What is so “good” about Good Friday?

Good Friday is a commemoration of the day of the suffering and death of Jesus. So why call it good?

Because it is a crucial day that celebrates a most significant moment in the history of the world.

Ever since Jesus died and was raised, Christians have proclaimed the cross of Jesus to be the turning point for all people, and even more so for all believers in Jesus Christ as Saviour.  Paul considered it to be “of first importance” that Jesus died for our sins, was buried, and was raised to life on the third day, all in accordance with what God had promised all along through the ages. (1 Corinthians 15:3).  We remember the day Jesus willingly suffered and died by crucifixion as the ultimate sacrifice for our sins (1 John 1:10).

Before we understand the good news of the gospel, we have to understand the bad news of our condition as sinful people under condemnation. The good news of deliverance only makes sense once we see how we have been oppressed by the consequences of sin. 

 Good Friday is “good” because as horrifying as the suffering of Jesus was, it had to happen for us to be able to receive the joy of Easter. The wrath of God came upon Jesus, the sacrificial Lamb, in order for forgiveness and salvation to be given to his people.

The day that seemed to be the greatest triumph of evil was an act of God to redeem us from the burden of sin.

On Good Friday we learn that God’s wrath met his mercy and grace at the cross. 

Good Friday is “good” because the suffering of Jesus brought us the joy of salvation, his death brought us eternal life and his sacrifice absolved us from our guilt.

And it is good, because without Good Friday, there would have been no Easter Sunday!