Why Is It Called Good Friday?

Good Friday is one of the most significant days in the Christian calendar, as it marks the day when Jesus Christ was crucified and died for the sins of humanity. On this day, Christians around the world remember and reflect on the passion, or suffering, of Christ on the cross, and his ultimate sacrifice for our salvation.

But why is it called Good Friday? What does it mean for Christians today? And how do they observe this solemn day? In this blog post, we will explore these questions and more.

The origin of the name Good Friday is not certain. Some scholars suggest that it derives from an older term, God's Friday, which was later corrupted to Good Friday. Others propose that it comes from the word good in the sense of holy or pious. Regardless of its etymology, the name Good Friday expresses the Christian belief that Christ's death was a good and beneficial act for humanity, as it opened the way for us to be reconciled with God and to receive eternal life.

The meaning of Good Friday is rooted in the biblical narrative of Jesus' arrest, trial, and crucifixion, as recorded in the four Gospels. According to these accounts, Jesus was betrayed by one of his disciples, Judas Iscariot, and handed over to the Jewish authorities, who accused him of blasphemy and sedition. They then delivered him to the Roman governor, Pontius Pilate, who sentenced him to death by crucifixion. Jesus was mocked, beaten, and forced to carry his cross to a place called Golgotha or Calvary, where he was nailed to the cross and left to die. After hanging on the cross for about six hours, he uttered his last words and gave up his spirit. His body was then taken down from the cross and buried in a nearby tomb.

The significance of Good Friday for Christians is twofold: it demonstrates both the depth of human sin and the height of God's love. On one hand, Good Friday reveals how sinful and rebellious humanity is, as we rejected and killed God's own Son, who came to save us. On the other hand, Good Friday reveals how loving and merciful God is, as he gave his only Son to die for us, even while we were still sinners. As the apostle Paul wrote in Romans 5:8: "But God demonstrates his own love for us in this: While we were still sinners, Christ died for us."

The way Christians observe Good Friday varies depending on their denomination, culture, and tradition. However, some common practices include:

• Fasting: Many Christians abstain from food or certain types of food on Good Friday as a way of expressing their sorrow for Christ's death and their solidarity with his suffering.
• Prayer: Many Christians spend time in prayer on Good Friday, either individually or communally. They may pray using specific prayers or liturgies that focus on Christ's passion, such as the Stations of the Cross or the Seven Last Words.
• Repentance: Many Christians use Good Friday as an opportunity to confess their sins and seek God's forgiveness. They may also perform acts of penance or charity as a way of showing their repentance.
• Meditation: Many Christians meditate on the meaning and implications of Christ's death on Good Friday. They may read or listen to Scripture passages that relate to his passion, such as Isaiah 53 or Psalm 22. They may also listen to sermons or music that explore the theme of Christ's crucifixion.
• Worship: Many Christians attend special worship services on Good Friday that commemorate Christ's death. These services may include readings from Scripture, hymns or songs, silence or darkness, veneration of the cross, or communion.

Good Friday is a day of mourning and reflection for Christians, but it is not a day without hope. For Christians believe that Christ's death was not the end of his story, but rather the beginning of a new one. They believe that on Easter Sunday, he rose from the dead, defeating sin and death once and for all. They believe that because of his resurrection, they too can have new life in him.

Good Friday invites us to remember and appreciate what Christ has done for us on the cross. It also invites us to respond to his love with faith and obedience. As we approach this holy day, let us ask ourselves: How can we honor Christ's sacrifice? How can we follow his example? How can we share his message?