Easter: A time to rejoice in God’s love and redeeming grace
The statue of the Risen Christ at Sacred Heart Church Rajagiriya. Pic by Priyanka Samaraweera
“And as they were afraid, and bowed down their faces to the earth, they said unto them, Why seek ye the living among the dead? He is not here, but is risen.” (Luke 24:5-6 KJV)
This past week, Christians all over the world have observed Holy Week – a spiritually significant week that helps us draw closer to God in our faith journey. We can look back at the events that unfolded during this Holy Week and remember how Jesus willingly laid down His life for us.
Palm Sunday
It begins with Palm Sunday, one of the most remarkable events in the Christian calendar. Palm Sunday marks the triumphal entry of Jesus Christ into Jerusalem on a donkey, fulfilling the ancient prophecy of Zechariah 9:9. Crowds of people lined the streets, waving their palm branches and shouting “Hosanna,” Blessed is the one who comes in the name of the Lord.
The great evangelist Billy Graham wrote powerfully of the significance: “On this day, Jesus was entering into the hearts of men and women, and into the hearts of the whole world. Because of this triumphant entry of Jesus, all of mankind entered into a new era of grace, hope, love, and redemption.” This is a profound reminder of the restoration and transformation that Palm Sunday ushers into our lives.
Maundy Thursday
Maundy Thursday, also a special day in the Christian faith commemorates the Last Supper of Jesus Christ with His disciples. It is a day of joy and reflection as we remember the ultimate sacrifice of our Lord and Savior and the establishment of the Lord’s covenant with us.
American theologian William Barkley reminds us that Maundy Thursday is a time when we remember the “grace of God and the grace of Jesus Christ”, and “the priceless gift of His covenant and redemption”.
Good Friday
Then comes Good Friday when we remember and honour the ultimate sacrifice of Jesus Christ. As William Barkley said, “Good Friday is the day of the great passion on the Cross, the death of the Lord, and His triumph.”
Easter Sunday
Finally dawns the Easter Sunday that marks the resurrection of Jesus Christ, who died on the cross to atone for our sins. William Barkley wrote, “Easter teaches us the meaning of faith and trust. We must believe that Jesus died and rose again for our sins and that through faith in Him, we can receive new life.” This is true, for the Bible tells us that if we believe in Jesus, we can have eternal life.
This Holy Week also reminds us the fickle nature of humankind, since within a few days the hosanna chorus of the crowds turned into a dangerous Barabbas mob slogan – ‘release Barabbas and crucify Jesus’. We see the most sinister betrayal unfold, betrayal of the purest person on earth with a kiss. We can also experience the biggest injustice that ever happened in history, the sinless Son of Man sentenced to the most cruel form of death on a rugged cross.
Through it all, we see Jesus for who He is – the redeemer of mankind. “But God demonstrates His own love for us in this: While we were still sinners, Christ died for us” (Romans 5:8). This verse reminds us of the incredible grace and love of God, which was displayed through the death of Jesus and his glorious Resurrection in which we rejoice on Easter Sunday.
Charles Spurgeon wrote, “Easter is a time to remember the majesty of God and the greatness of His love for us.” God has provided us with a way of redemption through the atoning work of Jesus Christ on the cross. Through Jesus’ death, burial, and resurrection, we have been redeemed from the curse of poverty, sickness, sin and death. The key to living in freedom from these curses is believing in God’s Word, and meditating on it day and night. This will bring about a change in our thoughts, beliefs, and behaviors, leading to a life of abundance and freedom in Christ.
“This joyous Easter season, let us rejoice in the Lord, for He has risen and lives forevermore. Amen.” (Romans 8:11 KJV)
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