Long-time Tangles readers are likely familiar with the Jesus anime short entitled, “My Last Day”. Every year, around this time, I like to revisit this video, not only as a reminder of the gruesome nature of the crucifixion and the events Jesus endured on that day two thousand years ago, but also as a unique take from the perspective of one of the thieves also crucified.

On this day, Good Friday, Christians remember the event of Jesus’ crucifixion. Why don’t you remember it with us by watching “My Last Day” below?

Now normally this is where we would stop. Jesus brought the thief with him to Heaven, and they lived happily ever after. The end.

Wait a second. Wait just a second now. This video is great; it shows a unique take on the events leading up to the most important piece of Christian history. Regardless of your historical background, it has been well-demonstrated that a man named Jesus was crucified almost two thousand years ago. Similarly, Christians, regardless of their theological backgrounds, agree that the death of this Jesus is integral to their faith, despite how that importance is interpreted. But all of this, like the video above, is missing one crucial element.

The Resurrection.

Matthew 20:19, Mark 8:31, 1 Corinthians 15:4, numerous verses in the Psalms and Isaiah, and countless other pieces of Scripture prophecy of Jesus’ resurrection, explain the importance of Jesus’ resurrection, or both! In fact, I would go as far as to say that the Crucifixion is, without the Resurrection, of no great importance. If Jesus died for good, then he did so as a man. But if Jesus yet lives, then he is far more.

If Jesus died for good, then he did so as a man. But if Jesus yet lives, then he is far more.

So, while we think about the events of Good Friday, let us also look forward to the far more important events that occurred just three days later.