04/02/2021
Today is “Good Friday.” But why do Christians call it “Good?” What good happened on this day? The central figure of Christianity, Christ Jesus was betrayed and abandoned by his closest friends, publicly mocked, shamed, humiliated, cursed, falsely accused, unjustly declared guilty by a court of law. His hair and beard were plucked out. His head was beaten as they drove the crown of thorns into his skull. He was scourged with the “cat of nine tails”--a leather whip of nine thongs with pieces of metal, bone, and rock tied in. Then he was crucified--Rome’s cruelest form of public ex*****on. Anguish. Torture. Alone. Why do we call it “Good?”
The dreams of his followers were crushed. His own mother had to watch him endure all this. Their high hopes in this would-be Messianic Savior died a painful death. Their conquering King was dead. Their identities were in shambles. Their futures were bleak. This is the end. It’s all over.
Why do we call a day in which so much was lost, “good?” Does this sound like a good day to you? This sounds more like the worst day imaginable.
But that is where you are wrong. Sunday came. And when Sunday came, the Resurrected Jesus proved He is who He claimed to be--Almighty God, Savior, Redeemer, Conquering King! Agonizing suffering was turned to the greatest victory of human history! Hopes and dreams were restored. His family and followers were transformed. Sorrow turned to joy. Worry turned to peace. Fear turned to courage. Life conquered death. Light overwhelmed darkness. Love broke hate.
We call it “Good Friday” not because the events of that day were good, but because it became the greatest good for the entire world! Jesus willingly suffered all this to pay for the sins of the world. Only in hindsight can we call it “Good Friday.”
Friend, I don’t know what you’re going through. You may be experiencing the worst day of your life. You’re uncertain about what to do, where to go, and how it’s going to work out. You can’t call this season of life “good.”
Jesus knows exactly how you feel. Turn to Him in simple faith. He knows how to transform death into life because He is the Resurrection and the Life! He knows how to turn your brokenness into beauty!
He will walk with you through whatever you are facing. And perhaps, one day, you too will be able to look back at this bad season and call it “good.”
I hope you have a blessed Good Friday and Easter Sunday!
-Josh Davis
