rejoicing in Christ’s love and triumph
It is an invitation to:
- Reflect deeply on the cross
- Repent sincerely of sin
- Receive grace anew
- Recommit to following Jesus wholeheartedly
Practical Example: Someone struggling with guilt can find freedom on Good Friday. The cross proves that no sin is too great, no heart too lost.
10. The Goodness That Comes from Suffering
Finally, Good Friday teaches us that God can bring glory out of grief. The cross is the clearest picture of this truth. In our lives too, suffering may feel like failure—but in God’s hands, it can produce eternal fruit.
Romans 8:28 says, “In all things God works for the good of those who love Him…” Even the cross.
Examples from History
- Martin Luther said: “The cross alone is our theology.”
- Charles Spurgeon called the crucifixion “the hinge of history.”
These giants of faith understood the depth of Good Friday.
External Links for Further Study:
- Desiring God: What’s So Good About Good Friday?
- The Gospel Coalition: The Horror and Hope of Good Friday
Internal Links (From Grace to Gospel):
Reflection and Discussion Questions:
- What does the word “good” mean to you in the context of Good Friday?
- How does the cross impact your personal faith today?
- What area of your life needs resurrection after death?
- How can you share the message of the cross with someone this week?
- Have you accepted the grace Jesus offered on the cross?
- What practices can help you remember Good Friday year-round?
- How does the cross affect how you see suffering?
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