The story of this day…

This is the story. Someone called it ‘The only fairytale that is not a fairytale…’

Miraculously born of a virgin, Jesus grew up in knowledge and by the time He was 12, everyone marvelled at the intelligence with which he discussed issues, and ancient scrolls in the temple. At 30, dude was more knowledgeable than any teachers of the law.

After 40 days and nights of fasting in the wilderness… he came back even more radical, choosing people to teach the Law of God. But more radical was the way He chose them.

Who on earth finds one about his business and tells them to follow him? ‘Sir, I understand you are a fisherman, but follow me, I will make you a fisher of men’ Really Jesus?! Amazingly, guys followed him, not just for a day. For three years.

But one thing got Him into trouble. In one of His teachings, he dared to destroy the Temple in Jerusalem and rebuild it in three days! But this temple had been reconstructed for 40 years.

Not only that. The Temple was known as the house of God, but He referred to it as ‘My House’! The elders and teachers of the Law decided this madness had to be stopped. Guy had to die.

And he knew about this. As they ate the last supper, He said, ‘you are here eating with me, but one of you is going to stab me in the back.’ and Judas did!

He sold out his teacher to the bad guys, and after a long trial in the court of public opinion, Jesus had to die, as a sinner… even when in Him there was no sin. He became the lamb, to atone for the sins of the world. He was beaten in cruelty, and hung on the cross. He died. Buried.

But on the third day, as He had so often said, He resurrected, with all authority. Now all who believe in Him, live because He died. That is the hope we hold, strong and firm, that Jesus died and rose again. And that, is cause to celebrate… Happy Easter Holidays.

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