We choose to remember and celebrate the greatest event of all time. When Jesus Christ was on the Cross, His blood draining the life from His body, He knew what it was like to be alone and racked with pain. But Jesus’ pain was far more than just physical pain, for He was suffering God’s judgment on all the sins of the ages—the greatest darkness of the soul ever known. As the divine Son of God, He was perfect and without sin. But all our sins were placed on Him, and He took the judgment and hell we alone deserve. He died in our place.
Jesus died for you. For me. That we might have eternal life and have His peace in the midst of life’s storms. That we might know that He understands our pain and suffering and stands ready to help.
Why did Jesus suffer? Because God loves us. Because God loves you, and Christ willingly went to the Cross for you. There was no other way for sin’s penalty to be paid, and for us to be redeemed. The Cross is the measure of God’s love.
When Jesus lifted up His voice and cried, “It is finished,” He did not mean His life was ebbing away or God’s plan had been foiled. Though death was near, Jesus realized the last obstacle had been hurdled and the last enemy destroyed. He had successfully and triumphantly completed the task of redemption. With the words, “It is finished,” He announced that Heaven’s door was open.
And the greatest miracle is that of the resurrection of Jesus Christ, when He rose triumphantly from the grave. He was dead and now He is alive. He holds the keys of death and hell. Jesus reigns victorious forever! All things are subject to Him! King of Kings! Lord of Lords! All things are subject to Him! Praise His glorious name!
Kingdoms and empires come and go, but the Cross and all it stands for will always remain, “tow’ring o’er the wrecks of time.”
More reflection? Isaiah 53. John 11:25-26, John 12:23-26, Romans 6:8-11, Romans 10:9, Matthew 28:2-7, Mark 15:37-47, John 3:16, Revelation 1:17-18, John 14:6, Thessalonians 4:14, 1 Corinthians 15:3-8, Luke 23:46-47, 2 Corinthians 5:17-18, Acts 4:33, Ephesians 1:20.
Note: Some of this text is courtesy of the Billy Graham Evangelistic Association.
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