On Friday, Sydney shared a Good Friday post. I encourage you to go read that before you read this post. It teaches about Jesus' great love for us and the sacrifice He made for us on the cross.
So, Sydney's post was about Jesus' death. Jesus died the worst kind of death, a crucifixion. He died for our sins. Jesus suffered and then He died. So now this question may be on your mind: Does the fact that Jesus died mean that death has a hold on Him? No, not at all. Because that's not the end. It doesn't just stop there. Even though Jesus did indeed die on the cross, three days later he defeated death.
Let's back up a little bit, even before Jesus' death and resurrection. Jesus predicted his death and resurrection at least 3 times as we read in these three verses:
"From that time Jesus began to show his disciples that he must go to Jerusalem and suffer many things from the elders and chief priests and scribes, and be killed, and on the third day be raised." -Matthew 16:21.
"As they were gathering in Galilee, Jesus said to them, “The Son of Man is about to be delivered into the hands of men, and they will kill him, and he will be raised on the third day.” And they were greatly distressed." -Matthew 17:22-23.
"And as Jesus was going up to Jerusalem, he took the twelve disciples aside, and on the way he said to them, “See, we are going up to Jerusalem. And the Son of Man will be delivered over to the chief priests and scribes, and they will condemn him to death and deliver him over to the Gentiles to be mocked and flogged and crucified, and he will be raised on the third day.”" - Matthew 20:17-19.
Why is this important for us to know? Well, Jesus predicted not only His suffering and death, but also that 3 days later, he would defeat death and resurrect. Although He cried out on the cross '"My God, My God, why have you forsaken me?"' in Matthew 27:46, He knew what was going to happen. And, as Jesus said, He went to Jerusalem and was crucified. What he said was true. Then, just as He said, He was buried in a tomb with a great stone at the entrance (Matthew 27:57-61). And again, as Jesus said, three days later he was raised to life.
So, what does this mean? Why is it significant that all that Jesus predicted, actually happened? This teaches us that this was God's plan all along. Even though we sin, God had a plan to reconcile us to Him through Jesus Christ. This wasn't just an after thought, but His great plan to reconcile us to Him. That even though Jesus suffered and was crucified, He wouldn't stay dead. But He would resurrect and live forever (Romans 6:9) and through Him, His children are saved and have eternal life.
We know that, every year, we celebrate easter weekend, consisting of Good Friday and Easter Sunday. On Good Friday we celebrate Jesus' death and the sacrifice He made for us on the cross. We are reminded of His great love for us. Then, 3 days later, we celebrate Easter Sunday, when Jesus' resurrected. Often times, Easter is just something we celebrate. Most years, we go to church and celebrate with our family. We know this is a significant day because this is the day Jesus Resurrected. But for a lot of people-especially new Christians-it can be difficult to understand and comprehend the significance of the event. So, let's move on to why is Jesus' resurrection is significant and what it teaches us.
First of all, Jesus' resurrection teaches us that God is sovereign. Because even though Jesus suffered and was crucified, He was raised from the dead. This shows us that God had a plan all along to reconcile us to Himself through Jesus Christ's death and resurrection. Not only does it show us that this was God's plan, but also that He keeps His promises. God had promised a Saviour, and this was exactly what Jesus did: save us. Jesus' resurrection was powerful. Death no longer has a hold on Him. He is the name above all names.
Next, Jesus' resurrection teaches us that He is the Son of God, just as He said. Even in two of His predictions of His death and resurrection, He said the "Son of Man." A lot of people didn't believe that He was truly the Son of God. Which was actually why they chose to kill Him (John 19:7.) Even though He died, He was raised to life. Him being resurrected proves that He is indeed the Son Of God.
Lastly, through Christ's resurrection, we are made alive. If Christ had just died and not been raised from the dead, we would not have eternal life and all hope would be lost. But death could not hold Him and He is alive! Through His resurrection, we are alive. Through His resurrection we have hope. Through His resurrection we have eternal life.
We often make Christmas the most important celebration. And yes, Christmas is a huge deal as our Saviour was born, and so, we should celebrate. But to me, Easter is just as important, if not more important. Our God sent His one and only son to shed His blood on the cross for us. But that's not the end. Because three days later, Jesus was raised to life! This is so significant and important to us, even today. We are sinful, but Jesus reconciled us to God. Even though God is still just and holy, through Jesus we have grace, we have mercy, we are made new, and we are set apart. His love for us is the greatest love of all.
So, Friday we remembered His great sacrifice for us on the cross. But today, today we celebrate that Jesus defeated death. Happy Easter!
Comments