This post is a repost from our “The Life of Jesus Series” Part four and five. We thought it would be appropriate to repost and share the Easter story with you again today! Happy Easter! Love, Nichole!
Have you ever seen the Movie, Passion of Christ? I am going to be honest and admit that I have yet to see it. I have however seen a live reenactment of it in Orlando, Florida back when I was in High School. I remember watching with wide eyes and a sore stomach as I thought about what Jesus went through.
“Then the soldiers of the governor took Jesus into the Praetorium and gathered the whole garrison around Him. And they stripped Him and put a scarlet robe on Him. When they had twisted a crown of thorns, they put it on His head, and a reed in His right hand. And they bowed the knee before Him and mocked Him, saying, “Hail, King of the Jews!” Then they spat on Him, and took the reed and struck Him on the head. And when they had mocked Him, they took the robe off Him, put His own clothes on Him, and led Him away to be crucified. Matthew 27:27-31 (NKJV)”
Oh the humiliation. The pain. The torture. I cannot even begin to imagine all that Jesus went through, and the whole time he kept from telling them how wrong they were. He didn’t say a word. He did not rebuke them, he simply allowed all of this to happen.
“and saying, “You who destroy the temple and build it in three days, save Yourself! If You are the Son of God, come down from the cross.” Likewise the chief priests also, mocking with the scribes and elders, said, “He saved others; Himself He cannot save. If He is the King of Israel, let Him now come down from the cross, and we will believe Him. He trusted in God; let Him deliver Him now if He will have Him; for He said, ‘I am the Son of God.’ ” Matthew 27:40-43 (NKJV)”
They hung Jesus on a cross, and then mocked Him. They yelled and teased Him, saying that if He really was whom He claimed to be, that He could get down from that cross. But Jesus did not get down. No angels came to save Him. There was a bigger plan, and Jesus had to die on that cross. (Tweet This).
“And Jesus cried out again with a loud voice, and yielded up His spirit. Then, behold, the veil of the temple was torn in two from top to bottom; and the earth quaked, and the rocks were split, and the graves were opened; and many bodies of the saints who had fallen asleep were raised; and coming out of the graves after His resurrection, they went into the holy city and appeared to many. So when the centurion and those with him, who were guarding Jesus, saw the earthquake and the things that had happened, they feared greatly, saying, “Truly this was the Son of God!” Matthew 27:50-54 (NKJV)”
Could you imagine the sense of terror that must have filled those who realized what they had just done? They killed the SON of GOD! And for what reason? Because they didn’t like what they heard? Because he broke tradition? Because they didn’t believe. “Truly this was the Son of God.” Suddenly, all those who were yelling “crucify him” now knew. Now they believed. They saw with their own eyes. “Truly this was the Son of God.”
“Now after the Sabbath, as the first day of the week began to dawn, Mary Magdalene and the other Mary came to see the tomb. And behold, there was a great earthquake; for an angel of the Lord descended from heaven, and came and rolled back the stone from the door, and sat on it. His countenance was like lightning, and his clothing as white as snow. And the guards shook for fear of him, and became like dead men. Matthew 28:1-4 (NKJV)”
Imagine being a woman, walking up to what was Jesus’ tomb, and experiencing a large earthquake. That in its own might have made you a bit uneasy, right? But then, you see an angel that rolls back the stone that was keeping the tomb closed, and watch as it sits waiting for you to approach. Yep, I think it’s safe to say that you might be a little concerned… and probably a lot curious!
“But the angel answered and said to the women, “Do not be afraid, for I know that you seek Jesus who was crucified. He is not here; for He is risen, as He said. Come, see the place where the Lord lay. And go quickly and tell His disciples that He is risen from the dead, and indeed He is going before you into Galilee; there you will see Him. Behold, I have told you.” So they went out quickly from the tomb with fear and great joy, and ran to bring His disciples word. Matthew 28:5-8 (NKJV)”
The angel speaks to the woman, telling them that Jesus is not there! But wait! That’s a good thing! It means that Jesus has risen from the dead! The woman were filled with great joy, yet fear for such a great thing has happened, it was almost too much to believe! They ran to the disciples though and told them the great news!
HE HAS RISEN! (Tweet This)
“So then, after the Lord had spoken to them, He was received up into heaven, and sat down at the right hand of God. And they went out and preached everywhere, the Lord working with them and confirming the word through the accompanying signs. Amen. Mark 16:19-20 (NKJV)”
The disciples find the Jesus, and Jesus gives them instruction to go into the world and preach the gospel to all! He tells them to baptize one another, cast out demons and speak new languages. (Mark 16:15-18). Then Jesus ascends up to heaven, where He sits by the right hand of God. And the disciples? They start their adventures of preaching too all nations!
Let’s pray.
“Dear Heavenly Father,
We thank-you today for sending your Son to die on the cross for our sins, but also for the resurrection. We thank you for this wonderful time of year, where we are reminded why it is that you sent us your Son to the earth. We thank you for the sacrifice you gave, and we pray that this story will lead others to you as well.
In Christ’s name we pray,
Amen.
Nichole is a Social Media Marketing Manager, student, daughter and friend. She’s working on her Marketing Diploma and has a Certificate of Christian Theology. She is an avid coffee lover who enjoys a good movie or book. She takes great joy in organizing, scheduling, and volunteering. Her passion for volunteerism extends specifically to those who are hurting, whether it is emotionally, physically, or mentally.
Nichole is certified to provide Mental Health First Aid, which means she can provide immediate support and guidance in a safe environment, comfortably have a conversation about mental health related issues and offer professional and other supports. This does NOT make Nichole a psychologist, or a counselor. It simply gives her the tools to direct people to the help they need.
You can follow Nichole on Facebook, Twitter, Instagram, Google+, Pinterest, Linkedin and her Personal Blog.
Defying Shadows 