What’s so good about Good Friday?
Is it because students and teachers get a day away from the halls of learning and certain government employees are granted a holiday from their work that we call the day good?
What is the meaning of the word good as it describes this particular celebration?
When did this day become a significant day and why is it observed as a holy day?
Egeria in the fourth century attested to some of the practices associated with the celebration of Good Friday. It is a religious holiday observed by Christians commemorating the death of Jesus Christ by crucifixion on the Cross at Calvary.
We have no historical facts to tell us when and where the church began this celebration, but we do know it is ancient.
The dictionary gives many shades of meaning to the word good, including pious and holy as it describes this day of remembrance.
The day is also known as Black Friday, Holy Friday, Great Friday and Easter Friday.
Why do Christians refer to this day as Good Friday when what the Jewish and Roman authorities did to Jesus was not good?
The answer is that the results of our Lord’s death are very good.
The Bible says, “But God shows His love for us in that while we were still sinners, Christ died for us.”
Also it says, “For Christ also suffered once for sins, the righteous for the unrighteous, that He might bring us to God … ”
While Jesus was hanging on the cross dying in our room and stead, He made seven verbal declarations that have become known as the “the seven words of the cross.”
The first is, “Father, forgive them for they know not what they do.”
In the midst of the greatest trial of His life, Jesus prayed for forgiveness for His enemies.
One of the great purposes of the death of Jesus was to bear the punishment for the sins of each individual human being and to provide a way for our total forgiveness
The second word of the cross was in response to a dying thief who asked, “Lord remember me when you come into your kingdom.”
“And He said to him, ‘Truly I say to you, today you will be with me in paradise.”
There is a place in heaven for every believing sinner.
The third word is, “… He said to His mother, ‘Woman, behold your son! And He said to the disciple, ’Behold your mother!’”
Here Jesus sets an example for all to follow in the honouring of parents.
Fourth is, “My God, my God, why have You forsaken me?”
Here is a picture of God’s fury against sin and His love for sinners. It shows too the holiness and justice of God.
Fifth is “I thirst”. This is evidence of His humanity and identification with suffering people.
Sixth is, “It is finished.” His sacrificial work was finished. The offering for sin was completed! The work is done and salvation is by grace through faith.
The last word of the cross, “Father, into Your hands I commit my spirit.”
So ended His day, giving up His life for yours.
A Good Friday indeed.
(All Scripture quotations are from the English Standard Version.)
Eddie Bradley is Pastor Emeritus at High Way Church.
