Why Is It Called Good Friday?
Understanding the Paradox of the Cross
If you pause to think about it, calling the day of Jesus’ crucifixion “Good Friday” feels… strange.
After all, this was the day when Jesus—the Son of God, the most innocent man to walk the earth—was betrayed, tortured, humiliated, and nailed to a cross. His followers fled in fear. Darkness covered the land. Hope seemed lost.
And yet, Christians across the world call this day “Good.” Why?
Let’s dive deep into the history, theology, and personal meaning behind the name “Good Friday,” and discover why this dark day is one of the most powerful and transformative moments in human history.
The Darkness of the Day
On that first Good Friday over 2,000 years ago, Jesus was condemned to death by Roman authorities. He was mocked, crowned with thorns, whipped, and forced to carry a wooden cross to Golgotha, the Place of the Skull.
There, He was crucified between two criminals. He endured six hours of agony before He breathed His last and said, “It is finished.”
From a purely human standpoint, this was a tragedy. An unjust execution. A failure of justice. The loss of a beloved teacher, friend, and miracle-worker. For His disciples, it was the most devastating day imaginable.
So… what makes it “good”?
The Good in the “Bad”: A Matter of Perspective
The key lies in what Jesus’ death accomplished.
Though it was a day of suffering, it was also the day when God’s greatest act of love was revealed.
1. Jesus Took Our Place
Christian teaching holds that Jesus bore the punishment for sin on the cross. According to Romans 6:23, “The wages of sin is death.” But Jesus, who had no sin, died in our place—once for all.
“God demonstrates His own love for us in this: While we were still sinners, Christ died for us.” —Romans 5:8
His death became the means through which humanity could be reconciled to God. The punishment we deserved was taken by Him. That’s why the cross is often called the great “exchange”—our sin for His righteousness.
2. It Was the Fulfillment of Prophecy
The events of Good Friday weren’t random or unexpected. They fulfilled centuries-old prophecies from Isaiah, Psalms, and other Old Testament writings. Isaiah 53, in particular, foretold of a “Suffering Servant” who would be pierced for our transgressions.
God had a plan all along—to redeem humanity through Jesus’ sacrificial death.
3. Good Friday Sets the Stage for Resurrection
Without Good Friday, there is no Easter Sunday. The joy of the resurrection only makes sense because of the depth of pain and sacrifice that came before it. In the Christian faith, death is not the end—it’s the door to life.
Jesus’ death leads directly to His victory over death. Good Friday and Easter are two sides of the same coin.
A Historical Look at the Name “Good Friday”
Many scholars believe the term “Good” in “Good Friday” comes from an older meaning of the word: “holy” or “pious.” In Old English, “good” could also mean “sacred.” So, “Good Friday” may have originally meant “Holy Friday.”
In fact, in other parts of the world, that’s exactly how it’s described:
- Germany: Karfreitag (“Sorrowful Friday”)
- Spain/Latin America: Viernes Santo (“Holy Friday”)
- France: Vendredi Saint (“Holy Friday”)
But the English-speaking tradition holds on to “Good,” and over time, Christians have come to see the “goodness” of Good Friday as referring to the immense good that came from Jesus’ sacrifice—namely, salvation for all who believe.
Good Friday Is About Love
Above all, Good Friday is about love. Not warm, fuzzy feelings—but the gritty, self-giving, relentless love of God.
It’s love that hangs on a cross.
It’s love that forgives its enemies.
It’s love that says, “Father, forgive them, for they know not what they do.”
It’s love that bleeds, suffers, and dies… to bring life to others.
“Greater love has no one than this: to lay down one’s life for one’s friends.” —John 15:13
That’s why Good Friday is not just “good”—it’s the best kind of good. The kind that cost everything and gave everything.
How We Remember Good Friday Today
Christians commemorate Good Friday in many ways:
- Attending solemn services that focus on Scripture, silence, and the passion of Christ
- Venerating the Cross, acknowledging the sacrifice of Jesus
- Fasting and prayer, as a way of sharing in His suffering
- Reflecting on the Seven Last Words of Jesus
- Meditating on the Stations of the Cross, a devotional walk through Jesus’ final hours
It’s not a day for celebration, but for deep reflection. A day to remember just how far God was willing to go to rescue us. A day to sit in the sorrow of the cross before the joy of the empty tomb.
From Darkness to Dawn
The story doesn’t end on Good Friday. That’s what makes it “good.” As we move through the shadows of crucifixion, we’re led to the sunrise of resurrection.
Jesus’ final cry—”It is finished”—was not a cry of defeat, but a declaration of victory.
Victory over sin.
Victory over shame.
Victory over death.
Good Friday reminds us that God can bring goodness out of anything—even the darkest moments of history.
The Invitation of Good Friday
Good Friday is not just a story from the past. It’s a personal invitation.
Jesus’ death wasn’t a distant event—it was for you.
So today, stop and remember.
Let your heart break at the cost of love.
Let your soul rest in the gift of grace.
Let yourself be overwhelmed, not by guilt, but by gratitude.
Because this is what makes it Good Friday:
Not that Jesus died.
But that through His death, you can live.
Would you like a printable Good Friday devotional or a family-friendly reflection guide? I’d be happy to create one for you!