Are we celebrating death?

Some people might think we would be sad during this week we celebrate the passion of Christ. Actually, we are happy. Not because Jesus was slandered, beaten up, spat at and finally crucified, but because he could comply with the Father’s will which served to bring salvation to all who care to believe in Him. It was not easy for Him for He was one hundred percent human. He even pleaded God in Gethsemane: “My Father, if it is possible, let this cup pass from Me; yet not as I will, but as You will.” (Mathew 26:39)

Some Christians have even told me when I have spoken of the beautiful music we sing during these days: “we only celebrate “Easter’ because we do not celebrate death, but only life.”  But, it so happens, that Jesus Himself said it: “The hour has come for the Son of Man to be glorified. Truly, truly, I say to you, unless a grain of wheat falls into the earth and dies, it remains alone; but if it dies, it bears much fruit. He who loves his life loses it, and he who hates his life in this world will keep it to life eternal”

 (John 12:23-25)  So we celebrate that He wanted to bear much fruit so you and I could live eternally. Therefore, we celebrate His death and after three days, His resurrection. We are NOT sad for Him, but for all the ones who are so blind and insist in not seeking the truth, that in Him we’ll be forever well.

Back in the time of Moses, when he led his people out of slavery in Egypt, and towards the Promised Land, God revealed all the laws to him (over 600 of them including the Ten Commandments.). It was also established the feast of the “Passover” of the Lord to celebrate their freedom. The families were to slay a Passover lamb to eat and apply some blood on the lintel and the doorposts of their house “For the Lord will pass through to smite the Egyptians; and when He sees the blood on the lintel and on the two doorposts, the Lord will pass over the door and will not allow the destroyer to come in to your houses to smite you. And you shall observe this event as an ordinance for you and your children forever.” (Exodus 12:23-24)

Centuries later, John the Baptist said when he saw Jesus: “Behold the Lamb of God who takes away the sin of the world!” (John 1:29)  He is the Lamb who precisely in the feast of the Passover was slain to free us from our sins, and that’s worth celebrating.

Nevertheless, at the third day  He arose from death because He is also one hundred percent divine and as it is written: So then, when the Lord Jesus had spoken to them (the disciples), he was received up into heaven and sat down at the right hand of God.  (Mark 16:19)

So, by the observance of the Holy Week we are really celebrating LIFE.

                          HAPPY EASTER!