Why Good Friday is Truly Good
The good in Good Friday is best understood as holy. We know this to be true. At the same time, it feels counterintuitive to connect the word good to something truly horrific. Yet, the Friday Jesus was crucified was in fact good. Yet, not in the way we usually deem something as good, but rather from an eternal perspective, which is God’s perspective, and has been since the beginning of time.
In fact, the prophet Isaiah actually spoke of this good plan 500 years before Jesus’s crucifixion saying,
“[I]t was the Lord’s good plan to crush him and cause him grief. [For] when his life is made an offering for sin, he will have many descendants. [a]nd the Lord’s good plan will prosper in his hands” (Isaiah 53:̀10 NLT).
By this we know Jesus’s darkest hour was in fact God’s good plan, fulfilling His purpose and benefiting us forever. This is the primary reason Good Friday is in fact good. But in addition, there are other aspects of the Good Friday narrative worth noting, serving to remind us why Good Friday is truly good.
Prophecies Fulfilled
Many prophetic Scriptures concerning Jesus were fulfilled on Good Friday, including:
The 30 pieces of silver Judas received for his betrayal. (Zechariah 11:12-13)
His mockery. (Psalm 22:7-8)
The division of His garments. (Psalm 22:18)
His cruel punishment. (Isaiah 53:4-5)
His cry of abandonment from the cross. (Psalm 22:1)
These are just some of the many prophecies fulfilled on this day. The point is, the fulfillment of these prophecies deepens our faith in the reality of God’s plan. In addition, they lead both skeptics and seekers to believe in Jesus, further proving why Good Friday is truly good!
The Thief on the Cross
Jesus consistently demonstrated God’s love to all people. Even on the cross, despite His own suffering, He extended mercy to the repentant thief positioned next to Him who cried, “[Jesus, I know I] deserve to die for [my] crime, [and that you] have done [nothing] wrong…. [Please], remember me when you come into your Kingdom.”
In response to this man’s humble confession and request, Jesus replied, “I assure you, today you will be with me in paradise” (Luke 9:41, 43 NLT).
This story only testifies to the goodness of God, causing us to realize why Good Friday is truly good.
The Roman Centurion
In his gospel account, Mark said, “When the Roman officer who stood facing [Jesus] saw how he had died, he exclaimed, “This man truly was the Son of God!”
It’s worth noting that what led to the officer’s confession wasn’t the fact that Jesus died. Obviously, in his line of work he’d witnessed plenty of deaths before. Instead, what spoke to him was the way Jesus died— by showing care for His mother, forgiveness for His enemies, mercy to a condemned man, and trust in His Father. These actions led to his acknowledgement, that Jesus was indeed the Son of God, which further solidifies why Good Friday is truly good.
“It Is Finished”
These three final words spoken by Jesus from the cross are highly significant. Included in His statement is the promise of freedom, forgiveness, wholeness, healing, peace and protection for all those who trust in Him. Jesus paid the penalty for our sin, making us right with God forever. Because of His sacrifice, our battle with sin has been won—just one more amazing reason why Good Friday is truly good.
The Torn Curtain
The torn curtain in the temple occurred at the moment of Jesus’s death and signified the removal of the unseen barrier between sinful man and holy God. This action provided a powerful picture of the grace we’ve received because of Jesus’s sacrifice on our behalf. The torn curtain is a powerful symbol and permanent reminder of why Good Friday Is truly good.
Friday Leads to Sunday!
In our humanness we naturally want to rush ahead to the grand celebration of Easter. Yet, before we can celebrate Christ’s victory over death, we must first acknowledge and appreciate His sacrifice on our behalf. This time in personal reflection, repentance and prayer makes our worship so much sweeter, authentic and meaningful, reminding us that God is with us, for us and loves us. And this is just one more reason why Good Friday is truly good, as without it there'd be no Resurrection Sunday.
So, perhaps take some time reflecting on the many reasons why Good Friday is truly good. And then allow these truths to fill your heart with great gratitude as you prepare to celebrate the risen Jesus on Sunday!
Pray
Dear Jesus, thank you for your willingness and obedience in fulfilling God’s good plan. I am grateful for the extreme sacrifice you have offered on my behalf. There are no words adequate in expressing my thanks for all you’ve done for me. Please accept my heartfelt gratitude. I praise and thank you forever, Amen.
Reflect
What specific aspect of the Good Friday narrative leads you to understand why Good Friday is truly good?
Encourage others with your response to this week’s question HERE!