The crucifixion of Jesus is the heart of the Christian story. Jesus was crucified on (Good Friday) he was then taken and placed in a tomb, but just 3 days later he rose from the dead.
But what does all this really mean ?
In the book of John 1:29 It says, Behold the lamb of God who takes away the sins of the world. For those who are familiar with the crucifixion story, there can be no doubt that Jesus suffered terrible pain.For three long hours he experienced immense grief, fear, and agony.
Jesus the son of God lived a sinless life then died to pay our penalty. This is God's ultimate expression of his love for us.
God's commandment's were too much for us to bear. We were cursed, there was only one way to be free, someone had to pay the price. Now we are justified by faith in the finished work of the cross.
Galatians 3:13 Christ has redeemed us from the curse of the law, having become a curse for us, ( for it is written, cursed is anyone who hangs on a tree )
On the night before his death in Jerusalem 2000 years ago, Jesus and his disciples sat down for the last supper. it was an intimate setting, and one where Jesus would talk of the things about to take place. He predicts betrayal by Judas Iscariot, warns Peter that he would deny him. It was obviously very emotional for Jesus, he expresses how he had longed to eat this meal with them. Jesus knows his earthly ministry is about to come to a close. He knew his time to suffer had come. Even as he faces death, Jesus is still preparing other's for what lies ahead.
A little while later, they headed out to the garden of gethsemane. It is here that Jesus is arrested. It was here that Jesus prayed.
Luke 22:42-44
Father if it is your will, take this cup away from me, nevertheless not my will, but yours be done. Then an angel appeared to him from heaven, strengthening him. And being in agony. he prayed more earnestly. Then his sweat became like great drops of blood falling down to the ground.The cup that Jesus speaks of is the terrible agony he knew he would shortly endure. The worse part would be the total separation from the father, which he would need to experience in order to die for the world's sins. It was clear to Jesus that the cross was the only way.
John 3:16 For God so loved the world that he gave his only begotton son, that whoever believes in him should not perish but have eternal life.
On the cross Jesus experienced God's wrath. The anger that God felt towards sin and it's destructive influence on this world was poured out on his son. However Jesus says No one takes my life from me, but I lay it down of my own accord. 2 Corinthians 5:21 For he made him who knew no sin to be sin for us. that we might become the righteousness of God in him.
The word gospel means good news. The death and resurrection of Jesus has given us new life. When Adam and Eve sinned in the garden of Eden, we became separated from God. Now we have been reconciled back to the father.
That sounds like good news to me.
The Bible tells us we must be born again. You can do this by making Jesus Lord and saviour of your life. In the gospel of John, Jesus tells a teacher of the Jews named Nicodemus that he must be (born from above) to enter the kingdom of God. Throughout the New Testament, we continue to see the theme of, born of the spirit, born again, renewed, and "transformed in the teachings of the apostles. To believe in Jesus and enter the kingdom of God, we need to be made into new creatures. We need to be re-born from above where Christ is, so that we will be able to be with him.
So this Easter remember the sacrifice of our Lord Jesus. It is not just about Bunnies and chocolate eggs. It's about Jesus Christ who was born into this world and died for your sins.
Why not make a decision to follow him. He loves you so much. You can receive forgiveness no matter what you have done in the past. He is ready to accept you.
Romans 10:9 says That if you confess with your mouth the Lord Jesus and believe in your heart that God has raised him from the dead you will be saved.
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