On the way to Easter, Go to the Cross

…these things are written so that you may come to believe that Jesus is the Messiah, the Son of God, and that through believing you may have life in his name.’ John 20:31

During Lent and Holy Week a number of years ago, my pastor illustrated his sermons with images from Renaissance art, paintings which graphically depict Jesus’ suffering, humiliation and horrifying death. 

I was deeply moved during those Lenten services, as I came to appreciate the enormity of the sacrifice Jesus made for us—for the whole world—and for me.  I was overwhelmed.  Why would anyone, let alone the Son of God, make such a huge sacrifice for me.  I surely hadn’t done anything to deserve it.  But God did it anyway.  Jesus died for me/us, so that I/we could be forgiven of my/our sins and given a fresh start in a new relationship with God.

For God so loved the world that he gave his only Son, so that everyone who believes in him may not perish but may have eternal life.  John 3:16

Having had this experience, I really think it helps one grow in faith to take time to observe Lent and Holy Week.  Even though it may be much more appealing to rush to Easter and bask in the joy of the resurrection, pausing and paying attention to the cross, can be very meaningful in one’s faith journey. 

Because in order to get to Easter, Jesus had to first go to the cross.  And in order to follow him, so do we.  Because without the cross—as horrible as it is—there is no resurrection.  Without the cross, we don’t receive the gift of new life, eternal life, in the kingdom of God.  Without the cross, there is no ‘saved by grace, through faith, in Jesus Christ.’  Without the cross there is no Easter. 

The Good News is that because of what Jesus did, everyone who believes in him is forgiven and receives the gift of eternal life in the kingdom of God!  What a blessing  it is to be loved by God!  And what a blessing it is to be a blessing to others by sharing God’s love!  That is our purpose as a congregation of believers in Jesus Christ—that is why we are here—that is our mission. 

So filled with the joy and thanksgiving of Easter, please think about the amazing and abundant ways in which God has blessed you, and then pray about how you can share God’s love and be a blessing to others. 

 … As the Father has sent me, so I send you. John 20:21

Blessed to be a blessing,

RevRoy+