Good Friday: The Radical Nature of God's Mercy

Today is Good Friday, and at the end of Holy Week, we finally stand at the foot of the Cross. 

The "Good" in Good Friday comes from its original medieval name, "God's Friday," which, over the centuries, was shortened, largely because the masses, either intentionally or unintentionally, referred to it as "good."  

The scene is a familiar one, the story of Jesus' crucifixion told from the perspective of each of the Gospel accounts, is well known to Christians, despite the varying ways they choose to interpret it.  

One thing stands out, however.  Luke's Gospel relates that even in the midst of incredible pain and suffering, and at the point of death, Jesus forgave his tormentors.  

The Gospel tells us:

“Father, forgive them; for they do not know what they are doing.” (Luke 23:34)

Even in suffering, Jesus speaks of forgiveness. Even in death, He extends grace. This is the mystery at the heart of our faith.

The Cross is not simply an instrument of death—it is the revelation of divine love.

Theologian James Cone once wrote, “The cross is God’s solidarity with the suffering.” It is where God meets humanity at its most broken.

Here, we see the depth of God’s love—not in power, but in vulnerability. Not in control, but in surrender.

The Cross exposes the worst of humanity—violence, injustice, fear. And yet, it reveals the best of God—mercy, forgiveness, and unrelenting love.

This is not easy to comprehend.

Nor is it meant to be. Good Friday is not a day to explain. It is a day to behold.

We are invited today to sit in the tension of love and forgiveness in the face of the worst that the world has to offer. We are called to acknowledge both the pain of the world and the love that refuses to abandon it.

Martin Luther called this the “theology of the cross”—the understanding that God is most fully revealed not in strength, but in suffering love.

And so we linger here. We ought not rush to Easter even though the weariness of the long Lenten season tempts us to do so.  There should be no skipping ahead to resurrection, because this moment matters.

This love matters.

It is here that we are reminded that nothing is beyond redemption. No pain is unseen. No life is beyond God’s reach.

The Cross stands as both a symbol of suffering and a promise of hope.  It stands as a reminder that despite our best efforts to wreak havoc on ourselves and the world around us, God's mercy, love, and grace are sufficient to reverse it all.  

As we hear the words of Jesus today, “Father, forgive,” let us feel their power wash over us.  Let us know that no matter what we have done, or what has been done to us, the burdens of shame, the fear of exposure, and even death itself do not get the last word.  

Let us stand at the foot of the Cross today, and know that nothing can separate us from the love of God, and that "Sunday's coming."  

Prayer

Crucified Christ, help me to see Your love in the midst of suffering. Teach me to trust even when I do not understand. Hold me in the mystery of Your grace. Amen.

Reflection Questions

1. Where do you see suffering in your life or in the world right now?
2. What does the Cross reveal to you about God’s love?
3. How might you embody forgiveness in a difficult situation?