As we prepare to celebrate Easter and the resurrection of our Lord and Savior Jesus Christ, our hearts are turned toward a hill on calvary where He laid down His life for the sins of the world.
Jesus came into the world as a man for one specific purpose. He came to bridge the gap between sinful man and a righteous, holy God. Without Him and His precious blood we would all be lost for eternity, but praise be to God, Jesus came, He walked among us and showed us the great love God has for each one of us. The New Testament is full of eye-witness accounts about His earthly ministry.
As Jesus prepared for His crucifixion, He spent His last hours in prayer in the Mount of Olives.
"Father, the time has come. Glorify your Son, that your Son may glorify you. For you granted him authority over all people that he might give eternal life to all those you have given him. Now this is eternal life: that they may know you, the only true God, and Jesus Christ, whom you have sent. I have brought you glory on earth by completing the work you gave me to do. And now, Father, glorify me in your presence with the glory I had with you before the world began." John 17:1-5
It is hard to imagine the anguish that Jesus went through as He realized that His earthly ministry was over. We cannot fathom the amazing love for mankind which held Him to the cross. His physical body was inflicted with pain just as any human body would be, yet He endured. He could have called upon 10,000 angels to come to His rescue, but He didn't. Why? Why would He willingly die for us? It's all about love. A love which is beyond our comprehension, a love that is timeless.
"Let us fix our eyes on Jesus, the author and perfecter of our faith, who for the JOY set before him endured the cross, scorning its shame, and sat down at the right hand of the throne of God. Consider him who endured such opposition from sinful men, so that you will not grown weary and lose heart." Hebrews 12:2-3
Jesus experienced joy for what He accomplished. His work on earth was complete as He hung on the cross and took on the sins of the world. He reconciled mankind to God the Father for all eternity. In spite of the pain, in spite of the scorn, in spite of what looked like complete failure; He knew that what He was doing was for the benefit of all mankind. All those who believe in Him and seek God will reap eternal rewards. His love for us is that great!
But the story doesn't end with Jesus death. The power of Almighty God was displayed further when He brought Jesus back from the grave. His tomb is empty! Our Lord and Savior Jesus Christ not only saved mankind through His blood, but he also defeated the enemy by overcoming death. All those who accept Jesus as their Savior are over comers. We will all spend eternity in the presence of God because of His immense love for us.
All I can say is "Thank You, Father! Thank you, Jesus! And thank you, Holy Spirit!"
