Good Friday. Just the name alone is enough to make someone pause. How can a day marked by the suffering and death of Jesus be considered "good"? It is, after all, the day Jesus was betrayed, falsely accused, beaten, mocked, and ultimately crucified. And yet, for believers, it is one of the most sacred and hopeful days in the Christian calendar. It is a day that changed everything. This blog will explore why Good Friday is not only good but the foundation of our hope, how Christ’s sacrifice transforms our lives, and how we can respond to His amazing love.
The Paradox of Good Friday. On the surface, Good Friday looks anything but good. It was a day of agony and injustice. Jesus, the only sinless man to ever walk the earth, endured a death reserved for the worst criminals. His disciples scattered, His mother watched in anguish, and the skies grew dark. It felt like defeat. But within this brutal scene was the greatest act of love the world has ever known. It was not the nails that held Jesus to the cross—it was love. His sacrifice was intentional, redemptive, and necessary.
Why the Sacrifice Was Necessary. The Bible tells us in Romans 3:23 that "all have sinned and fall short of the glory of God." Our sin separates us from a holy God. But God, in His love and mercy, made a way to reconcile us back to Himself. That way was Jesus. Isaiah 53:5 says, "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." Jesus’ death paid the price we could never pay. His blood became the bridge that leads us to grace.
Hope Through the Cross. The cross is more than just a symbol of suffering. It is a symbol of victory. Because of what Jesus did on that cross, we have hope that our past is forgiven, our present is redeemed, and our future is secure. The empty tomb of Easter Sunday is coming, but the power of the resurrection is born in the obedience of Good Friday. It reminds us that even in the darkest moment, God is still working. Even in the silence, He is still speaking. Even in death, He is bringing life.
Finding Personal Connection Good Friday is not just a historical event to be remembered—it is a personal truth to be embraced. Jesus didn’t just die for the world; He died for you. When we personalize the cross, it transforms us. It humbles us, awakens gratitude, and inspires worship. In our seasons of grief, loss, or unanswered questions, Good Friday shows us that pain is not the end of the story. Jesus understands suffering. He has walked through it. And because He did, we never walk through it alone.
How to Reflect on Good Friday: Take time to pause and reflect. Read the crucifixion accounts in the Gospels (Matthew 26-27, Mark 14-15, Luke 22-23, John 18-19). Meditate on what Jesus endured. Ask God to show you what the cross means for your life today. Attend a Good Friday service. Take communion with a heart of gratitude. Spend quiet time in prayer, thanking Jesus for His sacrifice. Let the weight of what He did for you settle deeply into your soul.
Responding to the Sacrifice. The best response to the cross is surrender. When we recognize the magnitude of Jesus’ love, we cannot help but give our lives in return. It’s not about striving or trying to earn His grace—that was already settled on the cross. It’s about living from a place of love and obedience. It’s about forgiving others because we’ve been forgiven. Loving generously because we are deeply loved. Serving selflessly because He served us first.
Good Friday and Daily Life. Good Friday isn’t just meaningful once a year. Its truth impacts how we live every day. In moments of doubt, we remember that God did not withhold His Son. In times of hardship, we trust that Jesus understands our pain. When we face death, we have the hope of eternal life. The cross reshapes our perspective. It changes how we handle conflict, view success, and offer grace. It anchors our identity and fuels our mission.
Looking Ahead to Resurrection. The story doesn’t end on Good Friday. Sunday is coming. But we cannot rush past the cross to get to the empty tomb. Good Friday invites us to sit in the sacred silence, to feel the depth of Jesus’ sacrifice, and to prepare our hearts for the joy of resurrection. It is in the tension of the in-between that our faith grows. When we learn to wait, trust, and remember, we are transformed.
Why Good Friday is Good. So why is Good Friday good? Because it is the day love overcame sin. It is the day our debt was paid in full. It is the day that marked the beginning of the end of death’s power. It is good because through Jesus’ suffering, we find healing. Through His obedience, we find redemption. Through His death, we receive life.
This Good Friday, let your heart be overwhelmed not just by the sorrow of the cross, but by the hope it brings. Jesus didn’t stay in the grave. And because He lives, we can face tomorrow with faith, courage, and peace. Let the cross draw you closer to His heart, and may you find deep joy in knowing the true goodness of Good Friday.