Why do we call Good Friday good? In one sense, it is the most tragic day in history. Jesus, the God who became man, was sentenced to die by one of the most barbaric forms of execution ever devised. He was opposed for three and a half years by those who should have seen his coming. Many who gathered in the crowds around him were fans, not followers. One of his closest friends sold him out because of his greed. Upon his arrest, the disciples scattered. Only Peter was willing to fight the Roman soldiers, but just hours later would deny he even knew him.
Jesus was given a mockery of a trial, was severely beaten, had a crown of thorns pressed into his head, mocked and spat on, and was forced to carry the instrument of his death until he collapsed in the middle of the street. This culminates in nails being driven through his hands and feet, raised on a cross, and left to hang until he bled to death or suffocated. He was innocent, abused, and alone. So why do we call Good Friday good?
If the death of Jesus was purposeless and meaningless, then Good Friday is not good. If Jesus stayed dead, then Good Friday is not good. Good Friday can only be called good because Sunday came and Jesus was alive! The tomb was found empty! He showed himself to Mary and then to the disciples. Resurrection Sunday gives context to what happened on Friday. Hebrews 9:22 tells us that without the shedding of blood, there is no forgiveness of sin. On Good Friday we are all reminded that we are sinners and have fallen short of the glory of God (Rom. 3:23). We are reminded that all sin is paid out by death. We owe a debt nobody can pay. But God’s love was on display as His Son took the penalty for us. Romans 5:8 says, “But God demonstrates His own love toward us, in that while we were yet sinners, Christ died for us.” The death of the innocent is never good, but in this case, it accomplishes the greatest good: the redemption of humanity.
So why do we call Good Friday good? The price Jesus paid was the price owed by you and me. The price Jesus paid was one he paid voluntarily. He purchased our pardon and made it possible for us to become children of God (John 1:12). It granted him authority over all heaven and earth (Matt. 28:18). The price he paid assures us that sin and death will be swallowed up in victory.
I was introduced to a song titled This Blood recently. The lyrics are as follows:
Verse 1
There is a blood that cost a life
Paid my way death its price
When it flowed down from the cross
My sins were gone my sins forgot
There is a grave that tried to hide
This precious blood that gave me life
In three days He breathed again
Rose to stand in my defense
Chorus
So I come to tell you He’s alive
To tell you that He dries every tear that falls
So I come to tell you that He saves
To shout and to proclaim
That He is coming back for you
Verse 2
Oh there is a blood and it sights the blind
It heals the sick the lonely finds
Oh it has the power to free the bound
As chains that fall upon the ground
So pour it out to cleanse my soul
And let its liquid glory flow
Because it lives to make me whole
I owe my life I owe my all
Good Friday is called good because it was on this day final atonement for sin was made. So now we are the chosen, whom God sends out to shout and proclaim it is finished and that he is coming back for his own.