Easter Reflections on Jesus

Religious holidays always abound with mixed messages. Spiritual truth is mixed with carnal tales. Of course, Christians should expect this from the world. Yet, we should take care not to diminish the message by minimizing the truth.

It is impossible to overestimate the importance of this season. Easter should be a time when the powerful message of the Gospel bursts forth from our lips. This season is full of dramatic events - betrayal, crucifixion, resurrection. All of the events of Easter are tied to the person of Jesus Christ. What we think of Jesus directly impacts what we think of the season.

Jesus knew that Who He is determined what He could do. In other words, the person of Christ is foundational to His work. That’s why Jesus’ question to Peter still cries for personal response today, But who do you say that I am? (Mark 8:29)

For a moment consider the words of Jesus from the Gospel of John. There is no more fitting way to enter this special season than by hearing and responding to the Word, Written and Living.

. . . for I came from God and I am here. I came not of my own accord, but he sent me

(8:42)

I am the living bread that came down from heaven. If anyone eats of this bread, he will

live forever . . . (6:51)

I am the light of the world; he who follows Me shall not walk in the darkness, but shall

have the light of life (8:12)

for unless you believe that I am He, you shall die in your sins (8:24)

Truly, truly, I say to you, before Abraham was, I am (8:58)

I am the resurrection and the life; Whoever believes in Me, though he die, yet he shall

live (11:25)

Jesus said to him, I am the way, and the truth, and the life. No one comes to the

Father except through Me (14:6)

. . . Whoever has seen Me has seen the Father . . . (14:9)

Who do you say Jesus is? Measure your response by considering the following statements.

• He is David’s Lord and David’s son.

• He is the Ancient of Days and born in a manger.

• He upholds all things and became weary.

• He is King of Kings and a servant.

All I can say is what Peter said, the Christ, the Son of the living God. What I believe about Jesus determines what I think about Easter. He is my Savior Who paid my sins in full. He is my Lord Who is worthy to be served. There is no sweeter name than Jesus. May that name be proclaimed by what we say and how we live.

He is risen. He is risen indeed!