And when Jesus had cried out with a loud voice, He said, “Father, ‘into Your hands I commit My spirit.’” Having said this, He breathed His last. (Luke 23:46 NKJV (quoting Psalm 31:5))

Why is Good Friday good? At first glance, it seems anything but good. The Bible details how Jesus – God in human flesh – was

scourged (John 19:1);
mocked (Matthew 27:29);
spit on (Matthew 27:30); and
crucified (Mark 15:25).

When Jesus was arrested, His disciples forsook Him and fled (Matthew 26:56). No one stood up for Jesus when the soldiers “twisted a crown of thorns” and put it on Jesus’ head (John 19:2 NKJV). The soldiers also set a purple robe on Jesus and said, “Hail, King of the Jews!” and struck Him with their hands (John 19:2–3 NKJV).

During Jesus’ crucifixion, there was darkness over the whole land for three hours (Mark 15:33). The sun was darkened (Luke 23:45). Then Jesus cried out with a loud voice and died (Mark 27:50).

After his death, there was an earthquake (Matthew 27:51). His disciples mourned and wept (Mark 16:10). On the surface, it looked like Jesus’ ministry had been destroyed. How could any of that be good?

But God.

God was at work behind the scenes. He tore the veil of the temple in two, from top to bottom (Mark 15:38). The separation between God and man no longer had to be there. By dying, Jesus had atoned for everyone’s sins: once and for all (Romans 6:10). Jesus had made a way for us to come into a relationship with God.

And then on Sunday morning, Jesus rose from the dead (Matthew 28:6; Mark 16:6). He overcame death (1 Corinthians 15:54–57). God had not only made a way for us to come to Him, but to have eternal life (Romans 6:23). God worked the worst situation together for good. Praise Him!

That’s why Good Friday is good. God fulfilled His master plan to redeem us. He made the way so all we have to do is believe and submit to Him.

So, on this Good Friday, remember the great sacrifice Jesus made for you. Thank God for His faithfulness to fulfill His plan of redemption. Praise Him for His power to overcome death. Then bask in the joy of His forgiveness as you walk by faith with Him.

Photo by Jongsun Lee on Unsplash