Why do Christians call today ‘Good Friday,’ a day Jesus was tortured, humiliated, and nailed on the cross to die?

At first glance, there seems to be nothing good about the events of Good Friday when Jesus suffered horrific injustice at the hands of corrupt religious rulers.

Photo by Stefan Kunze

Today is Good Friday, observed during Holy Week, falling two days before Easter Sunday. On this solemn day, Christians commemorate the crucifixion and death of Jesus Christ. But why is it called “Good” Friday? What is the meaning behind this name?

The term “Good” Friday carries a profound meaning rooted in the ultimate sacrifice made by Jesus Christ. Although the Bible does not explicitly mention this term, its historical usage has deep theological implications.

Some theories suggest that it was originally called “God’s Friday” and later evolved into “Good Friday.” However, most linguists find this theory unlikely. A more plausible explanation is that the term comes from an old-fashioned meaning of “good” as “holy.” In other words, it was once known as “Holy Friday.” Regardless of its historical development, Christians today perceive Good Friday as “good” in the sense of Jesus’ ultimate purpose.

At first glance, there seems to be nothing good about the events of Good Friday. Jesus suffered horrific injustice at the hands of corrupt religious rulers and was put to death by the Romans on a shameful torture device. His followers mourned His death that Friday and Saturday. The disciples, who had given up their livelihoods, saw their hopes and dreams shattered. If Jesus’s death had been the end of the story, Christians would be objects of pity: “And if Christ has not been raised, your faith is futile and you are still in your sins. Then those also who have fallen asleep in Christ have perished. If in Christ we have hope in this life only, we are of all people most to be pitied” (1 Corinthians 15:17-19, ESV).

The answer to why Christians call it “Good Friday” lies in the Resurrection (Matthew 28:1-10). Resurrection Sunday transforms every other Friday on the calendar into Good Friday. Throughout Scripture, we see a pattern: “not good” events are later reinterpreted by God to bring about what is truly good. 

Consider the story of Joseph in Genesis 37. His betrayal by his brothers, slavery, false accusations, and imprisonment seemed like “not good” moments. Yet God used them to save many lives. Similarly, the evil events of Jesus’ crucifixion and death were transformed. Lawless men crucified Jesus, but God meant it for good — the redemption of humanity: “this Jesus, delivered up according to the definite plan and foreknowledge of God, you crucified and killed by the hands of lawless men” (Acts 2:23, ESV);  “and you killed the Author of life, whom God raised from the dead. To this we are witnesses” (Acts 3:15, ESV).

In retrospect, we recognize that Good Friday is indeed “good” because it leads to the glorious hope of Easter — the resurrection of Jesus Christ and the salvation of all who place their trust in Him: “For God so loved the world, that he gave his only Son, that whoever believes in him should not perish but have eternal life” (John 3:16, ESV).