Easter is the most significant event in the Christian faith, but to fully appreciate its impact, we need to understand why it was necessary in the first place. Why did Jesus have to come? Why did He have to suffer and die? The answer lies in humanity’s deepest problem, sin.
The Reality of Sin and Separation from God
From the very beginning, humanity was created for a relationship with God. In the Garden of Eden, Adam and Eve walked with God in perfect harmony. But when sin entered the world through disobedience, that relationship was broken (Genesis 3). Sin created a divide between humanity and a holy God, one that we could not bridge on our own.
Romans 3:23 states, “For all have sinned and fall short of the glory of God.” No matter how hard we try, we cannot achieve righteousness on our own. Sin’s consequences are serious—Romans 6:23 tells us that “the wages of sin is death.” But that’s not where the story ends.
God’s Plan for Redemption
Even in humanity’s rebellion, God had a plan. Throughout the Old Testament, we see glimpses of this plan unfolding. The sacrificial system in Israel pointed to the need for atonement, but these sacrifices were only temporary. Prophecies throughout Scripture pointed to a coming Messiah—one who would bear the sins of the world.
Isaiah 53:5-6 prophesies about Jesus’ sacrifice:
“But he was pierced for our transgressions, he was crushed for our iniquities; the punishment that brought us peace was on him, and by his wounds we are healed.”
This passage, written hundreds of years before Christ, foretold the suffering He would endure for our sake. Jesus came to do what we could never do on our own—restore our relationship with God.
Why Easter Matters
Easter is not just a story of suffering; it is a story of victory. Jesus’ death on the cross was the payment for our sins, but His resurrection proved that the payment was accepted. Because of Jesus, we are no longer slaves to sin and death.
2 Corinthians 5:21 says, “God made him who had no sin to be sin for us, so that in him we might become the righteousness of God.” The cross was the turning point in history, and the empty tomb was the proof of God’s triumph.
What This Means for Us
As we approach Easter, take time to reflect on why we need a Saviour. Recognizing our own sinfulness is not meant to bring us shame—it is meant to point us to the grace of God. When we understand the depth of our need, we can better appreciate the depth of His love.
This week, consider these questions:
Do I recognize my need for a Saviour, or am I relying on my own efforts?
How does knowing that Jesus died for me change the way I live?
Who in my life needs to hear about the hope found in Jesus?
As we continue this journey toward Easter, let’s prepare our hearts with gratitude and awe. Next week, we’ll look at Jesus’ final days before the cross and what they teach us about surrender and trust in God.
