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From the writings of the Rev. Billy Graham

Q: The term Good Friday has always troubled me because this is the day Jesus died on the cross. It seems like Easter should be called Good Sunday since Jesus rose from the grave. Doesn’t this make more sense? – G.F.

A: The day Jesus was crucified is called Good Friday because of the very work Jesus did on the cross by dying for the sins of mankind. This promised the world hope of forgiveness of sin and salvation in God’s Son who shed His precious blood to redeem sinners. The world learned that while the day of crucifixion was gruesome, God promised His only Son as the Redeemer – and resurrection was coming.

“God demonstrates His own love toward us, in that while we were still sinners, Christ died for us” (Romans 5:8, NKJV). There would be nothing to celebrate had it not been for “Good” Friday. Jesus paid the debt of our sins on the cross of Calvary to free us from having to suffer the penalty due us. People have turned their souls over to Satan, but from the cross of Christ, we can hear the Savior say, “I have come to rescue you … come to Me. I bear the weight and the marks of your sin to set you free.” Jesus went willingly to the cross to recover the ownership of our souls. Christ paid the highest price with His precious blood to ransom all who are lost in sin.

To those who humble themselves and plea for Jesus Christ to save their souls, He will respond to those who admit their guilt and accept His pardon. We must, then, live for Him now and we will be forever with Him in eternity. “The Son of Man [Jesus] has power … to forgive sins” (Matthew 9:6, NKJV). This is the story of the cross.

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(This column is based on the words and writings of the late Rev. Billy Graham.)

©2025 Billy Graham Literary Trust. Distributed by Tribune Content Agency, LLC.

(c)2025 BILLY GRAHAM DISTRIBUTED BY TRIBUNE MEDIA SERVICES, INC.