Easter is a pivot point of our Christian faith. This resurrection of Jesus Christ from the dead is not just a historical moment in history, it is the theological cornerstone that underscores the mission of God.
The cross of Jesus is central to His mission. It represents the ultimate act of love and sacrifice. Jesus' crucifixion was the means by which God reconciled humanity to Himself. As stated in John 3:16, "For God so loved the world that He gave His one and only Son, that whoever believes in Him shall not perish but have eternal life." This encapsulates the essence of God's mission: to offer salvation and eternal life to all who believe.
The resurrection, that we celebrate this Easter, is the triumphant affirmation of Jesus' victory over sin and death. It signifies the new life that believers are promised. As Paul writes in 1 Corinthians 15:17, "And if Christ has not been raised, your faith is futile; you are still in your sins." The resurrection assures us that Jesus' sacrifice was sufficient and that we, too, can experience new life through Him.
This Easter we are reminded that God's love is boundless and that His desire is for all people to follow Him. God's mission is now our mission. As believers we are called to share the good news of Jesus' death and resurrection with the world, and to embody the love and grace that Jesus demonstrated on the cross.
Michael Hanson