What Is So Good about Good Friday?

Good Friday -
What is "so good" about Good Friday?  That is a question posed to me by one of my sons.  Why is it good? Well, the day itself was not good for Christ, especially why it was occurring.  But ask any mother who has birthed a child if they enjoyed the birthing process and I doubt any of them will say "yes!".  Yet the pain they experienced was more than worth it to receive that child.  How much more did Christ do for us than to simply "birth" us? He made himself nothing, took on the SIN OF THE WORLD - not just his own sin for he had none - and was completely separated from God in order to accomplish his will.

While reading the passage below - I get an image in my mind of how horrific this would have been.  I am very picky about what my kids watch on television/movies.  I doubt I would have wanted them to see the agony and horrific beating of Jesus.  I would've wanted to shield their eyes from the torture of his crucifixion and the last moments of his life.  And yet- at some point - they must understand the agony he faced to fully appreciate and embrace what that sacrifice means for their lives.  I pray they will fully comprehend his gift and the value it has in their lives eternally.


Luke 23:32-47
32 There were also two others, criminals, led with Him to be put to death. 33 And when they had come to the place called Calvary, there they crucified Him, and the criminals, one on the right hand and the other on the left. 34 Then Jesus said, “Father, forgive them, for they do not know what they do.”[h]

And they divided His garments and cast lots. 35 And the people stood looking on. But even the rulers with them sneered, saying, “He saved others; let Him save Himself if He is the Christ, the chosen of God.”

36 The soldiers also mocked Him, coming and offering Him sour wine, 37 and saying, “If You are the King of the Jews, save Yourself.”

38 And an inscription also was written over Him in letters of Greek, Latin, and Hebrew:[i]

THIS IS THE KING OF THE JEWS.

39 Then one of the criminals who were hanged blasphemed Him, saying, “If You are the Christ,[j] save Yourself and us.”

40 But the other, answering, rebuked him, saying, “Do you not even fear God, seeing you are under the same condemnation? 41 And we indeed justly, for we receive the due reward of our deeds; but this Man has done nothing wrong.” 42 Then he said to Jesus, “Lord,[k] remember me when You come into Your kingdom.”

43 And Jesus said to him, “Assuredly, I say to you, today you will be with Me in Paradise.”
Jesus Dies on the Cross

44 Now it was[l] about the sixth hour, and there was darkness over all the earth until the ninth hour. 45 Then the sun was darkened,[m] and the veil of the temple was torn in two. 46 And when Jesus had cried out with a loud voice, He said, “Father, ‘into Your hands I commit My spirit.’”[n] Having said this, He breathed His last.

47 So when the centurion saw what had happened, he glorified God, saying, “Certainly this was a righteous Man!”

What is so good about Good Friday?

It wasn't the end.  Jesus knew Sunday was coming.  Praise God it did!!