The title of tonight’s message is, “Why do they call Good Friday good?” Before we go any further, let’s pause and ask ourselves—why is that? What makes a day marked by betrayal, suffering, bloodshed, and death “good”? What is good about watching the sinless Son of God crucified on a Roman cross?

To the casual observer, it doesn’t look good at all. It appears brutal, unjust, and like the worst day in history.

But when we view the cross through the eyes of faith, everything changes. We begin to see that what man intended for evil, God used for good. What appeared to be defeat was actually the path to victory. What seemed like the end was the beginning of our redemption. And so, we recognize that it is called Good Friday—not because of what happened to Jesus, but because of what happened for us.

Tonight, we are going to remember why this day matters. We will reflect on the depth of Jesus’ sacrifice and the goodness of God poured out for us through the cross.

Let’s take a closer look.

As we approach this Easter weekend, I want to remind you of an essential truth. Our battle as followers of Jesus is not against people. It’s not against those who oppose us or those who think differently from us. The Bible clearly states:

“Our struggle is not against flesh and blood, but against the rulers, against the authorities, against the powers of this dark world and against the spiritual forces of evil in the heavenly realms” (Ephesians 6:12, NIV).

In other words, there is a very real spiritual enemy who despises God and, by extension, despises the children of God because he loathes what God loves. Known by many names—the devil, Satan, or the Prince of Darkness—he stands in direct opposition to the Kingdom of Light. His ultimate aim is to disrupt God’s plans or hinder God’s blessings in your life by any means possible.

There’s a reason why the urge to give up often feels strongest right before something good happens. The enemy works hardest to convince you to quit when you’re on the brink of a breakthrough. Those hard trials you’re facing might seem overwhelming now, but they could lead to some of the most meaningful moments in your life.

The enemy will flood your mind with reasons to abandon the things that matter most—whether it’s a relationship, a dream, your education, your faith, or even your connection with God. He whispers, “Just quit,” hoping to distract you from what God has waiting for you on the other side of the battle.

But don’t lose heart. While life may feel heavy and the obstacles insurmountable, God’s blessings often emerge just beyond the difficulties. Hold on, press forward, and trust that the goodness of God is closer than you realize.

In this context, let’s focus on Jesus, God’s only Son, who was the ultimate target of our spiritual enemy. As He moved forward through Passion Week, fully aware that He was nearing the fulfillment of prophecy and His divine purpose for humanity, He said to His disciples:

"Now the time had come for the Son of Man to enter into his glory" (John 12:23, NIV).

In other words, Jesus, fully aware of the suffering and torture that awaited Him, knew it was time to give His life. In a moment of raw honesty with those closest to Him, He revealed His heart, saying:

"Now my soul is deeply troubled. Should I pray, ‘Father, save me from this hour’? But this is the very reason I came" (John 12:27, NIV).

In essence, Jesus was saying, “Father, I know what lies ahead—the pain, the suffering they will inflict on me. Should I ask You to spare me? Is there another way? I know my purpose is to give my life, but the reality of what I am about to face feels overwhelming.”

As Jesus drew closer to Friday, the night before, we find Him praying in the garden of Gethsemane:

"Father, if you are willing, take this cup from me; yet not my will, but yours be done" (Luke 22:42, NIV).

In the midst of His profound anguish, Jesus asked if there was another way, fully aware of the immense suffering ahead—not just the physical torment, but the overwhelming emotional burden of rejection and betrayal.

Some of you have experienced the heartache of being hurt by someone close to you—betrayed, lied about, or let down by a trusted friend. That was the pain Jesus carried in the garden. He knew Judas would betray Him, Peter would deny Him, and the rest of His disciples would abandon Him at the moment He needed them the most.

Peter, one of Jesus’ closest disciples, boldly declared:

"Even if all fall away on account of you, I never will” (Matthew 26:33, NIV).

Yet later, when confronted by a servant girl who recognized him and said, “You also were with Jesus of Galilee,” Peter denied it before everyone, saying:

"I don't know what you're talking about” (Matthew 26:69–70, NIV).

As Jesus prayed in the garden, He knew exactly what was ahead. He foresaw the rejection from those He loved, but it wasn’t just the emotional pain He braced for—it was also the excruciating physical suffering and torment that awaited Him. He knew they would beat Him beyond recognition, striking Him repeatedly, leaving Him bruised and bloodied. He understood the fulfillment of what the prophet Isaiah had proclaimed centuries earlier about Himself:

"He was pierced for our transgressions, He was crushed for our iniquities; the punishment that brought us peace was upon Him, and by His wounds we are healed" (Isaiah 53:5, NIV).

In other words, because of His divine nature and eternal existence, Jesus was fully aware of God's redemptive plan, including the suffering He would face on Good Friday.

As the Word made flesh, He came into the world knowing His purpose—to sacrifice His life for humanity's salvation. He knew the torment that awaited Him: they would whip Him, beat Him, and force a crown of thorns onto His head while mocking Him, saying:

"Hail, King of the Jews!" (Matthew 27:29, NIV).

He anticipated being laid on a rough wooden cross, having metal pins driven through His wrists and feet, and being lifted up, naked, exposed, and in agony. He knew the mockery and curses that would come from those passing by as He struggled to breathe. Yet, despite it all, Jesus was ready to endure every moment.

The worst part of it all wasn’t the beatings or the nails, nor even the anguish of being crucified—it was the moment when Jesus became sin for us. In that moment, God the Father had to turn His face away. Jesus cried out:

"My God, my God, why have you forsaken me?" (Matthew 27:46, NIV).

It was the loneliest moment Jesus had ever faced. Yet, knowing all of this beforehand, He still chose to step into it. He willingly embraced the cost—obedience to His Father, choosing the cross, and ultimately, saving you and me.

The Bible says, "For the joy set before Him, He endured the cross, scorning its shame" (Hebrews 12:2, NIV).

Jesus may have had countless reasons to walk away, but He held onto one reason that mattered most—you. You were the joy set before Him.

Knowing the time was near, He said to His disciples:

"It was for this very reason I came to this hour" (John 12:27, NIV).

Everyone, turn to your neighbor and tell them: “You are the reason Jesus came.”

Jesus knew His purpose clearly. He didn’t come to impress the religious leaders—He came to set the captives free. He said, "I have not come to call the righteous, but sinners" (Mark 2:17, NIV).

In His humanity, Jesus could have chosen to give up, to walk away from the pain and suffering. Yet, He stayed the course because you were the joy set before Him; you were the only reason he needed.

In the garden, as Jesus was still praying with His disciples, Judas arrived with a small group of soldiers. The Bible says, “Jesus, knowing all that was going to happen to him…”

Say that with me: "Jesus, knowing all that was going to happen to him, (Jesus knowing) went out and asked them, 'Who is it you want?'" (John 18:4, NIV).

"'Jesus of Nazareth,' they replied" (John 18:5, NIV).

"'I am he,' Jesus said" (John 18:5, NIV).

"When Jesus said, 'I am he,' they drew back and fell to the ground" (John 18:6, NIV).

This is no small detail. It reveals the power of God’s Word. When Jesus said, “I am,” He echoed the words of God to Moses at the burning bush. The same Word that spoke the universe into existence asked them again,

"'Who is it you want?' And they said, 'Jesus of Nazareth'" (John 18:7, NIV).

"'I told you that I am he,' Jesus answered. 'If you are looking for me, then let these men go'" (John 18:8, NIV).

"Then the detachment of soldiers with its commander and the Jewish officials arrested Jesus. They bound him and brought him first to Annas, who was the father-in-law of Caiaphas, the high priest that year. Caiaphas was the one who had advised the Jews that it would be good if one man died for the people" (John 18:12–14, NIV).

Now, hold on a minute! Did you notice who first referred to the death of Jesus as “good”? It wasn’t one of His followers. It wasn’t Peter or John. Who was it? It was a corrupt man, a false teacher, the high priest named Caiaphas.

As Israel’s high priest, Caiaphas’s role was to act as a mediator between God and His people. However, by this point in history, the position of high priest had become more political than spiritual. Instead of drawing people closer to God, Caiaphas became part of the opposition—part of the problem.

Without realizing it, when Caiaphas said it would be good for one man to die for the people, he spoke a deeper truth than he understood. God was at work, even through corrupt leaders and broken systems. That’s why, even on a dark and violent day, we can call it Good Friday.

Isn’t it incredible how God works? Here we have a religious leader—Caiaphas—completely opposed to Jesus. And yet, he was the one whom God used to prophesy and proclaim this powerful truth:

“It would be good if one man died for the people” (John 18:14, NIV).

Caiaphas didn’t realize he was prophesying, because prophecy never originates from human will. That statement wasn’t his own idea; it was God’s plan. In His sovereignty and divine wisdom, God designed a good plan—a plan to bring healing to the broken, to call out those who feel ashamed and hidden. I thank God for that plan because it met our deepest need.

There’s no denying that what happened on that Friday was brutal and horrific. It was filled with pain and death. Yet, as Scripture reminds us: "We know that in all things God works for the good of those who love him, who have been called according to his purpose" (Romans 8:28, NIV).

In God’s perfect eyes, it was good—because it was for our ultimate good.

Even Jesus understood this, as He told His disciples just hours before:

"It is for your good that I am going away. Unless I go away, the Counselor will not come to you; but if I go, I will send him to you" (John 16:7, NIV).

In other words, Jesus fully understood the horror and pain this day would bring. He knew the anguish He would endure, yet He also held onto a truth no one else could fully grasp. To Him, it was clear—"it is for your good." With that in mind, He willingly embraced the suffering and the shame of the cross, knowing it was the only way to make it good.

For the joy set before Him, Jesus was unwavering in His commitment to you. He climbed the hill:

"Carrying his own cross, he went out to the place of the Skull (which in Aramaic is called Golgotha). Here they crucified him, and with him two others—one on each side and Jesus in the middle" (John 19:17–18, NIV).

On that hill, Jesus took on the weight of our suffering and shame. He paid the wages of sin and the debt we inherited through Adam, setting us free. This is the story of redemption—a loving God who gave His only Son to turn our pain into something good.

Amid the hatred and mockery surrounding Him, Jesus displayed unimaginable grace. He looked to heaven and prayed:

"Father, forgive them, for they do not know what they are doing" (Luke 23:34, NIV).

Even in the depths of agony, Jesus' act of forgiveness revealed the immeasurable extent of His love for us. At any moment, He could have taken a different path. With one word, legions of angels could have come to His rescue, defeating His enemies in an instant—but He didn’t. Jesus stayed the course because He had one reason that mattered most—you.

Immanuel, God in the flesh, fulfilled His mission on the cross. He looked to heaven and declared, “Tetelestai, it is finished” (John 19:30, NIV), followed by, "Father, into your hands I commit my spirit" (Luke 23:46, NIV).

Creation itself responded to the weight of this divine moment. Darkness covered the land, the temple curtain tore in two from top to bottom, the earth shook, and the rocks split (Matthew 27:51, NIV). Those gathered around the cross stepped back in fear, uncertain of the enormity of what had just occurred.

They didn’t fully understand it yet, but something profoundly eternal had taken place. Through the cross and the shed blood of Jesus, death was defeated. Satan, the Prince of Darkness, was crushed. The power of death, hell, and the grave was broken. Because of His sacrifice, we can now receive forgiveness and freedom. This is the ultimate victory.

The tearing of the temple curtain by the mighty hand of God symbolized the end of separation between His holy presence and His people. Through His sufficient sacrifice, Jesus, the Lamb of God, not only granted us access to God, but He also became our High Priest.

Caiaphas, the high priest who annually stepped behind that curtain to offer sacrifices for Israel's sins, unknowingly declared a profound truth. By calling for one man to die for the people, Caiaphas spoke of the ultimate sacrifice—the death of Jesus. As Hebrews 4:14 reminds us, we now have a great high priest who has ascended into heaven, Jesus the Son of God.

For the joy set before Him, our Savior took on our sin and shame—not to judge or reject us, but to draw us close. Hebrews 4:15 tells us He is a high priest who understands our weaknesses, having faced temptation in every way, yet without sin.

Jesus knows our struggles. He understands what it feels like to be tempted, weary, or in pain. Through the Holy Spirit, He gently calls us to approach Him, so we can receive mercy and find grace to help us in our time of need (Hebrews 4:16).

This is why Good Friday is indeed good. In fact, perhaps it should be called Great Friday, or maybe the best Friday ever, because through His sacrifice, Jesus gave us life. As Caiaphas said:

“It would be good if one man died for the people.”

Graphics, notes, and commentary from LifeChurch, Ministry Pass, PC Study Bible, Preaching Library, and Sermon Central. Scripture from the New International Version unless otherwise noted.