Victory After the Grave

Easter Sunday is the biggest celebratory event in the Christian calendar, as Jesus accomplished what no other leader, religious or non-religious leader has ever accomplished. After being abandoned by His disciples, facing various trials with Annas, Caiaphas, the Sanhedrin, Pilate, Herod and then back to Pilate – six trials, the number of man. Jesus was falsely accused of inciting people to engage in riots, advising them not to pay their taxes and claiming to be a King. He was stripped, beaten and humiliated. However, despite all accusations and ill-treatment, Pilot said, ‘I find no fault in Him’. Yet, the people were not appeased and when offered the annual release of a prisoner, they chose Barnabas the prisoner over Jesus.
Jesus humbled Himself in the face of being despised and rejected by His creation. People lied against Him, mistreated Him, abused Him and betrayed Him. Despite all of this, Jesus remained true to His purpose, fulfilling the commission He was sent on by His Father. He knew the journey, He knew the end and He remained faithful. If we saw what Jesus saw would we press on regardless?
For many folk this will resonate with them, the experience of being misrepresented, mistreated or misinterpreted at some point within their lifetime. It’s not always an easy thing to deal with, especially if you are denied opportunity for redress. What exasperates the situation, is when one allows such circumstances to cause loss of focus and vision on one’s purpose. Life often presents distractions, hurdles or challenges, but it is imperative that we ‘keep our eye on the goal’ or our purpose.
It was the late Myles Munroe who said, ‘The greatest tragedy in life is not death, but life without a purpose’. Jesus clearly knew His purpose and despite the treatment, attack and opposition He faced, He completed His mission and was able to state, ‘It is finished’.
We celebrate at this time the greatest price paid, when the Innocent stood in place of the guilty, when the Light entered the darkness and when death and the grave became victim to the eternal Conqueror Jesus Christ. Today and always, may we give God thanks for the Victory that has been won for us! Hallelujah!
Happy Resurrection Sunday!