“It’s Friday but Sunday is comin’”

One of the most effective sermons on this view of the cross was delivered several years ago by an elderly minister in a predominantly black church in West Philadelphia. Before a congregation of 500, he began his sermon with one line which he used over and over again: “It’s Friday, but Sunday’s comin’”…

The phrase was made famous by Christian author and theologian Tony Campolo. The saying can be traced back to Baptist pastor S. M. Lockridge. In Pastor Lokridge’s Easter sermon, he used the days of the week as a metaphor for the events surrounding Jesus Christ’s crucifixion and resurrection. Friday represents suffering, betrayal, and apparent defeat—Jesus praying in Gethsemane, Peter sleeping, Judas betraying, the crowd vilifying, and ultimately Jesus being crucified and buried. Despite the despair of Friday, Lockridge emphasizes that Sunday is coming, symbolizing resurrection, hope, and triumph over sin and death.

The point that old preacher was making was this: yes, that was a Friday shrouded in darkness, a tragic day on which it appeared that all hope was lost…but the light of Sunday, of Easter, was yet to come, when the Risen Jesus would restore that lost hope. And just as He did then, He has been doing it ever since. As people of faith, that’s what we need to remember on those dark Fridays in our life - and there will be many – that we have reason to hope…. because Sunday’s comin’.

The sermon has become one of the most quoted and shared messages in Christian circles, often recited or referenced during Easter services, and motivational talks. Its rhythmic, poetic delivery and vivid imagery of the crucifixion make it memorable and emotionally powerful. The message serves as a universal reminder that difficult times are temporary and better days are ahead.