News Today: Explore the profound meaning behind Good Friday and its eternal relevance in Christian faith

Good Friday is one of the most solemn and sacred days in Christianity. Though marked by the suffering and death of Jesus Christ, it is called “Good” because of its redemptive purpose. It represents the culmination of God’s divine plan to save humanity from sin and death.

Christians believe that Jesus’ crucifixion on Good Friday was the ultimate sacrifice. His death bridged the gap between a sinful world and a holy God. As D.A. Carson once said, “It was not nails that held Jesus to that wretched cross; it was his unqualified resolution, out of love for his Father, to do his Father’s will—and it was his love for sinners like me.”

Though to Jesus’ followers at the time, it seemed like a day of utter despair and loss, Good Friday became good because it was the day evil was defeated, and the way to eternal life was made clear.

The significance of Good Friday and why it is called Good Friday can be understood not only through theology but also through history and language. Some scholars argue that the term “Good” may have evolved from “God’s Friday.” In other traditions, like in German, it is referred to as Karfreitag, meaning “Sorrowful Friday.” Despite its origins, the meaning is clear: it’s good because it changed the course of eternity.

The events of Good Friday are found in all four Gospels. Judas Iscariot, one of Jesus’ disciples, betrayed Him. He was arrested in the Garden of Gethsemane and taken before the Sanhedrin and then to Pontius Pilate, the Roman governor. Despite finding no fault in Him, Pilate caved to public pressure and sentenced Jesus to death by crucifixion.

Jesus was flogged, mocked, and made to carry His cross. He was crucified between two criminals and endured six agonizing hours before surrendering His spirit. “Father, into your hands I commend my spirit,” He said. The sky darkened, the earth quaked, and the temple curtain was torn in two.

Yet, this darkest day became the brightest hope. His death was not the end. Three days later, Jesus rose from the dead, conquering sin and death forever.

So why do Christians celebrate such a brutal day?

Because we need a Savior. Without Jesus, we fall short of God’s holiness. As Hebrews 12:14 says, “without holiness no one will see the Lord.” Jesus became the ultimate and final sacrifice. He bore the punishment we deserved. 1 Peter 3:18 says, “Christ died for sins once for all, the righteous for the unrighteous, to bring you to God.”

Today, we remember Good Friday not just with sorrow, but with gratitude and reverence. It is a holy day that draws us to God’s love and mercy.