Why We Call It Good Friday

Weekday Posts
Written By Dean Collins

By Dean Collins

Growing up I was always a bit confused on Good Friday. I was raised in the church, so I knew about the events that led up to and included the crucifixion. I just didn’t understand how something so sad and awful would be celebrated as good. Sad Friday or Bad Friday seemed more logical as an elementary student.

It wasn’t until much later that I learned that there were different opinions or reasons why we call the Friday of Passion Week Good Friday. Some say that it started as God’s Friday. Others said that it is called good because the crucifixion and death of Jesus paid the debt for the sins of humanity. John tells us that from the cross Jesus declared: “It is finished.” This informs why we can experience today as truly good.

Think back to the creation story. At the end of the sixth day of creation, God was finished with his creation. His work was complete. Sadly, our sin disrupted and brought chaos to God’s creation, and the bondage of sin began its reign in humanity. But on the cross Jesus finished the work of redeeming the world, including us, from the bondage of sin. This powerful act of love on the cross begins the revolution of Christ’s kingdom coming to earth as it is in heaven. We celebrate Good Friday not just to remember the suffering of Christ on the cross but to celebrate the victory that suffering brings as now we live daily, participating in the renewal and restoration of creation, one act of love after, another until Christ returns in glory and all is restored. Good Friday paved the way for the resurrection of Christ and our resurrection as well.

I remember as a child that some of my neighbors would not let their children play on Good Friday. I didn’t understand why, but as I reflect on that memory it now makes sense to me. I think it is a good idea to take time today to pause and consider not only the suffering of Christ but how his suffering changes everything, and especially how it changes us.

So, I will offer a few suggestions as to what we can do on Good Friday to both remember what Jesus did but also how the crucifixion changes everything for eternity.

1. Take time to read the events of Good Friday from scripture. I have listed suggested passages below.

2. Consider eliminating social media until this evening. Whatever is streaming on our social media platforms and in the news is a distraction from the events of this day.

3. Spend time in prayer and silence.

4. Pause and give thanks to God for what he accomplished on Good Friday. 

Here is a quote from N.T. Wright worth pondering as we pray and wait for the resurrection:

 “Good Friday is the point at which God comes into our chaos, to be there with us in the middle of it and to bring us his new creation. Let us pause and give thanks and listen for his words of love and healing.”

Father, we are speechless as we consider the finished work of Christ on the cross of Calvary. Speak to us in our silence, that we might be renewed to live out our calling in the new creation that you are bringing. In Jesus’ name, amen.

Your Time with God’s Word
Matthew 27:24-61; Mark 15:21-27, 29-47; Luke 23:1-16, 18-56; John 18:1-40, 19:17-42 ESV

Photo by Pexels
To receive daily posts delivered directly to your inbox, complete the form at the bottom of our home page.

Dean Collins

Pastor, campus minister, counselor, corporate employee, Fortune 500 consultant, college president—Dean brings a wide range of experiences and perspectives to his daily walk with God’s Word. 

In 1979 he founded Auburn Christian Fellowship, a nondenominational campus ministry that still thrives today. In 1989 he founded and became executive director for New Directions Counseling Center, a service that grew to include several locations and counselors. In 1996 he became vice president of human resources for the CheckFree Corporation (3,000 employees) till founding DC Consulting in 1999. He continues part-time service with that company, offering executive leadership coaching, organizational effectiveness advice, and help with optimizing business relationships.

His latest pursuit, president of Point University since 2006 (interim president 2006-2009), has seen the college grow in enrollment, curriculum, physical campus, and athletic offerings. He led the school’s 2012 name change and relocation from Atlanta Christian College, East Point, Georgia, to Point University in West Point, Georgia. Meanwhile, he serves as board member or active volunteer with several nonprofits addressing issues ranging from global immunization to local government and education. 

He lives in Lanett, Alabama, with his wife, Penny. He has four children (two married) and five grandchildren. He plays the guitar, likes to cook, and enjoys getting outdoors, often on a nearby golf course. 

Next

Maundy Thursday