What is Good about Good Friday?
Good Friday sounds like an oxymoron, a figure of speech emphasizing two contradictory words. According to the English language “good” means something useful or desirable, so why would Christ’s death on the Cross be considered “good?”
When we reflect on the crucifixion day, we envision:
-The terrified, fleeing disciples
-A heartbroken, grieving mother
-A confessing, repentant thief
-The callous, lot-casting soldiers
-The mocking, inflictive crowd
We hear the sounds of that afternoon:
-Steady thumping of the hammer
-Taunts bellowed at the dying man
-Whispered final words of Jesus
-Thunder rumbling across the ground
-Ripping of the veil of the Holy of Holies
Our thoughts wield a plethora of emotions: sadness, grief, anger, sorrow, gratitude, and guilt. In our own way we feel responsibility for the death of Christ. Our sin drove the nails into His flesh.
How can we feel “good” about this day?
Good Friday is the perfect name in relation to our souls. What day is more useful to us? It destroyed our chains of sin, bought our freedom, and offered us eternal life. What day could be more desirable? Because of the agony and suffering of Christ, we will spend eternity with Him. We should want nothing more.
Even though it is a day of mourning for the death of our Savior, there is a jumping of joy in our heart because Sunday is on the horizon.
