Jesus wasn’t only a great man. He came for a purpose etched throughout eternity past and future. The ‘crux’ of his life was the cross. Crux means cross. A cross is a form that intersects itself. This was the intersection of God reaching to man, opening wide the long-promised door of fellowship and forgiveness. The shadow became clear. The mist of cryptic prophecies lifted away as Jesus hung on the cross, as the barrier of the temple veil was ripped by God himself from top to bottom.

This was and is the crux of all human and divine history.

At this time of year, we recognize and celebrate an event whose roots go back to eternity past and beyond into eternity future. We have been grafted into that history and it flows deeply through our veins, minds, and souls. For all of humanity, believer or not, it’s the pivot and fulfillment of everything that ever was or is to come.

We celebrate Jesus’ resurrection with a feast among friends and loved ones. I invite you to feast on the following foreshadowing events (a small taste of many), all that God prepared before the foundation of the world.

My enemies surround me like a pack of dogs … They have pierced my hands and feet… My enemies stare at me and gloat. They divide my garments among themselves and throw dice for my clothing.  Psalm 22: 16-18, written about 1000 years before the birth of Jesus Christ. (Fulfilled John 19:23-24)

He had done no wrong and had never deceived anyone. But he was buried like a criminal; he was put in a rich man’s grave. Isaiah 53:9, written about 700 years before the birth of Christ. (Fulfilled Luke 23:32, Matt. 27:57-60)

They will look on me whom they have pierced and mourn for him as for an only son….On that day a fountain will be opened for the dynasty of David and for the people of Jerusalem, a fountain to cleanse them from all their sins. Zech. 12:10, 13:1, written 500 years before the birth of Jesus. (Fulfilled Matt. 27, Mark 15, Luke 23, John 19.)

Jesus predicts his own death in Matthew 16;21, 17:22, Mark 10:33, among many other passages in all four gospels.

This cup is the new covenant between God and his people—an agreement confirmed with my blood, which is poured out as a sacrifice for you. Luke 22:20.

The cup Jesus shares during the Last Supper is the third of four that are traditionally given with a corresponding verse from Exodus during the Passover ceremony. Jesus lifts his cup with the phrase, I will redeem you with an outstretched arm and with mighty acts of judgment. Exod. 6:6b

Pause and let it all sink in. Lord, don’t let us become too accustomed to your work in Christ that we cease to still our hearts in awe.

A cause for celebration!

But it was the Lord’s good plan to crush him and cause him grief. Yet when his life is made an offering for sin, he will have many descendants…because of his experience, my righteous servant will make it possible for many to be counted righteous, for he will bear all their sins. Isa. 53:10-11

Now may the God of peace—who brought up from the dead our Lord Jesus, the great Shepherd of the sheep, and ratified an eternal covenant with his blood—may he equip you with all you need for doing his will. Heb. 13:20-21

He is risen and reigns eternally. We are risen with him and will live with him forever.

Happy Easter!

Kyle

The Last Supper by Salvadore Dali. (Flickr)