In 4th-century Jerusalem, during Holy Week, believers observed the week with profound reverence and a spirit of participation in the Passion of Jesus Christ. Drawing upon accounts recorded in the Synoptic Gospels, they reenacted the events of the Passion at the very sites where they occurred—or in their immediate vicinity—thereby immersing themselves in the experience of Christ’s suffering. In particular, the *Triduum*—the final three days of Holy Week, comprising Maundy Thursday, Good Friday, and Holy Saturday—was observed with heightened solemnity, serving as a time to deeply reflect upon the significance of Jesus Christ’s life, suffering, and resurrection.
The reason Holy Friday is referred to as “Good Friday” is that, although Christ was crucified and died on this day, His sacrifice ultimately brought forth something good. It signifies that while Jesus Christ endured extreme agony and died on the cross to atone for our sins, it was precisely because of that Friday—a day of suffering and death—that the resurrection of Jesus Christ, His triumph over death, and the promise of resurrection life became possible.
Another explanation for the English designation “Good Friday” relates to the linguistic origins shared by English and Dutch—the only languages that employ this specific terminology.
It is said that the English word “Goodbye” originated as a contraction of the phrase “God be with ye” (May God be with you) that evolved over time. In a similar vein, etymologists suggest that the term “Good Friday” evolved from a variation of the Germanic word *Goddes*, meaning “God’s” or “divine.” Thus, within its Germanic linguistic context, “Good Friday” carries a significance that transcends the mere concept of “goodness,” conveying instead the deeper meaning of a “Holy Friday.”
The ultimate message—the supreme gift—that God seeks to bestow upon us through the Cross is holy love. Through the Cross, God poured out the fullness of His holy love. It was a demonstration of God’s boundless love, flowing forth from the hill of Calvary. Good Friday is the day on which God’s holy purpose—to love and save the world—was proclaimed, even in the face of humanity’s rejection of His love. (John 3:16)
The renowned painter Rembrandt created several paintings depicting Jesus’ death on the cross. However, a peculiar detail was discovered within these works: in every single painting, a strange figure could invariably be found standing in a corner. Consequently, someone once asked him about this. “Who is that person always standing in the corner over there?” Upon hearing this, Rembrandt reportedly welled up with tears and replied, “That man is none other than myself—the very one who helped carry out the crucifixion.”
Jesus Christ, who shed His blood on the cross today for the sake of my sins, was nailed to the cross at 9:00 a.m. on Friday. He remained hanging there until 3:00 p.m., at which time He uttered His “Seven Last Words” and departed to be with God.
“Father, forgive them, for they do not know what they are doing.” (Luke 23:34)
“Truly I tell you, today you will be with me in paradise.” (Luke 23:43)
“Woman, here is your son”; then he said to the disciple, “Here is your mother.” (John 19:26–27)
“Eloi, Eloi, lema sabachthani?” (which means “My God, my God, why have you forsaken me?”) (Matthew 27:40)
“I am thirsty.” (John 19:28)
“It is finished.” (John 19:30)
“Father, into your hands I commit my spirit.” (Luke 23:46)
Then, that very evening, Joseph of Arimathea laid Jesus’ body to rest in a tomb. After being buried in this manner, the following day—Saturday—was both the Passover and the Sabbath. Jesus remained in the tomb throughout Friday, Saturday, and into the first day of the week (the day after the Sabbath). The earth lost its light and was shrouded in darkness. Yet, on the first day of the week—less than fifty hours later—the Lord emerged as a radiant light, granting us the hope of resurrection.
The Lord rose from the dead some two thousand years ago; today, He remains with us through the Holy Spirit, continuing to offer us the hope of resurrection. Cherish this hope of resurrection, and… I pray that we may all spend the remainder of Holy Week—specifically the Triduum (Maundy Thursday, Good Friday, and Holy Saturday)—in deep reverence, and that we may share in the glory of the Resurrection. Shalom!
by Rev. Jaewoong Chang
