Christ’s death and resurrection; It’s about the “why”.

John 10:18 tells us "No one has taken it away from Me, but I lay it down on My own initiative. I have authority to lay it down, and I have authority to take it up again. This commandment I received from My Father."

These words spoken by Jesus have been written down for all to read for almost 2000 years. Yet, many people have worried about “who” killed Christ, missing the point of why it happened and in turn, taking God’s hand out of it. Genesis 50:20 tells us "As for you, you meant evil against me, but God meant it for good in order to bring about this present result, to preserve many people alive." So what men meant for evil by killing Christ, God meant for good. The “who” was not important; the “why” was everything.

The great preacher John Piper put it like this, “And since God meant it for good, we must look beyond human causes to a divine propose. The central issue of Jesus death is not the cause, but the purpose-the meaning. Human beings may have their reasons for wanting Jesus out of the way. But only God can design it for the good of the world."

What many fail to see is that Christ’s death and resurrection was so important, so miraculous that it changed everything; nothing would ever be the same again. Christ’s death and resurrection changed the Roman Empire, the very Empire that took his life. Christ’s death and resurrection changed his own unbelieving brother’s mind of who he was. A meeting with the risen Jesus changed the Apostle Paul’s heart to stop hunting and persecuting Christians; and turned him into one of Christianity greatest leaders and writer of much of the New Testament. Christ’s death and resurrection lead the apostles to continue to build Christ’s Church in the face of great opposition and persecution. Seeing Christ’s death and resurrection eventually lead most of the apostles to martyrdom because of their belief and love for Christ. Christ’s death and resurrection was meant to change us forever. Are you fighting that change?

Sometimes we may lose sight of what the gospel is about; we may get wrapped up in details that cause us to miss the meaning. Christ’s death and resurrection has changed our fate and given us new everlasting life. Jesus’ sacrifice paid our ransom. It provided our justification, sanctification and ultimately or salvation; it is our pardon and our purity. So, as you go about your days on earth, keep in mind the meaning of “why” Jesus went to the cross, was crucified, was buried, rose from the grave and ascended into Heaven and act accordingly in all you do. Hope in the grace of God!

Thanks for checking in and God Bless >>John