Easter is just around the corner, and as we remember the death and resurrection of our King, some recurring themes catch our attention.
The Unblemished Lamb’s Sacrifice and Obedience
The unblemished lamb of God went through excruciating pain, was scorned and mocked, spit at, and stripped naked, yet He never spoke a word nor defended Himself. Yes, He did pray to the Father to take over the cup if possible (Matthew 26:39); nevertheless, He surrendered Himself to His will, humbling Himself in obedience even to the point of death—a truly horrifying death in the most publicly humiliating way possible.
Trusting God Through the Path of Jesus’ Death and Resurrection
Yet when His friend betrayed Him and another denied Him, Jesus stood unfazed. Why? Because His trust rested in God, not men. He knew what He was doing and why He was to do it, and He walked the path from agony to glory—seeking first the Kingdom and righteousness of our Father (Matthew 6:33).
When Betrayal Comes Close
I still remember what a sister told me at Bible School, “Welcome to the world of Judases.” The man who betrayed Christ, for 30 pieces of silver, walked with Him, ate with Him, and perhaps spent most of his waking hours with Him (Matthew 26:14-16). And the way he betrayed Him? With a kiss (Luke 22:48).
It is often people who are closest to us that first plunge the dagger into our souls (Et tu, Brute?).
We all know a person or two who we used to be really close with until that remark, that action, that misgiving which tore us apart to such an extent that we can’t even stand their presence.
Anyone? Well, I have my share of such company, and to be very honest, there are still days when I find it hard to forgive what happened.
Finding Strength in the Resurrection of Jesus
But I don’t condemn myself anymore, for there is a greater one who took over every injustice, every unfair thing that ever happened to me upon Himself. His name is Jesus, and as He is, so am I in this world (1 John 4:17). I am yet to reach the glory of His character, but every day I am progressing a little, from glory to glory by His grace.
Because He lives, I can rest assured knowing that I dwell safely in the shadow of His wings (Psalm 91:1).
No weapon formed against us, His children, will prosper (Isaiah 54:17), for no wisdom nor understanding can stand against the counsel of God (Proverbs 21:30). The one who is in us and for us is greater than all the wickedness in the world (1 John 4:4). And in His time, He will restore all that was stolen, all that was lost (Joel 2:25).
Atonement Through Jesus’ Death and Resurrection
There is a law of retribution in the Old Testament, where anyone who loses something is to receive the same back from the one who took it (Exodus 21:24). An eye for an eye, a tooth for a tooth—this code of law has punishments that mirror the crime.
When Jesus died on the cross, He was crucified for something that He never did. False testimony was brought against Him (Mark 14:56), and a notorious criminal, Barabbas, was released in exchange for His life (Matthew 27:16-26). And that is what He has done for us ever since. He has taken over our sins and condemnation, making us the righteousness of God while sanctifying us with His own blood (2 Corinthians 5:21).
The Gift of Eternal Life Through Jesus
Because He lives, we can live forever, for our debts have been paid, our sins that were red as crimson have been washed clean by His blood (Isaiah 1:18). Never again will we know separation from our Father, who created us for fellowship and love.
God’s Sovereign Plan Fulfilled
The religious leaders thought they were done once and for all with the menace, but their wisdom was limited, blinded by the rulers of this age, the principalities and powers of darkness which can never comprehend the plans of God (1 Corinthians 2:8).
God, in His infinite wisdom, paved a way—the only way to return to Him (John 14:6)—His only begotten Son (John 3:16). We who believe in Him will never perish, for death was conquered by our King, and our God reigns. Truly, Jesus’ death and resurrection mark the ultimate victory.
Our Eternal Hope in Jesus’ Death and Resurrection
Where are we getting at with this, Sany? To the ultimate truth—what no eyes have seen, no ears have heard, nor any mind imagined, God has prepared for those who love Him (1 Corinthians 2:9).
When things get tough and life seems unfair, when friends betray and you feel shortchanged, remember—our God reigns. We belong to Him, and as sons and daughters of the light, there is no fear, no regret, no condemnation for us in Christ (Romans 8:1). No, not even death can separate us from Abba anymore (Romans 8:38-39), for by receiving His Son we have become His children forevermore (John 1:12).
