HAPPY EASTER!

If you have a chance, read chapters 18 and 19 in the Book of John.   It gives an account of the betrayal of Jesus by his friend and disciple, Simon Peter, and details the final moments of unjustified judgment, violence, torture and crucifixion of an innocent man.  Many ancient prophecies were fulfilled during those last events: 

But one of the soldiers with a spear pierced his side, and forthwith came there out blood and water. 

For these things were done, that the scripture should be fulfilled, A bone of him shall not be broken.

(John 19:34; 37)

But more amazing and wonderous things were to come. John goes on to explain that Jesus was buried in the tomb of Joseph of Arimathaea, a new tomb, or sepulchre.  When Mary Magdalene went to visit the tomb of her dear friend, Jesus, she was surprised to see the stone rolled away. She ran to the disciples to tell them and frantically told them that Jesus' body was gone from the sepulchre. They ran back and found the clothing lying in the tomb. Another ancient prophecy was about to be fulfilled. The disciples left, and Mary wept as she mourned the great loss of Jesus. ...as she wept, she stooped down, and looked into the sepulchre, 

And seeth two angels in white sitting, the one at the head, and the other at the feet, where the body of Jesus had lain. 

And they say unto her, Woman, why weepest thou? She saith unto them, Because they have taken away my Lord, and I know not where they have laid him.

And when she had thus said, she turned herself back, and saw Jesus standing, and knew not that it was Jesus.

Jesus saith unto her, Woman, why weepest thou? whom seekest thou? She, supposing him to be the gardener, saith unto him, Sir, if thou have borne him hence, tell me where thou hast laid him, and I will take him away.

Jesus saith unto her, Mary. She turned herself, and saith unto him, Rabboni, which is to say, Master.

(John 19:11-16)

And soon after, Jesus showed himself to the disciples and said to them, "Peace be unto you." 

Angels announced it.  He is risen.  The prophecy, the miracle, the great Redeemer had risen, had been resurrected from the dead.

As I read these words last night, I felt in my heart, deep in my soul, that they were true.  The innocent blood, the most innocent blood of all, was shed without justification, but with great cause.  A cause as great as all of us.  It was for you and I that He died.  That we, too, might rise again to live with Him.