Celebrate Easter Big -- Lent: Day 25

Scripture:  John 12:20-26

In this passage we see what is required to be an authentic follower of JESUS.  It may be very different from what many Christians think.  Often we have watered down the GOSPEL OF JESUS in our efforts to grow churches and to pack the pews.  We have minimized the GOSPEL OF JESUS as we reduce it to a simple, “sinner’s prayer.”

JESUS declares, “My pathway to glory is through death.”  He is saying, “If you want to see me, be prepared to become like Me . . . prepare to follow Me on the road I am going.  I will be glorified as a grain of wheat falling into the ground and dying.”  Then He makes this truth about Him a truth about us.  Are we willing to hate our lives in this world?  Are we willing to follow Him on the path to Calvary?  Are we willing to serve the Son in this way?  Are we willing to identify with the One we are so eager to see?  Follow Me. Die with Me. Hate your life in this world with Me. Serve Me.

This is hard and it is glorious.  It is difficult to die to this life, to hate our lives in this world, to follow JESUS on the Calvary road, and to walk in humility and become servants

Jesus knew it would be hard. That's why he said in Matthew 7:14, "The gate is narrow and the way is hard, that leads to life, and those who find it are few."

But it is glorious because through this death and dying HOLY SPIRIT bears the fruit of JESUS in us, we enter into our eternal life, we join JESUS in His glory, and we experience joy, peace, abundant life, meaning, purpose, and complete fulfillment.

So, we wildly celebrate Easter because JESUS’ death, burial, and resurrection brings us ultimate life . . . and everything for which we are yearning and longing.

JESUS is Risen . . . !

Richard Holloman