This month we celebrate the single event of human history which changed the course of the world… the death and resurrection Jesus of Nazareth. Beginning in Genesis chapter 3, God himself prophesied of Jesus and what he would accomplish for humanity. Yahweh God spoke directly to the serpent saying:
Genesis 3:14,15 REV
“Because you have done this, you are cursed above all livestock and above every animal of the field. On your belly you will go, and you will eat dust all the days of your life. I will put hostility between you and the woman, and between your seed and her seed. He will strike your head, and you will strike his heel.”
From that moment onward Jesus became the central theme of the entire Bible. Every believer who trusted God and obeyed His Word was helping to set the stage for the eventual birth of Jesus. After his birth and rearing by godly parents Jesus set out to walk the path laid out for him in the scriptures. At his baptism he received the gift of holy spirit with God declaring those famous words “you are my beloved Son, with you I am well pleased” (Mark 1:11 REV). This confirmation from heaven’s throne must have thrilled Jesus’ heart and empowered him greatly to face the task of leading humanity back to God.
Led by his new spiritual insight Jesus went into the wilderness and squared off with the serpent, our adversary, the devil. His relentless obedience to “it is written” demonstrated that humanity can in fact overcome evil if we but keep God and His will our first priority in life. Departing from this forty day ordeal he immediately set about his ministry of calling disciples, teaching, healing, casting out demons and proclaiming the good news of God’s kingdom.
In just a few months he single-handedly turned the world on its ear. Both Jews and Gentiles received the blessings of his words and miracles. He confounded the religious leaders of his day with his gracious lifestyle of open love for the broken and forgotten. They grew to despise him and set plans in motion to defame him publicly. Yet as God’s son, he faithfully did and spoke as God led him and was thus protected from their evil intent. Then finally, at just the right time, God revealed to him that it was time for him to deal the final blow to the enemies of righteousness; and the only way it could be done was through his death.
Jesus last recorded prayer in the garden of Gethsemane was filled with the emotions of both grief and pure devotional love. He knew what he faced yet knowing it he still wanted to keep living. Then he said to them:
Matthew 26: 38,39 REV
“My soul is deeply grieved, almost to the point of death. Remain here and stay awake with me.” And he went a short distance away from them and fell on his face, praying and saying, “My Father, if it is possible, let this cup pass from me. Nevertheless, not as I want, but as you want.”
Jesus willingly walked into the grave when he surrendered to the Roman soldiers that night. He suffered humiliation, ignored the shame, received repeated beatings and floggings, and was ultimately nailed to a cross as a common criminal. Yet, he had done nothing to deserve it. Placing his trust completely upon the promises of God, he allowed himself to endure the crucifixion and die.
What may have been most painful is his knowing that MOST of his followers did not believe that he would die and rise again. Even though time and again he had spoken of his death, they could not understand it or believe it. Yet, their unbelief did not impede Jesus’ obedience or alter God’s plans for a moment; and on the third day YAHWEH raised Jesus from the dead forever. Never again will Jesus face the pain of death. Never again will he endure the sufferings of torture. Never again will the serpent rule over humanity. Jesus, by his death has purchased redemption for everyone who will believe.
As we celebrate the memorial of this, the greatest event in history, may we always remember that God’s love was behind every event. It was love that birthed him, love that sustained him and love that led him to the cross.
John 3:16,17 REV
“For God so loved the world that he gave his only begotten Son, so that whoever believes in him will not perish, but have life in the age to come. For God did not send his Son into the world to condemn the world, but so that the world could be saved through him.”
Thanks be to YAHWEH our God for His gracious love and kindness toward us. May we never forget the price of the cross or the glory won on our behalf by our big brother, the Lord Jesus Christ.
All My Love,
Gary Lee Corns
Christians are being rational, sensible, and fully consistent with common sense when they rest their faith on this well‑established historical event. Not only is there compelling historical evidence to back the belief, but extravagant benefits in the future are promised to those who believe it. According to the Bible, the only sure promise of everlasting life for mankind, both individually and collectively, depends upon belief in the resurrection of Jesus Christ.
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