“He is not here, but is risen: remember how he spake unto you when he was yet in Galilee” Luke 24:6 (KJV)
As believers, we should really see Easter as more than just a time for kite-flying and hanging out with family and friends. The world changed that weekend; in fact, we can safely say that the sum of all the events that transpired that weekend is the foundation of our Christian faith.
Think about it: Over the course of that historical weekend, Jesus Christ, the Son of God, was crucified for our sins, buried in a tomb, and then gloriously resurrected on the third day. That momentous weekend (Good Friday, Saturday, and Resurrection Sunday) was the fulfillment of prophecy – God’s divine plan to redeem mankind (Isaiah 53).
On Good Friday, Jesus took on the burden of sin for the sake of mankind. He paid the ultimate price. It was a day of unspeakable suffering but also a day when great love was demonstrated as Jesus selflessly, voluntarily, and willingly laid down His life in order to make peace between man and God. Isaiah 53:5 (KJV) states, “But He was wounded for our transgressions, He was bruised for our iniquities: the chastisement of our peace was upon Him; and with His stripes we are healed.” The debt we could never repay was covered by His great sacrifice.
Saturday was a sobering day for those who followed Jesus, almost unbelievable. Their Lord and Saviour was no longer there, and their hearts were heavy with pain and grief. They did not fully understand that Jesus would only be in the tomb for a little while, hence the despair (Mark 9:31-32; Luke 24:46). There was silence from the tomb on Saturday, but God was working!
Then came Sunday, oh glorious Resurrection Sunday! The stone was rolled away, and our Lord and Saviour Jesus Christ emerged victorious, triumphant over death, hell, and the grave! Truly, Jesus’ resurrection is the ultimate proof of his power and the guarantee of eternal life for all who believe in Him. In essence, there is no other sacrifice that can be made on our behalf. John 11:25 (KJV) says, “I am the resurrection and the life: he that believeth in me, though he were dead, yet shall he live.”
What, then, should our response be? This Easter, let us remember that death and sin do not have the last word. No matter how dire our situation or how dark our past may seem, Jesus’ resurrection offers us a fresh start and a renewed relationship with God. Let the empty tomb serve as a timeless reminder that God’s inimitable love conquers all.
This Easter, celebrate with a new mindset, one that embraces the living reality of Christ in our daily lives as we spread love to everyone.
Live in His grace, and walk in His victory!
Prayer
God, thank You for Your gift of love and for the great sacrifice You made for our sins and shortcomings. I pray that You will help us all live and walk in the victory Jesus obtained for us at Calvary every day of our lives. Amen.
Read: Matthew 12:40; John 4:25-26
Bible Reading Guide: Proverbs 10:1-10; Luke 18:31-43; Luke 19:1-10; Deuteronomy 29; Deuteronomy 30:1-10
