The Story of Easter: A Journey of Faith and Love
A few days ago, I watched a video featuring one of my favorite TV hosts, Jeannie Mai, explaining the true significance of Easter to her daughter. She mentioned that we celebrate Easter because Jesus made a beautiful sacrifice for us, taking “time out” for humanity. Her daughter’s response was both humorous and thought-provoking – “I don’t like timeouts.” While we might dismiss her reaction as childish, it’s true that nobody enjoys punishment or discipline. Yet, Jesus endured an unimaginable sacrifice for the entire world.
As I reflect on Easter, I’m still in awe of Jesus’ sacrifice and the reason we celebrate this holiday. Last year, during an Easter service, I found myself overcome with emotion as the congregation sang about Jesus’ selfless act. At the time, I felt embarrassed that I was crying uncontrollably during the hymn. However, looking back, I believe my tears were a valid response to the profound love and faith Jesus demonstrated.
Let’s take a moment to consider the magnitude of Jesus’ sacrifice. He was the only person without sin or blemish to have walked the earth, yet he chose to take on the world’s sins and offer us his righteousness in return. This act gave us direct access to the Father and provided us with incredible gifts – salvation, peace, prosperity, health, and happiness. As the Bible beautifully captures in Isaiah 53:4-5, “Surely He has borne our griefs and carried our sorrows…
Surely He has borne our griefs And carried our sorrows; Yet we esteemed Him stricken, Smitten by God, and afflicted. But He was wounded for our transgressions, He was bruised for our iniquities; The chastisement for our peace was upon Him, And by His stripes we are healed. All we like sheep have gone astray; We have turned, every one, to his own way; And the Lord has laid on Him the iniquity of us all.
Isaiah 53:4-7 NKJV
Hebrews 4:14-16 further emphasizes the significance of Jesus’ role as our High Priest, who sympathizes with our weaknesses and offers us mercy and grace. What’s remarkable about Jesus’ sacrifice is that he endured immense suffering and pain for those who rejected him. This is a powerful testament to the depth of his love and faith.
Seeing then that we have a great High Priest who has passed through the heavens, Jesus the Son of God, let us hold fast our confession. For we do not have a High Priest who cannot sympathize with our weaknesses, but was in all points tempted as we are, yet without sin. Let us therefore come boldly to the throne of grace, that we may obtain mercy and find grace to help in time of need.
Hebrews 4:14-16 NKJV
As I ponder the Easter story, I consider the magnitude of Jesus’ love and the gift of salvation he offers. Can we find a more profound display of love and faith than the Easter story? I’m eager to know if there’s a greater example.
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