Why is Good Friday called “good� The Messiah was condemned by His own people who refused to believe His identity. God’s Son, an innocent man and compassionate miracle worker, was falsely accused and unjustly convicted to die a shameful death. The Sanhedrin spit in Jesus’ face, taunted, punched and slapped Him (Matthew 26:67-68). This man, also known as a brother, friend and teacher, was brutally tortured. The rabbi in whom the disciples put their hope and trust was crucified. Jewish leaders and Roman soldiers ridiculed and mocked Jesus, and observers insulted Him. What’s good about that?
The Old Testament prophets predicted Jesus’ suffering and death. Jesus mentioned it three times to His disciples; why didn’t they remember? Instead, they betrayed, denied and abandoned Him. But Jesus’ mother stood near the cross and watched her bloodied son die in agony. Jesus’ physical and emotional anguish was the worst any human could bear. Where is the good?
Sometimes we experience devastating events and can’t get past the humiliation, sorrow or pain. Like Jesus’ death, those times may have been planned in advance by God, with purpose. Encountering them, we might emotionally react to the situation with fear or anger. Peter reacted to Jesus’ arrest by cutting off Malchus’ ear (John 18:10). When distressed, pray for help instead of thoughtlessly reacting. God can produce a positive outcome from any adversity; He rules with love, and has supreme power over everything.
Why did Jesus willfully submit to an excruciating flogging and death on a cross? Because the penalty of sin is death, but a perfect man — one without sin — could pay sin’s debt and satisfy humanity’s death verdict. Only one person ever qualified for that substitution: Jesus Christ. Knowing the future joyful outcome, He sacrificed Himself and suffered the punishment for us (Romans 6:23; 2 Corinthians 5:21; Hebrews 12:2).
What’s so good about Good Friday? It’s the effect of Jesus’ actions. The perfect sacrificial Lamb atoned for man’s sin, once and for all (1 John 2:2; Hebrews 7:27). Jesus bridged the gap that separated sinful man from holy God (caused by Adam’s sin). He restored man’s personal relationship with God — which continues in heaven after our bodies die — forever.
“For God so loved the world that He gave His one and only Son, that whoever believes in Him shall not perish but have everlasting life†(John 3:16). Jesus is not one of the ways we get to heaven; He is the only way. Jesus proclaimed, “I am the way and the truth and the life. No one comes to the Father except through me†(John 14:6). God gifts eternal life to individuals who believe Jesus Christ is their Savior and Lord (Romans 6:23). Ignoring or disbelieving Jesus’ redemptive work also has eternal consequences.
Jesus’ crucifixion and death changed the course of life for mankind. Plus, the events of Good Friday were necessary for Easter’s significance when Jesus rose from the dead and conquered death (John 11:25). His sinless life, death, resurrection and ascension into heaven made a way for believers to not fear death, but anticipate having a wonderful, eternal future with Him.
Have you contemplated with sorrow how Jesus Christ suffered for you? Are you grateful for everything He has done for you? Let’s joyfully praise and glorify the Lord for all of the good that resulted from His amazing grace and love!
Cindy Rooy is the author of the Bible study “Trusting God Through Troubles & Tears” and a contributing author in devotional books and magazines. Email her at cr4Him@gmail.com.
