The goodness of Good Friday rests in the redemption through Jesus Christ
Posted by The Skyliner on April 8th, 2009Kaelyn Pfenning
Copy Editor
Every year numerous students celebrate the cancellation of classes on Good Friday, which falls on April 10 this year. But how many know the true significance of the day?
“It is like every other Friday,” Jonathan Gibson, senior broadcast media, said. “Christians think it is a special day because of Jesus’ death. But death of anything living is bad especially when the person is murdered. Life should be cherished not destroyed.”
Some people view Good Friday as simply another Friday; whereas, others remember the reason behind the existence of the day.
According to faithclipart.com, “Good Friday commemorates the crucifixion of Jesus and falls on the last Friday before Easter. It is the pinnacle of Holy Week, and Christians observe this day with great humility and reverence.”
People recognize Good Friday in a number of ways. Some people do not participate in any religious activities on that day.
“For good Friday, I give truthful compliments to people from my heart,” Gibson said. “I also live my life to the fullest and help people. I do not do anything religious on this day.”
Others follow the example of their parents, whether or not that is a special tradition.
“I’ve always done whatever my parents have done, and we don’t have any traditions or regularities for Good Friday,” Luda Chris, freshman mathematics, said.
Some churches hold special services in remembrance of Christ’s death.
“This year the church I attend is hosting a gathering to reflect on Christ’s life and death on the cross,” Christopher Bullard, senior interdisciplinary studies, said. “It’s a time of mourning and reflection before we celebrate Easter and Christ’s resurrection.”
If Good Friday recalls Christ’s death, what makes it “good”?
“I’ve never understood or been told why it’s called ‘good Friday’ or where the name came from,” Bullard said.
“Many believe this name simply evolved—as language does,” according to christianitytoday.com. “They point to the earlier designation, ‘God’s Friday,’ as its root.”
Another possible origin involves the Gallican Church in Gaul, which is France and Germany today.
“The name ‘Gute Freitag’ is Germanic in origin and literally means ‘good’ or ‘holy’ Friday,” according to faithclipart.com.
Some people look at the history of the holiday to discover where the name came from while others apply a reason for the day to be good based on their knowledge of the occurrences of the day.
“I definitely think Good Friday is good,” Chris said. “This is when Jesus took on the sins of the world, thereby removing those sins from us. This is the ultimate example of love, and though sad, it is more than good—it is the greatest thing Jesus ever did.”
Good Friday represents Christ’s death, which signifies the forgiveness of sins for all who believe in him.
“Just as man is destined to die once, and after that to face judgment, so Christ was sacrificed once to take away the sins of many people; and he will appear a second time, not to bear sin, but to bring salvation to those who are waiting for him,” according to Hebrews 9:27-28.