“Why do you call this Good Friday?” my Hindu neighbor asked me. Evangelicals don’t recognize this day as much as Roman Catholics or Orthodox Christians. We certainly acknowledge the importance of the Crucifixion and death of Christ, but since we are a Sunday only lot, any religious activity that isn’t between 9 to 11 a.m. on the first of the week is outside sacred time for us. Thankfully the liturgical churches make a big deal out of ritual days (Ash Wednesday, Palm Sunday, Pentecost), which gives the Christian church at least a few notable holy days beyond Christmas and Easter.
“Well honestly, it was not a particular good day for Jesus,” I replied. “This is the day that Jesus was tortured and then executed.” I didn’t go into all the gory details of that momentous day 2000 years ago; how that Jesus was beaten, mocked, hung on a Roman cross while the religious leaders of that day ridiculed him saying, “He saved others, but he can’t save himself.”
“However,” I continued, “Christians, remember this day as being Good for all mankind. Jesus died on the cross for the sins of all people. While that Friday was not a good one for Jesus, it was a great day for all those who believe in Christ and have put their faith in Him as Savior.”
Mr. J. looked at me like my granddaughter does when I tell her something that she doesn’t understand. In the mind of a Hindu, the crucifixion is another myth about good triumphing over evil, with no real moral to the story. Then he said, “And Easter is the day he was reborn.”
“Not reborn, resurrected” I countered, knowing this story would be as ludicrous to him as was Good Friday tale.
“Jesus was not reincarnated three days after his crucifixion. While Jesus’ physical body expired He did not die, which is true of all people. Jesus resurrected His physical body three day later on Sunday, which we celebrate as Easter. His resurrection is important to followers of Christ because it demonstrates His power over death and gives us hope that we, too, will one day be resurrected. The grave is not the end of life or existence for Christians. Easter is the important day on the Christian calendar as it celebrates life, not death.”
Mr. J. passed away last December 11th, not really understanding the Gospel. Because of his question to me, I believe I will always hold this day even a bit more special. No, that Friday wasn’t a good day for Jesus at all, but it was a great day for all those who believe, even if they don’t totally understand it or can adequately explain it to others.
