He is not here; He has Risen! - Luke 24:6
Easter Sunday is a day of celebration. The resurrection of Jesus Christ is the greatest event in history and the fundamental reason for our hope and joy. If our focus is on the empty tomb and the risen Savior, there is no way to overdo our worship and celebration during Easter.
As we prepare for Easter, remembering the events that led to this climactic victory over death is key to fully recognizing the power of the resurrection. This week was like no other and is one of the most important weeks in history. Let’s examine the events of the final week of Jesus’ life.
Palm Sunday. The week started with the excitement of Palm Sunday, the triumphal entry of Jesus into Jerusalem. But even then, there were people who opposed Jesus, many who were proclaiming Him as King and excited about the miracles they had witnessed, but not necessarily understanding fully who Jesus was. When the miracles stopped, the tone changed, and “Hosanna” turned into “Crucify Him.”
Maundy Thursday. Fast-forward to that fateful Thursday when Jesus was let down by His sleeping disciples, agonizing in prayer in Gethsemane, betrayed by Judas, arrested by soldiers, abandoned by His best friends, denied by Peter, lied about by false witnesses, hit with fists, beaten with rods, spit upon, whipped by soldiers, rejected by the people, mocked by many, and forced to wear a crown of thorns.
Good Friday. On Friday, the cries, “Crucify Him,” reached a climax. Pilate’s bloody hands were washed, Jesus was stripped of His clothes and forced to walk to His own place of death where He was nailed to a cross and left to die. On the cross, Jesus took upon Himself the sins of the world, became sin for all, was separated from perfect intimacy with the Father, and then … He died. Words fail to describe the physical, emotional, and spiritual horror of all Jesus went through to save us.
Resurrection Sunday. Of course, none of these realities take away from the glory of Easter Sunday. This is the day, above all days, to celebrate, dance, and shout, He is Risen!
Jesus is victorious over sin, hell, and death itself! He rules and reigns forever, having won our victory and redemption!
The power of the resurrection transforms lives and changes history, not just on Easter Sunday, but every single day.
Dare to Ask God to show you the depth of what you are celebrating this Easter as you reflect on the power of the resurrection in your life.
Happy Easter,
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God’s passion for His people can not be extinguished. Do you embody this same passion?