Why Is It Called Good Friday If Jesus Died
Today we will talk about Why Is It Called Good Friday If Jesus Died. Many Christians do not know what this means. Be on the mode of meditation as we read through God’s word. Good Friday is a day that brings mixed emotions—it remembers the crucifixion of Jesus, a tragic event that led to immense suffering. Yet, this day is called “Good” because it represents the ultimate act of love and sacrifice. As we reflect on this, we will discover that what seems like a day of loss actually carries the promise of hope and redemption. Through various scriptures, we will uncover how the death of Jesus fulfilled God’s plan for salvation and how it initiated a new covenant, blessing us with grace and assurance.
The Meaning of “Good Friday”
The term “Good Friday” may initially sound paradoxical since it commemorates the death of Jesus. The word “good” in this context can be traced back to its Old English roots, where it originally meant “holy.” In many other languages, the name reflects a similar significance; for example, in German, it is called “Karfreitag,” meaning “Sorrowful Friday.” This reveals a deeper understanding that the focus isn’t solely on the death itself but rather on the greater spiritual implications that follow. The death of Jesus is seen as a good event because it brought about restoration and renewal for humankind.
As Christians, we understand that Jesus’ death was not an end but rather a new beginning. This new beginning is reflected in Scripture, particularly in John 3:16, where it states, “For God so loved the world that He gave His only Son, that whoever believes in Him shall not perish but have eternal life.” His sacrifice was the fulfillment of God’s promise to humanity, paving the way for salvation. The Greek word for salvation is “sōtēria,” which emphasizes deliverance from sin and its consequences. Thus, the day we remember His death is inherently good because it leads us back to a loving relationship with our Creator.
Throughout the Old Testament, we see foreshadowing of Jesus’ sacrifice in the sacrificial system established under the Law. For example, in Isaiah 53:5, it is written, “But He was pierced for our transgressions, He was crushed for our iniquities; the punishment that brought us peace was on Him, and by His wounds, we are healed.” The word “pierced” in Hebrew implies a deep wound, representing the suffering Jesus endured for our sake. His physical pain led to our spiritual healing, making Good Friday a day of reflection on the sacrifice that brought healing to our souls.
Looking back, the earliest observations of Good Friday were established by the early church in the first few centuries. They recognized the significance of Jesus’ crucifixion as a critical event in the story of salvation. The church sought to remember this day through solemn observances and worship. By the 4th century, Good Friday had become a recognized event on the Christian calendar, emphasizing repentance and reflection.
In ancient times, the crucifixion was understood not only as a historical event but also as an essential part of God’s design for all of humanity. When Christ died, it marked the culmination of prophecies and promises, intertwining history and divine intention. Hebrews 9:28 reminds us, “So Christ was sacrificed once to take away the sins of many; and He will appear a second time, not to bear sin, but to bring salvation to those who are waiting for Him.” This gives us hope as we await His second coming, showing that His first coming had the purpose of offering us salvation.
Good Friday also serves as a reminder of the cost of redemption. The sacrifice of an innocent life was required to atone for the sins of many. In Leviticus 17:11, we learn “For the life of a creature is in the blood, and I have given it to you to make atonement for yourselves on the altar; it is the blood that makes atonement for one’s life.” This sacrificial system foreshadowed the ultimate sacrifice that Jesus would make, as He became our perfect Lamb, unblemished and pure, taking away the sins of the world (John 1:29).
Good Friday and the Cross
The cross symbolizes both suffering and salvation. 1 Corinthians 1:18 states, “For the message of the cross is foolishness to those who are perishing, but to us who are being saved it is the power of God.” This duality—suffering and salvation—reflects the complexities of Good Friday. While the crucifixion was undoubtedly a moment of anguish, it also represents God’s ultimate plan of redemptive love.
When we think about what happened on the cross, we see an intensely personal moment. In Matthew 27:46, Jesus cried out, “My God, my God, why have you forsaken me?” This profound statement reveals the weight of the world’s sin He bore at that moment. The abandonment He felt showcases the depth of His sacrifice and reinforces the idea that His death was indeed a “Good” Friday, as it was the moment sin was dealt with once and for all.
In Galatians 6:14, Paul highlights the significance of the cross in our lives today: “May I never boast except in the cross of our Lord Jesus Christ, through which the world has been crucified to me, and I to the world.” Here, we understand that through His death, we can also experience new life, depersonalizing sin and the world’s allure, allowing us to focus on eternal matters. Every Good Friday reminds us to boast not in our achievements but in the incredible act of love and sacrifice that took place on the cross.
Good Friday: A Day of Reflection and Hope
As we observe Good Friday, it’s essential to remember the duality of this day: both sorrow and hope are present. The sorrow of Christ’s suffering should lead us to a place of gratitude for what He has accomplished. Romans 5:8 beautifully expresses this sentiment: “But God shows His love for us in that while we were still sinners, Christ died for us.” It’s within the depths of tragedy that we find the heights of love.
Moreover, Good Friday invites us to reflect on our lives and our relationship with God. 2 Corinthians 5:17 states, “Therefore, if anyone is in Christ, the new creation has come: The old has gone, the new is here!” This transformation is a reason to celebrate; we are not merely looking back at Jesus’ death but also anticipating our resurrection in Him. The resurrection of Jesus on Easter Sunday is the ultimate confirmation that Good Friday indeed leads to good outcomes.
As we commemorate Good Friday each year, it’s an opportunity for renewal. It serves as a time to come before God and confess our sins, acknowledging the very reason Jesus had to go to the cross. Psalm 51:10 sums this up beautifully: “Create in me a clean heart, O God, and renew a right spirit within me.” This is a space for us to realign ourselves with His will and purpose for our lives, showing gratitude and reverence for the ultimate sacrifice made on our behalf.
Final Thoughts
In conclusion, the term “Good Friday” beautifully encapsulates the events of the day when Jesus sacrificed His life for our salvation. While it memorializes a tragic moment, it also signals a profound act of love that results in our redemption. The crucifixion was not just an end but rather the beginning of a new relationship with God.
As we reflect on the meaning behind Good Friday, we recognize how it brings us closer to embracing the hope that comes from Christ’s resurrection. It’s a journey from sorrow to joy, reminding us of the incredible love that God has for each one of us. Through the lens of Scripture, we gain insight into this day as a moment that changed everything—turning our despair into hope.
Let us approach Good Friday each year with a deep sense of gratitude and reflection, reminding ourselves of the immense price paid for our freedom and the flourishing new life we have in Him. May we always remember that through His suffering, we find our healing, and through His death, we have been granted eternal life.
Further Reading
30 Bible Verses About Getting Closer To God (With Commentary)
30 Bible Verses About Removing People From Your Life (With Commentary)
30 Bible Verses About Israel (With Explanation)
30 Bible Verses About Being Lukewarm (With Explanation)
4 Ways to Encounter Grace and Truth: A Study on John, Chapter 4