And you, who were dead in your trespasses and the uncircumcision of your flesh, God made alive together with him, having forgiven us all our trespasses, by canceling the record of debt that stood against us with its legal demands. This he set aside, nailing it to the cross. He disarmed the rulers and authorities and put them to open shame, by triumphing over them in him. – Colossian 2:13-15
For most Christians the story of Easter is familiar. If you were to ask a Christian to briefly explain the Easter story, you would likely get a rendition similar to the following:
“All of mankind are sinners and the penalty of sin is death. Jesus came to earth and gave his own life and took the penalty for our sins upon Himself. Three days later He came to life again and, as a result, those who repent of their sins and believe in Him will go to heaven when their life on this earth ends.”
Based on this generalized simplification of the Easter story, a couple of key points surface. One, we as people are bad and deserve a horrible penalty. Two, fortunately for us Jesus took our place and now we get to live forever in heaven when our life on this earth is over. The key concept that is embraced is that because of what Jesus did we are going to heaven.
What is concerning is that this is such a shallow understanding of what the Bible communicates about Easter. God’s redemptive story, the climax of which we celebrate at Easter is so much deeper, multifaceted, and powerful. Let us remember if it was not for the resurrection, then our faith is pointless (1 Corinthians 15:13-14).
We must take time to read and study the four Gospel accounts as they reveal, from differing perspectives, the why behind Jesus’ death, burial, and resurrection.
Soon afterward he went on through cities and villages, proclaiming and bringing the good news of the kingdom of God. – Luke 8:1
Jesus came proclaiming the Kingdom of God. All four Gospels orient the story of Jesus around Him being enthroned as the rightful King. When Jesus, as the sacrificial lamb, gave up His life on the cross and resurrected, something significant happened. The powers that enslaved the world in death and corruption were overthrown. Jesus defeated them! Because of His victory the Kingdom of God was launched upon earth as the Spirit of God was now able to indwell mankind. Men, women, and children could once again be in fellowship with God who created and loves them.
The Easter Story is the story of a revolution. Jesus overthrew the established powers. People can now be freed from the Kingdom of the world. Free to have new life, life that flows from Christ. Freedom to experience the Kingdom of God and eternity right now in this life. The joy, peace, and purpose that comes as part of that freedom is transformative. What Jesus accomplished changed the world! He has set us free to join Him in His revolution. Let us join Him!
Written by Sam McKeen
