Issue 1951 – Good Friday? – April 2, 2026
Tomorrow is Good Friday. The day we commemorate the crucifixion of Jesus and His death. It seems such a strange name for a remembrance of the day when humanity’s ultimate sin occurred.
Yet it might not be as strange as you think. There are several possible reasons for the name. The most plausible comes from Old English, where “good” often meant holy or pious. That means it is Holy Friday. That tracks.
There is also a theological reason. Without the crucifixion, there is no resurrection, and our sins are not atoned for. That makes the events of that day good, at least in their outcome.
I’ve also heard that the term is a corruption of God’s Friday, but I can’t find any evidence for that perspective.
Whatever the reason for the name, the effect of what happened changed the world. It was always God’s plan, but it bore fruit that day, both forward and backward in time.
On the cross that day, outside of Jerusalem, Jesus made a profound declaration.
When Jesus had received the sour wine, he said, “It is finished,” and he bowed his head and gave up his spirit. John 19:31-34
It was finished. Mission accomplished. Game, set, and match. The wrath of God was satisfied.
All who come by faith were now reconciled to God. What a day!
A horrific day in terms of the events that took place, but truly a Holy Day, a Good Friday.
There will be no Gleanings until Tuesday because of the Easter weekend.
Be blessed
Kevin
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All contents, “Gleanings From the Word” and “Experience an Extraordinary God in Ordinary Life,” are © 2001, 2026 K.F. “Kevin” Corbin, “Gleanings From the Word.”
Unless otherwise noted, “Scripture quotations are from The ESV® Bible (The Holy Bible, English Standard Version®), © 2001 by Crossway, a publishing ministry of Good News Publishers. Used by permission. All rights reserved