Happy (Early) Resurrection Day.

When I was in tenth grade I participated in Bible quizzing (which involves memorizing a book of the New Testament and competing against other teams from across the state to answer questions about it). At the end of the year, our pastor asked the quiz team to share our experience with the church family. That year we had memorized the book of John. I remember saying that it had been the life Jesus led up to the crucifixion that stood out most to me, because you got to know Him and, since you knew what was coming, it became hard to read; you didn’t want Him to die. I didn’t want Him to leave. I wanted Him to stay longer. I told the congregation that I was thinking, “No! Don’t die!” (At which time my pastor interjected with, “but we’re glad He did!”)

And I am glad He died. He could have chosen just to come perform miracles or to share Himself, which would have been nice, but ultimately would have left us in the same place as we were before. Jesus came on a mission: He came to give Himself up for us so we could have direct access to God and know Him for ourselves. Jesus didn’t deserve to die and He definitely didn’t have to, but He chose to, which is incredible — and then He came back from the dead three days later.

To quote 2 Corinthians 9:15, “Thanks be to God for His indescribable gift!”

Happy Resurrection Day.