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It’s Good Friday. Have you ever wondered why we call this Good Friday? The origin of the name is not known for sure, but regardless, the name Good Friday is entirely appropriate because the suffering and death of Jesus, as terrible as it was, marked the dramatic culmination of God’s plan to save his people from their sins. 

Good Friday is “good” because it had to happen for us to receive the joy of Easter. Paradoxically, the day that seemed to be the greatest triumph of evil was actually the deathblow in God’s gloriously good plan to redeem the world from bondage. 

As we prepare our hearts for Easter on Sunday—the day we celebrate the resurrection—let me close with these wonderful words from the hymn, How Deep the Father’s Love: 

How deep the Father’s love for us, How vast beyond all measure 
That He should give His only Son To make a wretch His treasure 

How great the pain of searing loss The Father turns His face away 
As wounds which mar the Chosen One Bring many sons to glory 

Behold the man upon a cross My sin upon His shoulders 
Ashamed, I hear my mocking voice Call out among the scoffers 

It was my sin that held Him there Until it was accomplished 
His dying breath has brought me life, I know that it is finished 

I will not boast in anything No gifts, no power, no wisdom 
But I will boast in Jesus Christ, His death and resurrection. 

Why should I gain from His reward? I cannot give an answer; 

But this I know with all my heart – His wounds have paid my ransom. 

I trust you know with all your heart that you have been redeemed and given new life because Jesus loved you enough to die for you and pay the price for your sin. Rejoice! He is risen—He is risen indeed!