"The Easter Story"
A verse-by-verse commentary

"The Cross of Jesus"

The story of the cross of Jesus is the most awesome expression of love known to man. God ordained the death of Jesus on the cross so that all humanity could receive forgiveness of sin, and everlasting life, as originally intended

Jesus Christ, the Son of God

Jesus took upon Himself the sin of all humanity, past, present, and future. Suffered death and separation from the Father. Shed His blood and took our sins upon His own body, giving us the gift of the Holy Spirit and Eternal Life. Presented us Spiritual gifts, enabling us to walk in holiness and righteousness in Him.

At the moment of Jesus' death, the disciples did not know that the veil around the Mercy Seat in the Temple had been rent from top to bottom, representing the end of the terrible separation of God and Man that had existed since the days of Adam and Eve. All they saw were the earthquakes, darkness, and gloom that were upon all the earth. Their faith and hope were very limited.

The Empty Tomb

Then came the discovery of the empty tomb, and when Jesus revealed Himself to them in person, they found new excitement and hope. God had ordained the death of Jesus on the cross so that all humanity could receive forgiveness of sin, and everlasting life, as originally intended.

The disciples now knew that everything He had told them was to come, was right on schedule. Their faith and lives were transformed.

Ascension into Heaven

And when they witnessed His Ascension into Heaven with their own eyes, their faith reached an even greater pinnacle! They knew with all certainty that He was who He had said He was, and they were changed forever.

Pentecost

A short time later, on the Day of Pentecost, they were filled with the Holy Spirit and given The Power to accomplish the things Jesus had commanded them to do. Nothing, not persecution, imprisonment, or even death itself, would keep them from taking the message of the cross of Jesus to the world.