He is not here, for He has risen, just as He said [He would]. Come! See the place where He was lying. -Matthew 28:7, AMP
Jesus had informed His disciples of His death before its occurrence. Additionally, He foretold of His resurrection. (Mark 8:31-38). We gathered the story from childhood, but do you really know its significance? Why would God allow His Only Son to be crucified for people like us? The reality is, we are mere mortals born in sin and in desperate need of a Savior. And until our eyes are open to this truth, we wander in the wilderness of a sinful lifestyle, clueless to what lies ahead.
As I stated in my article, "When Bad Things Happen To Good People"; Though you may consider yourself a good person, the truth is, the Bible makes it plain that we are flawed and tainted with sin. Indeed, there is not a righteous man on earth who always does good and never sins. (Ecclesiastes 7:20, AMP, Romans 3:10-18; 1 John 1:8). Whatever actions God considers good, we fall utterly short of. We all have a sinful nature. Even after accepting Christ as our Savior, we all have fallen short of God’s glory. Yet God loves us and bestows His goodness upon us. (Romans 3:23). He paid the penalty for our sin. (Romans 6:23). Accordingly, we owe a debt we will never be able to pay. He paid a debt we did not deserve Him to pay.
Therefore, to answer the question, let us look at John 3:16: “For God so [greatly] loved and dearly prized the world, that He[even] gave His [One and] [a]only begotten Son, so that whoever believes and trusts in Him [as Savior] shall not perish, but have eternal life. Beloved, God’s love for humanity compelled Him to make the greatest sacrifice. And those of us who have ever lost a loved one recognize the pain and agony it brings. Unquestionably, Jesus' death was proof of how much God loves us. He lavished this unbelievable unconditional love on us while asking for nothing in return.
Because of His death, we have hope. Hope, like Mary Magdalene and the other Mary, had when they went to the sepulcher and received the good news that He rose. They left the tomb with both fear and joy. And they could not wait to tell the disciples of the wondrous news. But suddenly, something happens, something they were not anticipating. Jesus emerges on the scene, and everything changes.
And as they went, suddenly, Jesus met them, saying, “Rejoice!” And they went to Him and took hold of His feet [in homage] and worshiped Him [as the Messiah]. 10 Then Jesus said to them, “Do not be afraid; go and tell My brothers to leave for Galilee, and there they will see Me [just as I promised].” (Matthew 28:9, Mark 16:1-4)
What a spectacular encounter this must have been for these women. They take hold of His feet, and with homage and revered honor, they worship Him. The Lord comforts their soul and eases their mind, then instructs them to go proclaim to my brothers to go to Galilee, and they will see Him there. They take His potent message and bring glad tidings to His disciples that the Savior is alive. And because He lives, we can face tomorrow. His death, burial, and resurrection have brought us access to an assurance that whatever happens on this journey, we are not alone, for God will be with us.
My prayer for this glorious time of the year is that your eyes are enlightened to who Jesus is. Open your heart and see that His body that was brutally broken and torn apart for you was because you mean the world to Him. The nails they drove into His wrist signify He is a friend like none other. He had undergone being betrayed by Judas, a disciple He chose. (Mark 14:43-50). The other disciples abandoned Him.
He endured hurling insults and mocking from His accusers. He was spat on and hit with their fists. The terrible scourging/flogging had left him physically, mentally, and emotionally exhausted. No doubt, the pain was excruciating. (John 19:1). Those stripes ripped flesh from His body. Jesus bore each stripe for us. He was brutalized and stripped of His dignity. Jesus was humiliated! (Mark 14:65; Isaiah 53:3-5).
They set a crown of thorns upon his head. (Mark 15:17-20). Despite this, He took time to forgive His accusers. And Jesus prayed, “Father forgive them, for they know not what they do.” (Luke 23:32-43, Note vs 34) (2). Beloved, it is not His intention for you to perish but to secure your future, which includes fulfilling the great plan and purpose He has designed for your life. READ MORE about this in my book; Forgiveness ~ Road To Recovery.
For I know the plans and thoughts that I have for you,’ says the Lord, ‘plans for peace and well-being and not for disaster, to give you a future and a hope. (Jeremiah 29:11)
Dear One, I urge you, not to be like those who did not believe when they received news that He had risen. (Mark 16:9-10). I implore you, do not be the same as doubting Thomas, who said, “Unless I see in His hands the marks of the nails, and put my finger into the nail prints, and put my hand into His side, I will never believe. (John 20:25). Recognize who He is. Jesus is the Savior, your Redeemer who will make a way where there is no way. Jesus is the Savior who paid the penalty for your sins and sins of the world. Jesus loves you wholeheartedly and forgives you unconditionally.
He Has risen with all power and authority. He has risen to save your soul. He has risen to set you free. He has risen and renders mercy and pardons you and does so through His forgiving grace. He has risen to prepare a place for you that you may come and reign with Him forever. Have a Glorious Resurrected Sunday!
TIME FOR REFLECTION: What evidence would you give that Jesus has risen?
May the psalm, Forever by Kari Jobe minister to you and stir your heart.
Dear Friend, Bless your family, friends, and others with a gift that says Jesus Is Alive!
Please bless these worthy causes:
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