It is quite simply the most amazing thing to ever happen. In all the history of the world, this was a first. After a week of washing his disciple’s feet, of teaching them of the kingdom, of trying to prepare his followers for a life where he was not physically with them … Jesus died.
It shouldn’t have surprised anyone. He was telling everyone that he came to die for the sins of the world. But the reality of his crucifixion must have been shocking in many ways. It is one thing to know something intellectually, a whole different thing to experience it.
I am so thankful that Jesus loved me enough to die for my sins.
Even more thankful for what came next.
Jesus rose from the dead. God brought his son out of the grave.
Rolled the stone away and let his Son back into life.
And here is the reason it was – and is – the greatest thing to happen in human history. Jesus never died again. He went to heaven to live with God forever.
Death into forever life.
It can happen for us too.
Believe what Jesus said about dying for the sins of the world. Be united with Jesus in his death through baptism. And be certain you will also be united with him in his resurrection.
We too will rise from the dead never to die again, but to live with Jesus forever with the holy God.
So on this Easter Sunday, that is the good news I want to remember. That is the good news I want my family to remember.
And that is the good news we want to share with our friends and neighbors.
Best news ever.
– Steve Ridgell, Herald of Truth Ministries