Today is the Worst Day in Human History

Summary

The article discusses the significance of Good Friday from a Christian perspective, emphasizing the hope and love it symbolizes despite the injustice of Jesus's execution.

Abstract

The author, Mark, reflects on the paradox of Good Friday being considered the worst day in human history due to the unjust execution of Jesus, who is believed to be the only perfect person. He acknowledges the vast suffering throughout human history but focuses on the unique injustice of Jesus's trial and death. Good Friday is deemed good because, according to Christian belief, Jesus's willing sacrifice and subsequent resurrection on Easter provide forgiveness and eternal life to humanity. The author expresses deep gratitude and hope, rooted in the unconditional love and forgiveness offered by God through Jesus's sacrifice. The article aims to articulate the importance of Good Friday to those unfamiliar with its significance in orthodox Christianity.

Opinions

The author believes that Good Friday marks an injustice so profound that it stands out in human history, despite the many tragedies that have occurred.
Jesus's perfection and innocence make his execution a grave miscarriage of justice, akin to punishing an innocent child or falsely accusing a figure like Greta Thunberg.
The author asserts that Jesus's death was a necessary sacrifice to fulfill God's justice, as no human could keep God's laws perfectly.
God's love is emphasized through the act of sacrificing His son to pay for humanity's transgressions, similar to an earthly judge paying a fine for his daughter.
The author feels a personal connection to this narrative, expressing gratitude for being loved and forgiven despite personal shortcomings.
The article is written with the intention of explaining the author's beliefs without theological jargon, inviting understanding from those who may not share the same views.

Understanding Religion

Today is the Worst Day in Human History

And why it fills me with hope for the future

Seriously?

The worst day in history, Mark? You jumped on the Exaggeration Express train straight into Hyperbole Town. Do you know how much destruction, trauma, and tragedy occurred over the centuries humankind walked the earth?

Yes.

Impossibly more misery than I can comprehend, and my mediocre writing skills can communicate. Therefore, let us avoid a theological pissing match about which people or era suffered the most. Instead, we examine an injustice so egregious it was never repeated in recorded history — and why I’m eternally grateful for this unspeakable crime.

Authors note: If you are trudging through this overdramatic buildup waiting for the punchline — it’s not coming. I am speaking earnestly from the heart without satire or shennigans.¹

Today is Good Friday

Good Friday is the anniversary of the day that Jesus was sentenced to death by Crucifixion — sentenced to death for crimes he did not commit.

Author’s Note: I’m fully aware that the majority of people are not followers of Jesus. You may have had negative interactions with people claiming to be Christians. I empathize with your wounds and do not want to minimize your trauma. I say to you explicitly — I do not hate you. Do I love you as much as my God wants me to? No, but I’m trying.

But Mark, plenty of unfortunate people are convicted of crimes they didn’t do. What makes Jesus’s trial unique? Why do Christians call it Good if it is as terrible as you say?

Jesus was perfect

Jesus is the only person who never made a mistake, had unpure thoughts, snapped at his parents, stole from the cookie jar, or said unfair words in anger. He never lied to a friend, cheated on his taxes, or drove over the speed limit in a school zone. He was innocent of all crimes and morally without fault. This perfection was so complete that it was accepted by the creator God of the universe— who does not grade humanity on a curve.

Jesus was the best of us. Brighter than Stephen Hawking, more generous than Bill Gates, and more loving than Oprah. I struggle to find a metaphor to describe the volume of injustice in us killing the world’s only perfect person. It’s like charging an infant with first-degree murder or accusing Greta Thunberg of war crimes. It sounds ludicrous to say either out loud. Nevertheless, Jesus was tried, sentenced, and executed on the cross.

If the story ended here, it would be the worst day in human history.

What makes Good Friday good

Jesus accepted the judgment from the authorities willingly because he knew why his death was necessary — and what would happen three days later on Easter morning.

Jesus knew that no ordinary human could fully keep the laws of God with our mind, soul, heart, and strength. He knew that for God the Father to be just and reasonable, humanity’s crimes could not be ignored forever.

God was like an earthly judge whose daughter received a speeding ticket. After sentencing his daughter to a legitimate fine, he pulled out his checkbook to pay the penalty on her behalf. Likewise, God the Father sentenced God the Son to death on our behalf for crimes Jesus never committed.

Without Good Friday, there is no Easter.

Where my hope comes from

Today I pause from my usual tomfoolery and reflect on the second most important day in history. Despite my numerous faults and the ugliness of my soul, I am loved with unconditional love and forgiveness. My Father sees me not for my performance but by His Son’s. Jesus sacrificed so that we may have life.

I hope for tomorrow because I know deeply the God who has walked beside me, seen me at my worst, and still chooses to call me His adopted son. Though I suck at life most days, He never gives up on me.

In Summary

My purpose in writing this story is to lovingly and humbly articulate my beliefs regarding the significance of Good Friday to an audience unfamiliar with the holiday. The statements in this story align with a historically accurate understanding of orthodox Christianity.

Disagree if you need to, but please understand what I believe. Thanks for reading.

Footnote:

¹ To prevent being incredibly verbose, I did not caveat every theological statement with wordy prefixes like “I believe,” “followers of Jesus believe,” “the Bible teaches,” etc. If it aids the reader’s understanding of my perspective, insert these clauses as needed.