Just as man is destined to die once, and after that to face judgment, so Christ was sacrificed once to take away the sins of many people; and he will appear a second time, not to bear sin, but to bring salvation to those who are waiting for him. (Hebrews 9:27-28)
The Easter weekend always brings mixed emotions to me. I can remember growing up as a kid and watching “Jesus of Nazareth” on television every year. I witnessed the love of Christ unfold before my eyes in a very real and powerful way: I marveled as I watched all the miracles He performed. I winced as I watched Him being tortured and beaten. I cried as I watched Him being crucified. I rejoiced as He arose from the dead, reunited with His disciples, and ascended into heaven.
On Good Friday, I always think about the death of Christ – His suffering, His pain, and His sacrifice. What makes Him so special to me is that I know His death was no accident. He willingly laid down His life at the appointed time for the people He loved. On Easter Sunday, I always think about the resurrection of Christ – His triumph over death and His glorious return to heaven. Just as Christ was “destined” to die, He was also “destined” to provide salvation.
Unfortunately, “Jesus of Nazareth” isn’t shown on television anymore, but that doesn’t make this weekend any less special. Thankfully, the love, passion, and power of Christ isn’t trapped in a film that has gone away, but rather it is ever present to all “who are waiting for him.”