Sunday is coming.

Easter is approaching, and while the world seeks to commercialize on it, and sell cards or candy, there is really a much more significant opportunity.  To consider why we remember Easter. 

Jesus was not worrying about his popularity or image when he hung on that cross.  He wasn't trying to avoid the shame or embarrassment of suffering a criminals death.  

All he was thinking about was you.  How he loves you so much he couldn't let you face the eternal death that awaits us all.  He left the splendor of Heaven, endures as a man, and died a martyr, suffering pain and torment of separation from his Father.

For you.  For me.

He didn't wait for it to be convenient, or fun.  He didn't have his friends with him, or a social media following.

He didn't do it to prove a point or win an argument.  He did it because he is love, and love lays aside self.  He did it because only he could, or we would be without hope.

"Jesus said to her, "I am the resurrection and the life. The one who believes in me will live, even though they die; and whoever lives by believing in me will never die. Do you believe this?""

John 11:25-26 NIV

This is the gospel.  That while we were still sinners, Christ died for us.  That whoever believes in Him will not perish, but have eternal life.

What did he ask in return?  Share.

"He said to them, "Go into all the world and preach the gospel to all creation. Whoever believes and is baptized will be saved, but whoever does not believe will be condemned."

Mark 16:15-16 NIV

Why?  Love.

"Love the Lord your God with all your heart and with all your soul and with all your mind and with all your strength.'"

Mark 12:30 NIV

"If you love me, keep my commands."

John 14:15 NIV

NO ONE is excluded from the gift that Jesus delivered.  It is a free choice to accept, or reject it.  But you can not ignore the defining act in history, that defines time itself, and demands a response.  To ignore Him is to reject him, to declare that you can do it on your own.

"Then Jesus said to his disciples, "Whoever wants to be my disciple must deny themselves and take up their cross and follow me. For whoever wants to save their life will lose it, but whoever loses their life for me will find it. What good will it be for someone to gain the whole world, yet forfeit their soul? Or what can anyone give in exchange for their soul?"

Matthew 16:24-26 NIV