Director, Commonwealth Policy Center

Today is Good Friday, but when you stop to think about why it's called "good" it might seem contradictory. The Christian tradition celebrates this day as the day that Jesus Christ was put death on a cross. Jewish leaders made false charges and stirred up the people to turn against him. According to their tradition they could ask for a convict to be released and put to death another in his place. Of course, they demanded Barabbas who was a murderer and involved in insurrection. Jesus, on the other hand, was perfect and sinless. If the story ends here, it would be depressing. But the good news is that Jesus came to give his life up for sinners in order that they might be reconciled to God. And that's the good news that we can all celebrate!