Why call it good? Reflecting on the events told by the Bible, reading the story would offer to many of us a different reaction than “good.” The Friday of Passover week, this particular Friday does not seem all that good to us when reading through the story the first time. We read of a man who came from heaven—he loved and taught people the way to get to the Kingdom of God, and the people killed him for it. A quick reading of the story does not seem all that goodto us.
But the story is not meant to be read quick or even once. It is meant to be read slow, allowing the gravity of the death of Christ to sink in. It really was a good Friday. It was good for God, and it was especially good for us. It was good for God because his plan of redemption was followed through by the faithful Son. And it was especially good for us because God’s people were redeemed.
Looking back at the first time I read the gospels, it was shocking to me that God used such a horrible event to bring about the greatest possible good. That is what makes Good Friday so “good.” The Bible tells a story, the greatest story ever told—Creation, God making man in his own image, the fall of man, God’s great plan to redeem mankind, and his Son at the center of that redemption plan. The good news of Good Friday is that we now have a way back to our Creator, through the cross of the Lord Jesus.
In Luke 23 we have the crucifixion being told, just as the other gospel writes record. But Luke’s telling of the story was always the one that stood out to me. It was in inclusion of the two criminals that were being crucified along with Jesus. One berates and the other worships. Luke telling of the story is an encouragement to us in many ways, but this part has always stood out to me, especially the words of Christ to the criminal who expresses faith.
39 One of the criminals who were hanged railed at him, saying, “Are you not the Christ? Save yourself and us!” 40 But the other rebuked him, saying, “Do you not fear God, since you are under the same sentence of condemnation? 41 And we indeed justly, for we are receiving the due reward of our deeds; but this man has done nothing wrong.” 42 And he said, “Jesus, remember me when you come into your kingdom.” 43 And he said to him, “Truly, I say to you, today you will be with me in paradise.” —Luke 23:39–43 (ESV)
Luke’s telling of the story is a beautiful testimony of the compassion of the Savior. Even in face of imminent death, Christ is thinking of others. The good news of Good Friday for the criminal is that even deathbed confessions lead to paradise. The good news of Good Friday is the hope for sinners who believe. The good news of Good Friday is the hope of life in face of death for people like you and me.
God takes the worst possible situation and calls it good. It was through the suffering of our Christ, we have the forgiveness of sins. It is through the Lord Jesus the relationship is restored and we can return to the presence of the God who loves us and made us with purpose. This Good Friday let us reflect on the great sacrifice of our Savior and worship him for what he has done.
Bro. Jesse