The Hope of Easter: Finding Clarity in Confusing TimesSample

Day 5: Crucifixion- Hope Through Sacrifice

Matthew 27:50-54 says, Then Jesus shouted out again, and he released his spirit. At that moment the curtain in the sanctuary of the Temple was torn in two, from top to bottom. The earth shook, rocks split apart, and tombs opened. The bodies of many godly men and women who had died were raised from the dead. They left the cemetery after Jesus’ resurrection, went into the holy city of Jerusalem, and appeared to many people.

The Roman officer and the other soldiers at the crucifixion were terrified by the earthquake and all that had happened. They said, “This man truly was the Son of God!"

What makes the story of Jesus so unique? So special? His sacrificial love. He gave up Himself for all of us and needed no convincing. He knew you were worth it. What parts of yourself have you had to sacrifice for God? Has it been your anger? Your need to be right? Your desire to be popular? Sacrifice is never easy, but when you lay part of yourself down for God, there is a shift in your soul.

Something changes in you, something that makes you stronger and more able to walk through the storms of life without blaming God for the rain. You have humbled yourself enough to see the parts of you that need to change and understand that without the help of the Holy Spirit, you are as good as spiritually dead.

After Jesus cried out his last prayer to God and released himself to death, the temple curtain split in two. Why? Because of Jesus's sacrifice, the division between God and his people was torn. Sacrificial love must be present to end the division. As leaders, we must be willing to sacrifice parts of ourselves so we can be united with the Holy Spirit and then unite with each other. That can only come from sacrifice.