As Easter is quickly approaching, it is important that we take the time to reflect about what Easter really is and why Christians should understand the importance of the cross.
College students all need breaks every now and then from the hectic life of studying. However, we should also use Easter break to know that we have been given a great gift; we were saved and forgiven because of Jesus and the cross!
One part of the message the cross deals with the sacrifice of an innocent lamb. The cross is at the center of most gospel preaching, so what does the lamb have to do with it?
It states in the Old Testament that if a man sinned against God he needed to make a sacrifice. One of the possible sacrifices was to kill a lamb.
We can use this connection that Jesus is the Lamb because he was completely innocent and the ultimate sacrifice just like a lamb. God became flesh through Jesus so that Jesus could be sacrificed on the cross for all our sins.
The true pain that can be recognized here is that the Son of God became the lamb because of God’s decision to sacrifice his only son for us. Man sinned against God, so man needed to die and God became man.
The cross itself has an enormous amount of symbolism. Beyond the appearance of it, there is a deeper meaning. The cross represents pain, suffering, but also joy and forgiveness. Some see it as a symbol that God has sacrificed his Son so we may be free. In essence, our guilt was put on God, and he sent his son as a way to show his love toward us.
The cross also is a representation of the undying love that God has for us, His children.
When Easter time arrives, remember that Jesus did die for us; however, he also was able to rise from the grave on the third day. This is living proof that He is the Almighty One. Thanks to Jesus dying on the cross “we shall no longer be slaves of sin,” according to Romans 6:4.
Laura Maxwell
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