An Easter Message

Murder investigations often make for gripping news, but one really amazed me recently. The story was of a US man who confessed to murdering his wife. He turned himself into police after faking her suicide months earlier. His confession made headlines around the world.

Just another story about a remorseful murderer? Perhaps, but what was so interesting was why he came forward to confess. He had just seen Mel Gibson’s The Passion of the Christ. The man became overcome with Jesus’ death on the cross, and decided to seek redemption.

If you haven’t already seen it, Gibson’s film is all about remembering the last days of Jesus’ life. And at this time of year we celebrate Easter for the same reason. However, I’m sure we would all agree Easter has lost its original meaning.

Most of us endeavour to live good lives. Unlike this repentant murderer in America, we try to obey the law. But do we take Jesus’ death seriously? The man who gave himself over to police certainly did.

Roman soldiers crucified Jesus, God’s much-loved son. He was raised to life three days later. This is not the stuff of fiction but rather it is solid fact, grounded in history. Yet all around us in out city it is easy to see that those icons of Easter time – showbags, chocolate eggs and hot cross buns – have sanitised the blood and agony of Jesus’ slow and painful death on the cross.

In human terms, there are only 28 generations separating us from that first Good Friday. This Easter let’s take the time to think about that death 2000 years ago and what it means for us. Let’s rejoice in the good news that Jesus died for a purpose, that through him we might have redemption and a personal relationship with God, our Father.

Churches everywhere are holding special services remembering Jesus’ sacrifice this Easter weekend. May I encourage you to visit one? If Mel’s film has you thinking, you might discover that the real person has the power to change your life.

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