Bad Friday Good?

Good Friday? Really?

It has always been a bit confusing for me why such a momentous and really horrible happening could result in a day being called Good Friday – when in my mind it seems more appropriate that it should be called Bad Friday or maybe even Black Friday.  There are other names that are associated with the day, such as “The Holy and Great Friday” in Greek and “Sorrowful Friday” in German. Some say it may have developed over time from at one time being called “God’s Friday.” (Personally, I like the German interpretation.)      

Good Friday marks the day that Jesus Christ – God’s son – was tortured beyond comprehension, taunted and then hung on a cross to die like a common criminal.  This man that lived a sacrificial, loving and sinless life! What could possibly be “good” about that?

But, as bad and as horrible as it was, it was the culmination of God’s plan to save all of mankind from our sins – giving us all hope for our eternity.  It was, after all, what Jesus had come to earth to accomplish. It resulted in His triumph over evil and gives us all the opportunity to break out of the bondage of sin and escape the grip of that evil that would otherwise draw us into the depths of hell.  How was that accomplished? Simple really….that grave could not contain Him! After three days He came out of that grave – from death to life! We will celebrate that on Easter Sunday.    

Hebrews 12:2 (TLB) says: “Keep your eyes on Jesus, our leader and instructor. He was willing to die a shameful death on the cross because of the joy he knew would be his afterwards; and now he sits in the place of honor by the throne of God.”  As stated in an article at Christianity.com “Good Friday marks the day when wrath and mercy met at the cross. That’s why Good Friday is so dark and so Good.”

So today is an excellent time for us to reflect on our lives and on the life Jesus led when he walked the earth – to reflect on what He was willing to endure for each and every one of us; and, to anticipate the glorious celebration coming our way on Sunday.

Good Friday everyone!  

Written by Karran Martin – April 10, 2020