Series: Easter Eggs
Joy is Ours
March 26, 2023 | David McQueen
Passage: Matthew 27:45-54
Jesus died that we might live in joy (Hebrews 12:2; 1 Thessalonians 5:16). This truth shouts to us in some of the unusual, lesser-known details – the Easter eggs – of Jesus’ crucifixion. One such Easter egg is that God chose to make the world completely dark the last three hours that Jesus was on the cross (Matthew 27:45). In His last moments, Jesus identifies with the darkness we all feel. As He cries out and yields up His spirit, the earth shakes, saints come out of their graves, the curtain in the temple is torn, and instantly light returns. That light was the eradication of the effects of sin and darkness. And that last shout or cry of Jesus may have been not a cry of despair or anguish but a shout of joy (Hebrews 12:2). Another Easter egg is the tearing of the veil in the temple (Matthew 27:51). God tore the veil, which separated humans from the presence of God in the most holy place in the temple, so that we could come freely and boldly into His presence (Hebrews 10:19-22). All these things that took place so that we could find the fullness of joy in the presence of God. Jesus did not die that we would have moments of joy but live daily in joy (1 Thessalonians 5:16). We experience that joy and keep it active in our lives as we pray continually and give thanks in His presence (1 Thessalonians 5:16-24).
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