Hey friends! So for the next 3 motivations, I want to take the opportunity to discuss Easter. Of course, this will be Jennifer style (whatever that is). 🙂
I grew up in a Christian home but we didn’t attend church regularly until I was around 11. Most of you are like ok, great. That’s a good age to retain biblical knowledge. Well…this chick right here could care less at that time. I loved the Lord but I wasn’t interested in history at all. And learning about the Lord is one big history lesson. So it wasn’t until I was an adult that I realized four unusual yet remarkable things happened after Jesus was crucified (like that was remarkable enough). What are they and why are they important to us? Let’s talk about it.
The darkness. I think most of us who know the story have heard there was darkness. Jesus was placed on the cross at 9 a.m. (Mark 15:25), then “from noon until three in the afternoon darkness came over the whole land” (Matthew 27:45). In the Old Testament, darkness was a sign of judgement. For example, in Exodus when the ninth plague hit there was darkness of Egypt for 3 days (Exodus 10:21-22). After the plague, death came to the first born sons (Exodus 11:4-5). Darkness preceded death. You see, then darkness happened while Jesus was on the cross, our sins were placed on Jesus and Jesus endured the judgement of God. Isn’t it funny how nothing randomly happens in the Bible?
The curtain. “The curtain of the sanctuary was torn in two from top to bottom” (Matthew 27:51). There are two theories as to what this was a symbolism of from God. The curtain could have showed a separation of the Jews and Gentiles. Paul said Jesus tore down the wall (Ephesians 2:14). Or, this could have been a representation of the curtain that separated the holy of holies. Regular ole worshippers (like me and you) were not allowed in and only high priest could go in once a year. Personally, this is what I always believed it represented. BUT! Fun fact- it doesn’t matter which symbolism you believe it represented because the end result is the same. It shows that God has been opened up for all people through Christ. Because it was torn from the top signifies God did it and not a human.
The earthquake. “The earth quaked, and the rocks were split” (Matthew 27:51). After a quick google search, I learned that Palenstine is located on the Dead Sea Fault Line so earthquakes are pretty common in this area. So what’s the big deal right? They have earthquakes like we have tornados. Wellllll….not exactly. Because of the timing and the magnitude, this was a supernatural event. Kinda like when Moses was on Mount Sinai to give His law, “the whole mountain shook violently.” (Exodus 19:18). I can’t help but think these events were related as the demands of the law had been fulfilled.
The dead rose. “The tombs were also opened and many bodies of the saints who had fallen asleep were raised” (Matthew 27:52). Hold on a sec?? There were zombies too? I mean, kinda. I don’t think they were gross, stinky and wanted to eat your brains. But, these were Old Testament saints that were dead and then they were alive. I think Paul explained it best when he said, “the dead in Christ will rise”. (1 Thessalonians 4:16). This shows us, as believers, hope.
As I wrap up, I want you to stop and study the absolute parallels of all these events. Not to make light of any of these events, but they were so thought out. I get chills when I see that nothing is by accident. It is fascinating that God is so intentional. He is showing us time and time again. It’s like he’s fanning a CVS receipt saying, “I got it right here! On this date at this time!” It’s almost like he knew we would need proof…
As we prepare for the upcoming season, it is so important for us to reflect on what God has given and continues to give to us even though we don’t deserve it. I mean, hello…we need receipts. Like, His son dying by crucifixion for our sins is not enough. So, what did He do? He scared everyone! He had to put some “umph” behind this crucifixion to get our attention and to prove He loves us more than…anything. Prove to us…do hear how silly that sounds?
Love you all,
Jennifer
