As one man commented, “You can’t
put your faith in someone like
that… he looks so vulnerable. What
a loser. It sends out all the wrong
signals.”
For all the same reasons, Jesus’
death on the cross 2000 years ago
sent all the wrong signals.
The cross was a bitter blow for His
followers, but more than that,
Jesus’ crucifixion sent waves of
shock and disappointment through
towns and villages where He had
first been followed as Israel’s
potential liberator.
While Jesus was dying on the cross
or lying in the grave it would have
been hard, if not impossible, for
anyone to have argued the He was
the Lord of Life - the Saviour of the
World.
But Jesus’ resurrection changed all
that.
The events of the first Easter, as He
rose from the dead, turned the
tables forever. News of His
resurrection stunned the political,
social and religious leaders - they
had done their worst - and this was
His response.
All the powers of darkness, human
and satanic, had conspired
together to bury Jesus forever, but
He is alive again!
Far from being a defeat, the cross
and resurrection became the
greatest victory the world has ever
seen.
Across the ages Jesus sent a clear
signal to all humanity.
You can trust me. You can live
your life my way. Follow me. I
will not disappoint you. I love
you. I will amaze you.
As you recall the events of Easter
don’t let familiarity prevent you
from asking God to reveal Himself
to you - let us be expectant as we
return to the Cross and jubilant as
we celebrate Jesus’ resurrection and we will indeed be amazed!