Easter ReflectionsSample

The authors of the Gospel don't give many details of Jesus's suffering when he finally died on the cross. Instead, they focus more on what his death meant and how it impacted people. Luke does that in his account of Jesus' death above. So what did the death of Jesus mean, and how did it impact those who watched?

Darkness fell over the land around noon, when Jesus died. What does it mean that the sun went dark over the whole land? The Greek word "whole land" can be translated as "earth" in Acts 1:8. So, darkness covered the entire earth when Jesus died, symbolizing that all of humanity is responsible for Jesus' death. Therefore, you and I are responsible for the death of Jesus because of our sins (1 John 2:2).

Luke, in his gospel account, mentions three groups that witnessed the death of Jesus, helping us appreciate the different ways it impacted them. The first is headlined by the Centurion, who "praised God" and said that Jesus was "innocent" (Luke 23:47). For the Centurion, Jesus' death did not lead to despair or sadness. Instead, it led him to worship and confess that Jesus was righteous. This is how we ought to be impacted by the cross of Jesus. Will you respond in worship as the Centurion did this Easter?

The second group is the "crowds" (Luke 23:48), who, after seeing Jesus' death, were moved so much so that they beat their breasts. The beating of the breast is a sign of sadness and guilt. The heart is located in a person's chest, and tradition taught that it was the seat of sin in an individual. After watching Jesus die, the crowds probably saw that he was a good man and felt guilty for demanding his crucifixion. The death of Jesus should similarly lead us to repentance and beating our breasts, asking for mercy. Do you need to repent and come to Jesus this Easter?

The third category comprises all of Jesus's acquaintances and the women who had followed him from Galilee. They watched him suffer, receive a crown of thorns, be nailed to the cross, and die between two thieves. They seemed speechless and most likely thought that the story of Jesus had ended right there. Sometimes, whenever we remember the story of Jesus' death, we don't know what to think, but we need to remember this Easter that his death is not the end, but rather an opportunity for man to enter into a glorious relationship with God.

Of these three responses to the death of Jesus, we should pay the most attention to the response of the Centurion. He worshipped Jesus at his death, much like the Shepherds at his birth (Luke 2:20). Jesus' entire life is to be worshipped. We are to worship him for his death on the cross and see what it means: the forgiveness of sins and adoption into God's family for all who believe in him. Worship Jesus this Easter for his work on the cross.

Prayer:

Dear Jesus, I worship you for your loving-kindness; how you died on the cross for my sake. I praise you that I can enter into the presence of God because of your sacrifice. Help me remember that this Easter and for the rest of my days. Amen.