Good Friday. The very name feels like a puzzle, doesn’t it?
How can the day our Savior was crucified be called good?
If you’ve ever asked yourself, “Why call Good Friday?” you’re not alone. It’s a question that has lingered in the hearts of believers for centuries. The answer goes beyond history. It reaches into the very heart of the Gospel, where pain meets redemption and sorrow transforms into hope.
In this post, we’ll explore the deep meaning behind Good Friday, why it carries such a hopeful name, and how it still speaks to our modern lives today.
Why is Good Friday called Good Friday?
Good Friday is called “good” because it marks the day when Jesus Christ willingly laid down His life to save humanity from sin. It was the darkest day in history, yet it brought the brightest light of salvation.
For Christians, “good” doesn’t describe the suffering itself, but the outcome of that suffering. Through His death, Jesus opened the way for forgiveness, reconciliation, and eternal life.
Imagine standing at the foot of the cross that day. The sky grows dark, the earth trembles, and the Messiah breathes His last. To the disciples, it seemed like the end. But heaven knew something different. This was the greatest act of love ever displayed.
The “good” in Good Friday reminds us that even when things look broken, God is still working for our redemption.
Why do they call this Friday Good Friday?
Historically, the term “Good Friday” may come from an old English phrase “God’s Friday.” Over time, the word “God” may have evolved into “Good.” Yet, even linguistically, the meaning fits perfectly.
Every year, Christians pause to remember that sacred Friday when Jesus bore the sins of the world. We call it good because it’s the day love conquered sin and death.
It’s the day when judgment met mercy, and the cross became the bridge between heaven and earth.
Maybe you’ve gone through a “Good Friday” season yourself, a time of loss, pain, or confusion. It didn’t feel good then. But later, you saw how God used it to bring something better. That’s what Good Friday teaches us: even when life feels unbearable, God’s purpose is unfolding behind the scenes.
Why is it called Good Friday and not Sad Friday?
If we were naming the day by how it looked, we might call it “Dark Friday” or “Sad Friday.” The disciples were heartbroken. The sky turned black. Hope seemed lost.
But the Christian faith is built on seeing beyond the visible. God doesn’t end the story at the cross.
What makes it “Good Friday” is not the crucifixion itself, but the resurrection that followed. Without the cross, there would be no empty tomb. Without death, there would be no victory.
This is why believers choose to call it good. It was the day evil thought it had won, but love proved stronger.
So when life feels like your own Sad Friday, remember this: Sunday is coming. God is never finished with your story.
What is the real story of Good Friday?
The story of Good Friday begins in the Garden of Gethsemane. Jesus, knowing what awaited Him, prayed in agony. Yet He said, “Not my will, but Yours be done.”
From there, He was betrayed by Judas, arrested, falsely accused, and brought before Pilate. Though innocent, He was condemned to die by crucifixion, a punishment reserved for the worst criminals.
He was mocked, beaten, and forced to carry His cross to Golgotha, the “place of the skull.” There, He was nailed to the cross between two thieves.
At noon, darkness covered the land. Jesus cried out, “Father, forgive them, for they know not what they do.” And after hours of suffering, He gave up His spirit, saying, “It is finished.”
That moment changed everything. The temple curtain tore in two, symbolizing that the barrier between God and humanity was removed. Access to God was now open through Christ.
Good Friday tells us that salvation is not earned by our works but given through His grace.
Why was Jesus killed on Good Friday?
Jesus was killed on Good Friday not because He had done wrong, but because humanity needed redemption.
The religious leaders saw Him as a threat to their power. The Roman authorities viewed Him as a political danger. But behind the human motives was a divine plan.
As Scripture says, “It pleased the Lord to bruise Him” (Isaiah 53:10), meaning God allowed it for a higher purpose, the salvation of mankind.
Jesus Himself said, “No one takes my life from me, but I lay it down of my own accord.” His death was voluntary. It was the fulfillment of prophecy. He became the Lamb of God who takes away the sin of the world.
Every nail, every wound, every drop of blood had meaning. They were not signs of defeat but of victory.
Do Jews believe Jesus was crucified?
In Jewish tradition, Jesus is not recognized as the Messiah, and views differ about His death. Some historical Jewish records, such as those from Josephus, mention Jesus’ crucifixion under Roman authority.
However, most Jewish people today focus on their own Messianic expectations rather than on Jesus’ crucifixion. For Christians, though, His death and resurrection are central to faith.
This difference in belief reminds us of our calling to share Christ’s love through kindness and understanding, not judgment or debate. The message of Good Friday is reconciliation, and that includes how we relate to others who see things differently.
What is the difference between Good Friday and Easter?
Good Friday and Easter are deeply connected, yet distinct.
Good Friday is the day Jesus died. It represents sacrifice, suffering, and surrender.
Easter Sunday is the day Jesus rose again. It represents victory, joy, and renewal.
Think of it like two chapters of one powerful story. Good Friday shows the price of love, Easter shows the power of love.
Without Good Friday, Easter would lose its meaning. Without Easter, Good Friday would remain only a tragedy. Together, they complete the Gospel message: Jesus died, was buried, and rose again, all for us.
Why do Christians eat fish on Good Friday?
You may have noticed that many Christians avoid meat on Good Friday and eat fish instead. This tradition began as a form of fasting and remembrance.
In the early Church, meat (especially red meat) symbolized celebration and luxury, while fish was seen as humble food. So eating fish became a way to honor the sacrifice of Jesus and keep the day solemn.
Today, while not all Christians follow this custom, the spirit behind it remains: to pause, reflect, and remember the cross.
Maybe this Good Friday, instead of focusing on what to eat, focus on gratitude. Take time to fast from distractions and feed your soul with God’s Word.
What is the real name of Good Friday?
Different Christian traditions use different names. In Germany, it is called “Karfreitag,” meaning “Sorrowful Friday.” In some Eastern churches, it’s known as “Holy Friday” or “Great Friday.”
Regardless of language, the heart of the message is the same. It is the day when love paid the ultimate price.
The “real name” of Good Friday is not found in words, but in what it represents, divine goodness poured out for mankind.
Reflecting on Good Friday Today
As you think about why we call it Good Friday, remember that this isn’t just history. It’s your story too.
Every cross we carry, every tear we shed, every moment we feel forgotten, God can turn it for good.
The same Jesus who hung on the cross now reigns victorious. The same blood that flowed from Calvary still speaks mercy over you.
So this Good Friday, don’t just remember what happened. Experience it.
Let it remind you that God’s love is stronger than your guilt. His forgiveness is greater than your failures.
Take a quiet moment to pray:
“Lord Jesus, thank You for dying for me. Thank You for turning the darkest day into my greatest hope. Help me to live with gratitude and love, just as You loved me.”
Final Thoughts
So, why call it Good Friday?
Because through the pain came promise.
Through death came deliverance.
Through the cross came victory.
It’s called Good Friday because, in the end, it was good for us all.
Even when life feels like a crucifixion moment, hold on to faith. The same God who turned that Friday into a story of redemption is still turning pain into purpose today.
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