What is Good about Good Friday?

What is Good about Good Friday? A Response to the Question of God’s Goodness in Light of Christ’s Sacrifice on the Cross

Over the years, I have been asked the question of whether God is truly good knowing that He sent His Son to the earth to be tortured and killed. The thought of death as divine justice or a father approving the killing of his son in such a manner has challenged both the converted and the critic. Some notable figures have mocked the idea of Good Friday as “good”, due to Christ’s crucifixion. Friedrich Nietzsche famously declared, “God is dead,” suggesting that the notion of a benevolent deity allowing such suffering is contradictory. He viewed the crucifixion as a symbol of weakness rather than a triumph, mocking the idea that such an event could be deemed “good.” Similarly, H.G. Wells, the writer and historian, commented on the absurdity of Christ’s death in his book ‘The Outline of History’, stating, “The whole story of Jesus is a remarkable story of a man who was crucified because he was a good man and a good teacher. But the idea that his death somehow redeems mankind is a morbid superstition.” This scepticism reflects a broader discomfort with the redemptive value attributed to Good Friday.

Additionally, the observation that the day of Christ’s suffering and death is called “Good Friday” raises questions: What is so good about the Son of Man dying?

I would like to begin by addressing a critical question: Did Jesus have to die? Since He was a perfect man, wouldn’t His life of purity and dedication to the Father’s will be enough? While His perfect obedience set Him apart as unlike anyone who lived before or after Him—like Adam, Abraham, and David, all of whom sinned and fell short of the glory of God—it is essential to understand that merely living a perfect life was not the ultimate goal of Christ’s coming.

To grasp the necessity of Christ’s sacrificial death, we must examine the purpose and meaning behind it. In the Gospel of John, John the Baptist proclaims, “Behold, the Lamb of God, who takes away the sin of the world!” (John 1:29, NIV). This declaration emphasizes that Jesus’ mission was intentional and redemptive. Jesus Himself affirmed this purpose when He told His disciples, “The Son of Man must suffer many things and be rejected… and be killed, and on the third day be raised” (Luke 9:22, NIV).

His willingness to face suffering was not a sign of divine cruelty but a demonstration of profound love—a love that seeks to restore humanity. Theologian John Stott explains, “The concept of substitutionary atonement is that Christ took our place, bearing the penalty for our sin, so that we might be reconciled to God” (Stott, The Cross of Christ, 1986). In other words, Jesus’ death was not merely an unfortunate event, but a necessary act of divine justice and mercy, fulfilling God’s plan for redemption.

When Peter rebuked Jesus for predicting His suffering, Jesus responded sharply, “Get behind me, Satan! You do not have in mind the concerns of God, but merely human concerns” (Mark 8:33, NIV). This response underscores the necessity of Jesus’ sacrificial role in God’s plan. It was essential for salvation and demonstrated God’s commitment to justice and mercy.

Many people reflect on the pain and suffering Christ endured up to His last breath on the night of His betrayal, leading them to wonder why we call this day “Good Friday.” The term “good” in this context refers to the ultimate good that emerges from Christ’s sacrifice—the reconciliation of humanity with God. As John Stott notes, “The cross is the ultimate demonstration of God’s love for us, taking our place so that we might receive forgiveness and new life” (Stott, The Cross of Christ).

In fancy theological terms Jesus’ death on the cross for us is called as the concept of substitutionary atonement. Often criticized by our progressive friends as unnecessary or absurdly cruel, atonement serves to illustrate that Jesus took upon Himself the consequences of sin, offering humanity a path to reconciliation with God. Critics of this view, such as progressive theologian Rob Bell, argue that focusing solely on substitution detracts from the relational aspect of God’s love, emphasizing instead that Jesus’ life and death reveal God’s desire for transformative justice and reconciliation in the world. He states, “Jesus didn’t die to change God’s mind about humans; He died to change human minds about God”.

In response to this, traditional theologians acknowledge that while the relational aspect is indeed vital, the sacrificial nature of Christ’s death is foundational to understanding the depth of God’s love and justice. As John Stott points out, “The cross is where divine love and divine justice meet,” emphasizing that God’s love is not merely sentimental, but requires a response to sin and evil in the world.

In understanding Good Friday, we recognize it as a pivotal moment where divine love meets human brokenness. The crucifixion reveals not only the gravity of sin but also the depth of God’s commitment to restore and redeem. Thus, rather than viewing God’s actions as harsh, we can see them as the ultimate expression of goodness—one that invites us into a transformative relationship with Him. Through Christ’s death and subsequent resurrection, we find hope and the promise of eternal life, making Good Friday a day that ultimately celebrates the triumph of love over suffering.

Yet, the mystery of Christ’s crucifixion reveals a deeper truth that transcends human understanding. As the Apostle Paul writes in 1 Corinthians 2:8, “None of the rulers of this age understood it; for if they had, they would not have crucified the Lord of glory.” This passage underscores the irony that, in their attempt to eliminate Jesus, the forces of evil unwittingly fulfilled God’s divine plan for redemption. What appeared to be a morbid exercise of divine power became the very means by which humanity is restored to relationship with God. In this light, Good Friday transforms into a profound celebration of love, sacrifice, and the ultimate victory over sin and death. The resurrection of Christ from the dead is Good news.

The Christian worldview offers a distinct perspective on salvation that sets it apart from other spiritual exercises found in world religions. Central to Christianity is the belief that salvation is not achieved through human efforts or the attainment of moral perfection, but through the sacrificial death and resurrection of Jesus Christ. This concept is rooted in the understanding that all humanity falls short of perfect righteousness, as stated in Romans 3:23, “For all have sinned and fall short of the glory of God” (NIV).

In contrast to religions which emphasise personal merit or adherence to ethical principles as pathways to spiritual fulfilment, Christianity teaches that it is through grace alone that we are saved. Ephesians 2:8-9 states, “For it is by grace you have been saved, through faith—and this is not from yourselves, it is the gift of God—not by works, so that no one can boast” (NIV). This grace is made manifest through Christ’s atoning sacrifice, which fulfils the requirements of justice and offers reconciliation with God.

The significance of Christ’s atonement is profound. Theologian Gordon Fee explains, “The death of Christ is what makes possible the forgiveness of sins and the establishment of a new covenant, distinguishing Christianity from all other religions where human effort is paramount”. Moreover, the resurrection of Christ underscores the transformative power of this salvation. Unlike the cycles of reincarnation or the pursuit of Nirvana, Christianity promises eternal life through a personal relationship with God. As theologian N.T. Wright notes, “The resurrection is the beginning of God’s new world”.

Good Friday is considered “good” for several profound reasons, despite the sombre events it commemorates—the crucifixion of Jesus Christ. Here are a few key points that highlight its significance:

Atonement for Sin: Good Friday represents the day when Jesus willingly sacrificed Himself for humanity’s sins. This act of atonement fulfils the requirement for justice and opens the door for reconciliation between God and humanity. As stated in Romans 5:8, “But God demonstrates his own love for us in this: While we were still sinners, Christ died for us” (NIV).

Demonstration of Divine Love: The crucifixion is a powerful demonstration of God’s love. It shows that God was willing to endure immense suffering to restore humanity to Himself. This selfless act embodies the essence of sacrificial love, emphasizing that true love often involves sacrifice.

Victory Over Death: Good Friday sets the stage for the resurrection, which Christians celebrate on Easter Sunday. Without the crucifixion, the resurrection would not hold the same significance. As theologian N.T. Wright notes, “The resurrection is the beginning of God’s new world,” highlighting that Good Friday is a precursor to the ultimate victory over sin and death.

Invitation to Transformation: Good Friday invites believers to reflect on their own lives and the nature of sin. It serves as a reminder of the need for repentance and the opportunity for spiritual renewal. The cross symbolizes not only suffering but also the hope of new life and transformation.

Community and Remembrance: Good Friday fosters a sense of community among believers as they gather to remember and reflect on Christ’s sacrifice. It encourages solidarity in faith and deepens the collective understanding of the significance of Jesus’ suffering.

So, my response to both the critic and converted is that Good Friday is “good” because it encapsulates the core of the Christian faith—the atonement for sin, the demonstration of divine love, the promise of resurrection, and the invitation to transformation and community. It is a day that ultimately leads to hope and redemption. And that is GOOD!

Good Friday invites us to wrestle with the weight of sacrifice and the wonder of redemption. As we reflect on the depth of Christ’s suffering, we are also invited into the hope His sacrifice secured. How has the cross shaped your understanding of God’s love and justice? What does Good Friday mean to you personally? I’d love to hear your reflections—share your thoughts in the comments and let’s encourage one another as we walk through this sacred season together.

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References

Augustine. Confessions Translated by R.S. Pine-Coffin. New York: Penguin Classics, 1961.

Bell, Rob. Love Wins: A Book About Heaven, Hell, and the Fate of Every Person Who Ever Lived. New York: HarperOne, 2011.

Nietzsche, Friedrich. The Gay Science. Translated by Walter Kaufmann. New York: Vintage Books, 1974.

Wells, H.G. The Outline of History: Being a Plain History of Life and Mankind. London: Macmillan, 1920.

Stott, John. The Cross of Christ. Downers Grove, IL: InterVarsity Press, 1986.

Fee, Gordon D. Paul’s Letter to the Philippians. Grand Rapids: Eerdmans, 1999.

Wright, N.T. The Resurrection of the Son of God. Minneapolis: Fortress Press, 2003.