Jesus of Nazareth

Have you seen the movie, Jesus of Nazareth? That has got to be my favorite depiction of the life of Christ. One of the best scenes for me is toward the end as Jesus is hanging on the cross. The camera spans around to find Joseph of Arimethea lurking near a wall. He begins to quote scripture which is prophecy that he, as a member of the religious leaders, would have read and known.

"He was despised and rejected by men, a man of sorrows, and familiar with suffering. Like one from whom men hide their faces he was despised, and we esteemed him not. Surely he took up our infirmities and carried our sorrows, yet we considered him stricken of God, smitten by him, and afflicted. But he was pierced for our transgressions, he was crushed for our iniquities; the punishment that brought us peace was upon him, and by his wounds we are healed." Isaiah 53:3-6 NIV

For the Christian, this means:

Christ's blood was shed, so we would not have to be separated from God.

Christ's resurrection  means we have eternal life.

Christ now sits at the right hand of the Father, interceding for us. This means when we pray in Jesus' name and in line with His will, Jesus leans in to the Father and says: "Your child has prayed in line with Your will." And, God says: "Amen. Let it be so."

For the unsaved, consider this:

"For God so loved the world that he gave his one and only Son, that whoever believes in him shall not perish but have eternal life. For God did not send his Son into the world to condemn the world, but to save the world through him." John 3:16-17 NIV

God wants you to accept this gift of his Son by believing in him. Why not consider accepting him as Savior and Lord, Leader and Boss this Easter season?

For those who have already made that decision:

Let the redeemed of the Lord say so!

This Easter season thank God again for not sparing his only Son so you might be reconciled to the Father.

Take the opportunity to share this with a lost friend, family member, or co-worker.