Like a lot Christians, I have spent time this week reading in the Bible the events that led up to the crucifixion of Jesus Christ.  I consider Easter to be the greatest holiday of the year.  Many people will say that we could not have Easter without Christmas and I cannot argue with that.  However, I submit that we would not celebrate Christmas had it not been for the events of that Easter weekend so many years ago.

So, what it is about that Easter weekend that attracts Christians far and near?  In my opinion, the events leading up to and including the crucifixion of Jesus Christ reflect the single greatest act of love in the history of mankind. 

Jesus was falsely accused and put on trial.  Even Pilate, the governor, knew there was fault to be found in Jesus (Luke 23:4).  Even though, Jesus was falsely accused He knew that the only way to save mankind was for Him to die on the cross on our place.  So, what makes this a great act of love?

The Bible says “But God demonstrated His own love for us in this; while we were still sinners, Christ died for us.” (Romans 5:8, KJV).  Stop and think about that for a minute.  Christ died for us before we were born.  One of my favorite lines in a song is found in a song written by the great Ronnie Hinson and Mike Payne titled “When He Was On The Cross.”  The line in the second verse says “Though His eyes were on the crowd that day.  He looked ahead in time.  For when He was on the cross, I was on His mind.”  What an incredible thought that Jesus Christ, while He hung there on a cross, being mocked, tortured and scorned, had ME and YOU on HIS mind! 

Most of you reading this probably know the story of the death of Jesus Christ.  He was crucified on a cross, between two thieves.  I have a book called “A Harmony Of The Gospels” which puts the accounts of the crucifixion from Matthew, Mark, Luke and John side by side.  It is amazing to read the details of this and to see what our Lord and Savior went through for us.  He was beaten, bruised, nailed to a cross, a crown of thorns was placed on His head and a spear was used to pierce His side.  Just before Jesus died He said, “It is finished” (John 19:30).  Matthew 27:51-54 (NIV) gives this account of the moment that Jesus gave up the spirit.  “At that moment the curtain of the temple was torn in two from top to bottom.  The earth shook and the rocks split.  The tombs broke open and the bodies of many holy people who had died were raised to life.  They came out of the tombs, and after Jesus’ resurrection they went into the holy city and appeared to many people.  When the centurion and those with him who were guarding Jesus saw the earthquake and all that had happened, they were terrified and exclaimed, ‘Surely He was the Son of God!’” Oh, but be assured, He was about to prove that!

”Now after the Sabbath, as it began to dawn toward the first day of the week, Mary Magdalene and the other Mary came to look at the grave.  And behold, a severe earthquake had occurred, for an angel of the Lord descended from Heaven and came and rolled away the stone and sat upon it.  And his appearance was like lightening, and his garment was white as snow and the guards shook for fear of him, and became like dead men.  And the angel answered and said unto the women, ‘do not be afraid: for I know you are looking for Jesus who has been crucified.  He is not here, for He has risen. Come and see the place where He was lying.’” (Matthew 28:1-6, NAS) That right, Jesus has risen and the best news is that He is still alive today!  Even better news is that He wants to be a part of your life! 

I mentioned earlier that Jesus’ final words were “It is finished.”  The Bible says that Jesus is the author and the finished of our faith (Hebrews 12:2).  One thing that has always fascinated me about the events following the resurrection of Jesus Christ was His ascension into Heaven.  Mark 16:19 (NAS) says “When the Lord Jesus has spoken to them, He was received up into Heaven, and sat down at the right hand of God." What did He do when He ascended into Heaven?  He sat down!  Why?  I always saw it this way, He sat down because there was no work left to do, and salvation was complete!

Jesus died for our sins to make a way for us to be forgiven of our sins and to enter into a lifetime of fellowship with Him.  Everyone on this earth has sinned.  Romans 3:22-24 (NIV) tells it better than I ever could.  “The righteousness from God comes through faith in Jesus Christ to all who believe.  There is no difference, for all have sinned and fall short of the glory of God, and are justified freely by His grace through the redemption that came by Christ Jesus."

Do you know Him today?  If you do then I hope that you will celebrate this Easter weekend with me!  Celebrate the death, burial and resurrection of our Lord Jesus Christ.  If you do not know Him and have not accepted Him as your Lord and Savior, I pray that you will reflect on these events and consider asking Jesus Christ into your heart and life.  He wants to forgive you; all you need to do is ask!

I said in the beginning of this article that I thought this was the single greatest act of love in the history of mankind.  I want to leave you with one final thought.  John 15:13-14 (NIV) says “Greater love has no one than this that he lay down his life for his friends.  You are my friends if you do what I command." Jesus tells us the measure of the greatest love is to die for our friends.  He then called us His friends and He died for us!  He loves me.  He loves you and He wants to still be your friend!

Happy Easter everyone! 

May God Bless you during this blessed season!