Others Magazine

How do you feel about giving up something important to you? Have you ever been asked to give up something that’s really valuable? Think about that for a minute. Does something come to mind? Whatever you have had to give up willingly or reluctantly or through no choice of your own, has cost you because you know its price.

As I reflect on Easter I am reminded of its precious importance to me. The highest price was paid for my sin. What’s so important about Easter? It’s important because it proved that Jesus was who he claimed to be. He was God in the flesh, and he came to earth to save us. Jesus paid the ultimate price.

Three events occurred in succession on that Easter weekend: Jesus on trial; the death of Jesus; and the resurrection of Jesus.

Jesus actually went through six trials. At the end of those trials, what did they find him guilty of? Nothing. They made up charges that didn’t stick and then convicted him of claiming to be the Son of God. That’s why Jesus went to the cross. He claimed he was the Saviour of the world (John 12:47). Jesus could have stopped his trial at any time, but he knew his death was all part of the greater plan.

After suffering a night of jeering and beating, which finished with being crowned with thorns, Jesus was crucified. Crucifixion is probably the most horrific of deaths. We cannot comprehend the pain and agony Jesus suffered for us. Why? Because he alone was the only one able to pay for our sins. We deserved punishment, but Jesus paid the ultimate price.

After Jesus died, they took his body down and put him in a tomb. A large stone was placed in front of the entrance. The religious leaders were worried that the body of Jesus may be stolen, so Roman soldiers stood guard at the tomb. They didn’t want him coming out, but we know, of course, that he did!