Is “Good Friday” an Oxymoron?
An oxymoron is a figure of speech containing words that seem to contradict each other. Like, “sweet sorrow” as stated by William Shakespeare’s writing in Romeo and Juliet, “Parting is such sweet sorrow.” “Good Friday” and “sweet sorrow”, go hand and hand this day. To put it plainly, shouldn’t this day be called Bad Friday instead of GOOD Friday and shouldn’t it be said of this day “bitter sorrow” instead of “sweet sorrow”?
But, as black and bitter as this day was when Christ was crucified, we know the end of the story and we know this day really is a good, Good Friday and the sweetest of sorrows because this day represents the noblest, self-sacrificing day which marks our hope and future. These words tell the story of this day: “For God so loved the world that He gave His only begotten Son, that whoever believes Him (and the remarkable love story of this day) will NEVER perish but have eternal life.” (John 3:16)
It is because of this day, this Good Friday, that we have a future and a hope. This day, rather than being solemn and mournful that this act could have ever taken place, should be commemorated with celebrations, and everywhere we looked were crosses adorned with neon lights, and music and bands playing and choirs singing. We’d see people paying homage and offering tributes about what this day means. But, who celebrates like that at a funeral? Well, it’s not funeral time yet. That happens tomorrow on “Holy Saturday” when we go to see the deader-than-dead body in the funeral home. We pay homage to those who died by visiting them. We’ll do that tomorrow….but not this day!
Back to my oxymoron analogy: Good Friday. On this day, the most scandalous betrayal of justice in human history took place. Jesus wasn’t guilty of any crime or sin. After the illegal trials and diabolical treatment, this loving, giving, compassionate, caring, innocent Man was stripped and tied to a post. He was whipped and beaten — too horrible to even imagine. He was betrayed by His friends and spit on by countless people. He was forced to carry a wooden cross to Calvary where nails were driven through his hands and feet and He was left to die. He could have called ten thousand angels to carry Him away, but He refused. Instead, He died there for you and me. He loved so we could LIVE!
So, YES! Let’s belt out “Hallelujah!” Strike up the bands and assemble the choirs because this is the day that saved our lives….literally! This is the day Christ bore every sin we’ve ever committed, He carried every sickness we have ever had, and will have. He gave His life so that we can live forever and ever! How could we be so distracted and be so oblivious to this monumental day of importance? Never again do we wonder if we are loved. God thought our eternal life was worth the death of His only Son. THAT is true love! It is Good Friday! Oh, happy day! This day represents our FREE and Fast Pass to heaven.
Gratitude and thanksgiving is what is expected of us today – we, the redeemed; we, the free; we the loved and we, the blessed and fortunate ones who will live forever and ever with our Redeemer, our Lord and our Savior. Remember Him on the cross today and praise Him, thank Him, worship Him. Give Him your life today, because He gave Himself so completely for you! Then, be a part of the ultimate victory celebration when He arises on “Resurrection Sunday”!!! Good Friday really is so, so GOOD!