I don’t think the Easter story ever struck me as hard as it did this year.
I suppose, in part, it’s due to my own place in life. As I do research for my stories I’m constantly stumbling across something new, or perhaps more like something I overlooked before.
When you think about how short Jesus’ ministry was, it’s mind-blowing that his teachings made such an earth-shaking impact on the world. More than two centuries later, his name still brings either complete joy or scorn. How is it that this one man shook the very foundation of the world despite only three years of his teachings? What did this man do to warrant the beatings, mockery, and ultimate death by the horrors of crucifixion?
Jesus himself sums it up in John 15:13. “There is no greater love than this, that a man lay down his life for the sake of his friends.”
Jesus suffered the ultimate price for us. His sacrifice was the ultimate game changer. One which offers hope to you and I. It’s a gift which is open to everyone. Not a specific chosen nationality or race, but to all mankind. All we have to do is accept it with all our heart.
His physical resurrection three days after the cross is a fulfillment of many Old Testament prophecies proving his Messianic nature and the ability to overcome death. It’s this same promise he gives to us and the hope for eternal life. It’s the reason we celebrate the Easter holiday.
As the Holy week comes to a close, I wish you and yours a truly blessed Easter. “He is Risen.”