Sunday 04:24:11

Today we celebrate Jesus triumphing over death and over our sin. When it looked like death had overcome Jesus, he raised from the dead – by his own power. When it looked like our sin had overcome him, his resurrection proved his power over our sin. When it his people had rejected him, he turned it into our acceptance by the Father When the Pharisees hated, he overcame it by his love. When he looked completely humiliated, we saw his glory more completely. His suffering brought our healing. His followers’ sorrow turned to joy. Enjoy your time together with family and friends. Build memories together. Celebrate together. Even in times of sorrow, God brings joy. Story – Hunting Easter balls. The Bible says that there was joy in the cross for Jesus. Hebrews 12:2 2 Let us fix our eyes on Jesus, the author and perfecter of our faith, who for the joy set before him endured the cross, scorning its shame, and sat down at the right hand of the throne of God. How could there be joy in the cross? He was mocked, sneered at, beaten, his body was mutilated, and ultimately his hands and feet were nailed to a cross, where he hung for six hours until he died. Jesus endured the cross for the joy that was set before him. What was set before him? First, in completing his work on the cross, Jesus fulfilled the will of his Father. Second, when Jesus finished his work on the cross, he returned to his Father in glory. Third, his work on the cross brought many sons to glory. Hebrews 2:10 10 In bringing many sons to glory, it was fitting that God, for whom and through whom everything exists, should make the author of their salvation perfect through suffering. He was purchasing many sons to glory, giving up his life, that you could live and be free from the guilt and shame and the curse of sin. He endured the cross with joy because he loved you. He knew you’d be messy – that your heart and thoughts are wicked. That’s the whole point of the cross. That’s the whole point of the Gospel. You are broken and sinful and he loved you anyway and demonstrated his love for us in this: while we were still sinners, Christ died for us. (Ro 5:8) He loves you today. He is not in love with some future version of you. Understanding God’s love for you is the most important truth you must learn. Karl Barth, was a famous 19th century Swiss theologian, thinker, prolific writer, and professor at several leading European universities. He shaped the way we study of theology to this day. He was asked by a reporter for a brief summary of his extensive writings – his life’s work in theology and biblical understanding. He thought a moment and replied, "Jesus loves me this I know, for the Bible tells me so." The sorrow of the cross gave way to joy in the resurrection of Christ. Do you know the joy of Easter? You know the story of the cross and resurrection, but has it ever brought you joy? Psalm 32:1-5 Have you known the joy of having your guilt removed from you? Of being free from guilt? That is the whole point of the Gospel: Jesus, the perfect one, gave his life for you, the guilty one. And he did it with joy because he loves you.