GOOD FRIDAY, THE CRUCIFIXION OF THE LORD AND THE SACRIFICE FOR OUR ATONEMENT (ISAIAH 53:1-9)

Dear Members in Christ,

Good Friday, the crucifixion of the Lord and the sacrifice for our atonement (Isaiah 53:1-9)

What is it about Good Friday that makes it special for Christians? And why is it called good? If this is a remembrance of the Lord’s suffering and crucifixion and death, why should it be called “Good”? There are different sources about how the term “Good Friday” came about.

According to an article in BBC News entitled “Who what why: Why is Good Friday called Good Friday?”, several pausible origins of this term exists. Macpherson, the editor of the Oxford English Dictionary says that the adjective “good” was generally used by the church in reference to religious holidays. Thus, the old greeting one would give another on Christmas day is “good tide”. Therefore the day of Christ’s crucifixion, a day of holy remembrance is called “Good Friday”.

Another common and widely held view is that “Good Friday” is called good by Christians because of the sacrifice of the Lord Jesus Christ on the cross. It is the atonement for our sins, and therefore it is good. Theologically, it is good because our sins are forgiven, and it is good that peace with God is purchased for sinners. However, a more linguistic approach tells of the old Germanic reference to this day as “Gottes Freitag” which is literally “God’s Friday.” A term which later became the more familiar “Good Friday”. Well, Bible scholars and church historians will differ in opinion on this subject. But seriously, all this research aside, what is it that is really important for us?

I would say, the most important aspect of Good Friday is an examination of our faith in the Lord Jesus Christ. The prophet Isaiah encountered the same issue with the people when he preached the salvation of sinners by faith in the Lamb of God. Isaiah the prophet wrote,

“Who hath believed our report? and to whom is the arm of the LORD revealed?” Isaiah 53:1

Who would believe that God would come in the flesh and suffer and die for sinners? This is the central pillar of our faith. It matters not what is the true origin of the term “Good Friday”. What matters is, do we put our faith and trust in God who sent His only begotten Son to suffer and die for our sins on the cross some 2,000 years ago? 

A. Unknown and undesirable in the world’s eyes

It is only human to reject that which appears to us as uncomely, unattractive to our eyes. The people whom Isaiah ministered to had this same underlying prejudice. Who would have thought that the Messiah would come to be beaten and crucified. Therefore, Isaiah gave this prophecy in order that it was no surprise to future generations that Christ will be rejected as the Messiah because of His suffering image.

“Behold, my servant shall deal prudently, he shall be exalted and extolled, and be very high. As many were astonied at thee; his visage was so marred more than any man, and his form more than the sons of men.” Isaiah 52:13-14

Thus, on Good Friday, we meditate upon the passion of Christ for our sakes. 

“He is despised and rejected of men; a man of sorrows, and acquainted with grief: and we hid as it were our faces from him; he was despised, and we esteemed him not.” Isaiah 53:3

Dearly beloved, make very sure of the saving faith which God has revealed to us in the sacrifice of our Lord Jesus. The suffering Messiah would be rejected by the world. But, let Good Friday be our day of remembrance, that Christ suffered, and paid an awful price for our sins. Let us seek to live holy lives and shun sin, knowing that the penalty was paid for in Christ’s blood for us.

B. In the eyes of the faithful, precious atonement for our sin

The world may think nothing of Good Friday. In some nations it is a public holiday, but it will be hardly a day for remembering the suffering borne by the Lord Jesus Christ. The world will not accept a Messiah seen as a man flogged, bleeding and pierced and finally nailed to the cross. The world will never see the need for a savior to atone for their sins. Therefore, Isaiah the prophet presents the Saviour as one who will bear our sins to satisfy the righteousness of a Holy God. To put this across to his audience, Isaiah prophesied,

“Surely he hath borne our griefs, and carried our sorrows: yet we did esteem him stricken, smitten of God, and afflicted.” Isaiah 53:4

The Lord Jesus Christ gave His life on the cross for our sins. What is important about Good Friday? What does it really matter? On Good Friday, it is important that we remember the Lord Jesus bore our sins on the cross. Dear brothers and sisters, as faithful Christians, we cannot deny that we know that this is God’s goodness to us. For in Him we have the forgiveness of sins, and the free gift of eternal life. We remember on Good Friday that God gave His only begotten Son as a sacrifice for our sins, once for all. Let us live our lives in holiness, in devotion for Him who loved us, and gave Himself for us. Amen.

In His Service,
Rev. Lim Seh Beng, Pastor