ByEaster is one of the most treasured seasons of the Christian calendar I love celebrating each year, especially since I became a believer in Christ in 2016. It’s a season to remember the death and resurrection of Jesus, which are very important for our faith journey as believers. This year, I thank God that I have the privilege not only to celebrate Easter as I used to but also to write an article about how it portrays Jesus as a minister. Let’s dive in.
Jesus died for you
Romans 5:7-8 (NIV) says,
[7] “Very rarely will anyone die for a righteous person, though for a good person someone might possibly dare to die. [7] But God demonstrates his own love for us in this: While we were still sinners, Christ died for us.”
Romans 5:7-8 (NIV)
Please read that again at a slower pace. Very rarely will anyone die for a righteous person (one with no fault). I have always wondered why Paul used the word “rarely.” But that word implies that there is at least a small percentage of people who will die for another person if the need arises. That can be very possible for some married couples who love each other very deeply, passionately and intimately.
But for Jesus, He didn’t die for us when we were righteous but while we were still sinners. Can you imagine such depth of love? Who will die for you when you’re doing bad things? Nobody! But Jesus did that for you. Isn’t that awesome?
Many people are still in sin because they don’t understand how deeply God loves them. Preaching against sin is good and convicting, but preaching on the power of the Father’s love is more liberating. The sinner does not only need convicting sermons to repent. He also needs to hear that Jesus came to die for him and wants him saved for a purpose higher and better than his present life. Can you take a minute to reflect on the Father’s love for you?
Preaching against sin is good and convicting, but preaching on the power of the Father’s love is more liberating.
Jesus was resurrected to solidify your faith in Him
Many people think Jesus’ resurrection was just an event. But Jesus said He is the resurrection and the life in John 11:25. That means eternal life and resurrection’s definitions are found in Jesus, not in events. The resurrection of Christ is so essential because, as believers, it is the bedrock of our faith. 1 Corinthians 15:13-14 (NIV) proves it. It says,
[13] “If there is no resurrection of the dead, then not even Christ has been raised. [14] And if Christ has not been raised, our preaching is useless and so is your faith.”
Have you seen that? Anybody who goes around spreading the news that Jesus didn’t resurrect is not only propounding a fake theory but also attacking the bedrock of the Christian faith, and we believers must rise against such things. Secondly, Romans 10:9 also states plainly that for a person to be saved, he must believe that God raised Christ Jesus from the dead. Just read it below.
[9] “If you declare with your mouth, “Jesus is Lord,” and believe in your heart that God raised him from the dead, you will be saved.”
Romans 10:9 (NIV)
Read that again! Let nobody lie to you that Jesus’ resurrection is fake, especially if you’re a native Israelite reading this right now. It is written in the Bible that when God raised Jesus from the dead, the elders of the synagogue gave the soldiers on duty during Jesus’ three-day stay in the tomb much money to spread fake news that the disciples came to steal His body when they were asleep (see Matthew 28:12-15). Be well guided!
Treasure Jesus in every area of your life
To conclude this article, I implore you to treasure Jesus in every area of your life. If you’re not born again, accept Jesus as your Lord and personal saviour today. And if you are already saved, pursue a deeper intimacy with Jesus.
I hope this article has blessed you. Happy Easter.
