In the book of Exodus, the Israelites had been slaves for over 400 years. The night before they were set free, they sacrificed a perfect lamb and placed the blood on their door posts. They ate a meal of bitter herbs and unleavened bread to remember their time in Egypt and to think about how they were set free. Jesus became that lamb and was sacrificed for our freedom. As you celebrate Easter with family and friends this weekend, take time to reflect and remember what has been done for you. Jesus established a new covenant with us as He sacrificed Himself so we could be free of the slavery of sin and be made righteous with God.
Here is the Easter story in five verses.
1. “Why?” Pilate demanded. “What crime has he committed?” But the mob roared even louder, “Crucify him!” So to pacify the crowd, Pilate released Barabbas to them. He ordered Jesus flogged with a lead-tipped whip, then turned him over to the Roman soldiers to be crucified.
Mark 15:14-15 NLT
2. When Jesus had tasted it, he said, “It is finished!” Then he bowed his head and gave up his spirit.
John 19:30 NLT
3. The Roman officer and the other soldiers at the crucifixion were terrified by the earthquake and all that had happened. They said, “This man truly was the Son of God!”
Matthew 27:54 NLT
4. Following Jewish burial custom, they wrapped Jesus’ body with the spices in long sheets of linen cloth. The place of crucifixion was near a garden, where there was a new tomb, never used before. And so, because it was the day of preparation for the Jewish Passover and since the tomb was close at hand, they laid Jesus there.
John 19:40-42 NLT
5. “He is not here, but has risen. Remember how He told you, while He was still in Galilee, saying that the Son of Man must be handed over to sinful men, and be crucified, and on the third day rise [from death to life].”
Luke 24:6-7 AMP
Photo by Mark Jones on Unsplash
Devotions by Chris Hendrix 