Three Whys of Easter. Non-Christians often wonder why Easter is such a big deal to followers of Jesus Christ. Here are three answers that explain the main beliefs of Christianity.
Three Whys of Easter. Why did Jesus come to earth?
For God so loved the world that he gave his only Son, that whoever believes in him should not perish but have eternal life. (ESV, John 3:16)
Jesus entered the world to save us from sin. It is our primary moral problem and thoroughly addressed in scripture. But carefully avoided in modern culture. It’s seldom acknowledged in entertainment, news media, public schools, and universities. And generally an awkward topic for non-Christians.
However, when Adam and Eve ate forbidden fruit in the garden of Eden, sin entered the world. And that one disobedient act has spread and infected the entire world like a cancer. Although most people admit they aren’t perfect and make mistakes, sin goes beyond that. And the problem? We’re all guilty of it.
Because unlike mistakes that are unintentional, sin is willful disobedience. Both in our acts and thoughts, we knowingly break God’s law. As a result we’re separated from God, and, as imperfect people, can’t atone for our sin. But Jesus came as the Son of God and lived a perfect life, which qualified him to atone for our sin.
Three Whys of Easter. Why did Jesus die on a cross?
For our sake he made him to be sin who knew no sin, so that in him we might become the righteousness of God. (ESV, 2 Corinthians 5:21)
Jesus Christ died on the cross for our sins. Why? Because God’s justice demands punishment for sin. And since we can’t atone for ourselves, Jesus took the punishment on our behalf. God’s wrath toward sin was poured out on him instead of us as he hung on the cross.
It is not accidental that the cross is called a tree. Sin entered the world through a tree in the Garden of Eden. And it was Jesus’ sacrificial death on a tree formed into a cross that now offers salvation through forgiveness. Adam took from a tree resulting in death. Jesus gave himself on a tree bringing life through forgiveness.
Through Jesus we can trade eternal death for eternal life.
Three Whys of Easter. Why did Jesus rise from the dead?
Christ died for our sins according to the Scriptures. And he was buried and raised on the third day according to the Scriptures, (ESV, 1 Corinthians 15:3-4)
The resurrection of Jesus Christ validates and completes his redemptive work. Jesus claimed to be the Son of God. Told his disciples he would die and rise again on the third day. And even the religious leaders seeking his death knew it. So they asked the Roman authorities to post guards at the entrance to his grave. But it didn’t stop the resurrection.
Therefore, those who believe in Jesus and his resurrection, ask him to forgive their sin, and follow him are spiritually transformed. Following his resurrection Jesus appeared to his disciples and over 500 witnesses before ascending to heaven. And he promised to return. This is the hope that fills Christ-followers today. And why on resurrection Sunday we say with confidence. He has risen. He has risen indeed!
About Chip Tudor:
Chip Tudor is a Christian author, blogger and professional writer. He publishes books, humorous Christian drama, and thought provoking blogs from a Christian worldview.This blog is originally published here.
Want to explore Christianity a little more?
This book offers a simple, conversational explanation about its main concepts–the ones that support everything else. It is written in plain, everyday language for those who want a better understanding of its basic belief system.
A study of John 11:17-31 reveals faith in God while mourning, Jesus’ power over death, the source of eternal life, and a willing response to the Lord’s call.
A study of John 11:17-31 reveals faith in God while mourning.
Martha said to Jesus, “Lord, if you had been here, my brother would not have died. But even now I know that whatever you ask from God, God will give you.” (ESV, John 11:21-22)
When Jesus arrives at the home of Mary, Martha, and Lazarus, Martha goes out to meet him. She tells Jesus that Lazarus died four days ago and decay has begun. Why does this matter? Because of a common belief that a departed spirit hovered over the body three days after death hoping to re-enter. But left when decomposition set in. Four days establishes this period had passed and eliminates any natural explanation for Lazarus’ return to life. Raising him from the dead now indisputably demonstrates the power of God.
Despite her grief, Martha expresses confidence in Jesus’ healing power and his unlimited access to the father. Jesus assures her in V.23 that Lazarus will “rise again.” And Martha repeats Jesus in V.24 to affirm the same belief. They both use the Greek word anistēmi for “rise again,” which means to stand up, lift up, raise up and arise. Although Martha links it to the final judgement and resurrection at the last day as foretold by the prophet Daniel.
And many who sleep in the dust of the earth will awake, some to everlasting life, but others to shame and everlasting contempt. (ESV, Daniel 12:2)
However, Jesus refers to the present. And he follows with his final “I Am” statement in the gospel of John.
A study of John 11:17-31 reveals Jesus’ power over death and the source of eternal life.
Jesus said to her, “I am the resurrection and the life. The one who believes in me will live, even though they die; and whoever lives by believing in me will never die. Do you believe this?” (ESV, John 11:25-26)
The Greek words egō eimi translated “I AM” assert Jesus’ divinity as the Son of God. He exercises power over resurrection and life. But his claim here means it is more than an event. But is centered in a person. The Son of God. And egō eimi is a direct echo of Yahweh’s self-revelation in Exodus 3:14.
Along with resurrection, those who believe will live even though they die. Another way of saying those who believe in Jesus receive eternal life. And the key to that is believing in Jesus. The Greek word for “believe” is pisteuōn, which means the one believing. It indicates ongoing, continuous faith and means that believing in and following Jesus is not a one time decision but a lifetime committment of discipleship.
Martha affirms her belief in Jesus as the Messiah. Then returns to the house where her sister Mary is inside with a group of people offering grief support. Martha tells Mary that Jesus is outside and asking for her. And it sets up the final scene for this dramatic miracle.
A study of John 11:17-31 reveals a willing response to the Lord’s call.
The Teacher is here,” she said, “and is asking for you.” When Mary heard this, she got up quickly and went to him. (ESV, John 11:28-29)
The Jewish cultural practice around death and mourning was different than today. Rather than a private, family matter, death was a community event where people gathered with the family and actively participated in mourning. The fact that Lazarus and his sisters were wealthy and influential likely added to the number of people who were present. Burials were usually immediate followed by seven days of the family mourning along with others who supported them emotionally and with food. And it included professional mourners.
The history of professional mourners goes back to the Old Testament.
Thus says the Lord of hosts: “Consider, and call for the mourning women to come; send for the skillful women to come; let them make haste and raise a wailing over us, that our eyes may run down with tears and our eyelids flow with water. (ESV, Jeremiah 9:17-20)
We also see it when Jesus raises the daughter of a synagogue leader from the dead.
When they arrived at the house of the synagogue leader, Jesus saw the commotion and the people weeping and wailing loudly. He went inside and asked, ‘Why all this commotion and weeping? The child is not dead, but asleep.’ And they laughed at Him. (ESV, Mark 5:38-40)
It was the professional mourners who laughed at Jesus. Why? Because they were paid mourners who weren’t genuinely sorrowful. And as professionals, they knew the difference between sleep and death. Saying the girl was asleep when they knew she was dead was a joke to them. The profession was so established by this time even poor families were expected to hire at least one flute player and mourner.
Mary was more emotional and impulsive than Martha. The one who annointed Jesus’ feet with expensive perfume and wiped it off with her hair in John 12:1-8. She responds immediately to the Lord’s call and goes out to meet Jesus followed by everyone else in the house. And the crowd of mourners now serves another important purpose. As eyewitnesses to the miracle of Jesus raising Lazarus from the dead.
About Chip Tudor:
Chip Tudor is a Christian author, blogger and professional writer. He publishes books, humorous Christian drama, and thought provoking blogs from a Christian worldview.This blog is originally published here.
A Christian Detective Novel
Jack Sterling, a former Navy SEAL, is hired as a bounty hunter to track down a war veteran who skipped out on bail. But at the same time, must resolve his own spiritual crisis. With grit, wit, and unexpected grace, Soul Pursuit proves that the hardest chase is for something deeper. A soul worth saving.
A study of John 11:1-16 reveals Jesus’ close friends and God’s covenant love, the difference between working by day and night, and God’s intentional plan to raise Lazarus from the dead.
A study of John 11:1-16 reveals Jesus’ close friends and God’s covenant love.
So the sisters sent to him, saying, “Lord, he whom you love is ill.” But when Jesus heard it he said, “This illness does not lead to death. It is for the glory of God, so that the Son of God may be glorified through it.” (ESV, John 11:3-4)
The word for love in V.3 that Martha uses to express Jesus’ love for Lazarus is the Greek phileō, which means affectionate love and friendship. It denotes personal attachment, sentiment and feeling. The kind of love we have for close friends and family members. And it gives us a glimpse into the personal life of Jesus. That he, like us, had favorite people he enjoyed spending time with. Something we all need.
But where John says Jesus loves Mary, Martha, and Lazarus in V.5, the Greek word is agapaō, which means to love in a social or moral sense. It is the same word used in John 3:35 to express the father’s love for the Son and in John 3:16 for God’s unconditional love for the world. It expresses committed devotion and purposeful care that acts for the good of the other. And it represents Christ’s deliberate, covenantal love. A love that is deeper, unbreakable, and eternal. The two words tell us that Jesus experienced love both as a human and as God, which is exactly who he was.
A study of John 11:1-16 reveals the difference between working by day and night.
Are there not twelve hours in a day? If anyone walks in the day, he does not stumble, because he sees the light of this world. But if anyone walks in the night, he stumbles, because the light is not in him.” (ESV, John 11:9-10)
When Jesus learns Lazarus is sick, he stays put for two more days. Wait. If he loves Mary, Martha, and Lazarus, shouldn’t he leave as soon as possible? Why wait two more days? Jesus answers the question in V.4. Lazarus’ death would be used for the glory of God and the Son of God. But after waiting two more days he tells the disciples it’s time to go back to Judea.
The disciples were incredulous and asked him, “Rabbi, the Jews were just now seeking to stone you, and are you going there again?”
The city of Bethany in Judea where Mary, Martha, and Lazarus lived was only a couple of miles from Jerusalem. And Jesus had recently encountered a group of Jews in the temple who almost stoned him. It was a big risk to go anywhere near there.
Working by day and night
Jesus answers with a metaphor that distinguishes between working by day and night. What does he mean by it?
The Jewish day was considered from sunrise to sunset, and night from sunset to sunrise. Roughly divided into 12 hours of daylight and 12 hours of darkness. Since they didn’t have artificial lightling for night like today, work was done during the day. Therefore, the twelve hours of daylight represents God’s appointed time for Christ’s work on earth. As John 8:20 reminds us: Yet no one seized Him, because His hour had not yet come. In other words, Jesus would continue working in the daylight of his ministry to accomplish his father’s will because no human plans could stop him.
For Christ followers today, daylight also represents walking in the light of God’s will. And night walking in spiritual darkness where we easily stumble without God’s guidance.
A study of John 11:1-16 reveals God’s intentional plan to raise Lazarus from the dead.
Then Jesus told them plainly, “Lazarus has died, and for your sake I am glad that I was not there, so that you may believe. But let us go to him.” (ESV, John 11:14-15)
Why did Jesus tell his disciples he was glad he wasn’t already at Lazarus’ home? Did he not care Lazarus was seriously ill? No. Had he been there while Lazarus was still alive, Jesus might have prevented him from dying. And stopped the father’s plan to raise Lazarus from the dead. This miracle demonstrating God’s power to raise the dead was an important prelude to his own resurrection.
But why wait two days more after hearing of Lazarus’ illness? Scholars suggest it was probably because there was a common belief that when someone died, their spirit hung around on earth for a few days hoping to get back into the body. But after a few days without success, it went on to eternity. Jesus waited beyond those days so there was no questioning the power of God in raising Lazarus from the dead.
Finally, Jesus says it’s time to leave because Lazarus has fallen asleep. Greek word for “asleep” is kŏimaō, which means to put to sleep, to slumber. But it is often used as a euphemism for death and is what Jesus means. However, the disciples take it to literally mean sleep so Jesus explains Lazarus is dead using the Greek word apŏthnēskō, which means dead, death, die, and slain. And this time his meaning is clear.
About Chip Tudor:
Chip Tudor is a Christian author, blogger and professional writer. He publishes books, humorous Christian drama, and thought provoking blogs from a Christian worldview.This blog is originally published here.
A Christian Detective Novel
Jack Sterling, a former Navy SEAL, is hired as a bounty hunter to track down a war veteran who skipped out on bail. But at the same time, must resolve his own spiritual crisis. With grit, wit, and unexpected grace, Soul Pursuit proves that the hardest chase is for something deeper. A soul worth saving.
A study of John 10:31-42 reveals a murderous crowd, an Old Testament passage that makes them pause, and a reason to believe in Jesus.
A study of John 10:31-42 reveals a murderous crowd.
I have shown you many good works from the Father; for which of them are you going to stone me?” (ESV, John 10:32)
In a dialogue with a group of Jews in John 10:22-29, Jesus uses the analogy of a shepherd’s relationship with his flock of sheep to describe his relationship with believers. As sheep recognize the voice of their shepherd and follow him, so do believers recognize Jesus’ voice and follow him. But then, Jesus makes a statement in V.30 that angrily incites the crowd. “I and the father are one.” And they respond by gathering rocks to stone him.
However, they pause when Jesus asks them a question. Which one of the many miracles that he performed are they going to stone him for? And their answer? They intend to stone him because it’s blasphemy for a man to claim he is God. This law is expressed in Leviticus 24:16.
Whoever blasphemes the Name of Yahweh shall surely be put to death; all the congregation shall stone him.
But it is not condoned as an act of mob justice. The Mosaic law outlined a legal process and trial before executing justice. What the Jews were planning was murder. And it was further prohibited by Roman law, which reserved the right to carry out executions.
Sadly, the Jews did not deny Jesus’ miracles. In fact, many had admitted the miracle of giving sight to a man born blind was only possible by the power of God. But they were willing to unjustly kill him anyway because they refused to believe he was the Messiah.
A study of John 10:31-42 reveals an Old Testament passage that makes them pause.
Jesus answered them, “Is it not written in your Law, ‘I said, you are gods’? If he called them gods to whom the word of God came—and Scripture cannot be broken— do you say of him whom the Father consecrated and sent into the world, ‘You are blaspheming,’ because I said, ‘I am the Son of God’? (ESV, John 10:34-36)
Jesus keeps the conversation going with the angry Jews by quoting from Psalm 82:6-7. Was this a strategy to de-escalate the situation? Possibly. It certainly demonstrated that he was equally knowledgeable of scripture.
What’s going on in Psalm 82?
God has taken his place in the divine council; in the midst of the gods he holds judgment: (ESV, Psalm 82:1)
The scene is a divine courtroom setting with God, as the supreme judge, condemning earthly judges for unjust practices. He calls them gods because they are his appointed representatives for justice. But they are failing in their assignment. The Hebrew word used in V.1 for “God” and “gods” is the same–ĕlōhîm. It’s used in a singular form to mean God and in a plural form to mean gods. It appears around 2,600 times in the Old Testament and can refer to:
The one true God (Yahweh)
False gods/idols
Human rulers/judges (representatives exercising delegated authority
I said, “You are gods, sons of the Most High, all of you; nevertheless, like men you shall die, and fall like any prince. (ESV, Psalm 82:6-7)
Yaweh, the supreme God, reminds the human judges they serve according to his soveriegn will and ultimately answer to him. Furthermore, they are men who will eventually die as men.
Managing a tense situation.
Jesus faces angry Jews with rocks who want to kill him because he claims to be God. So he quotes Psalm 82:6 that refers to men as gods and reminds them scripture must be respected as God’s word. Therefore, if God can call men gods, as the one sent from the father, it’s not blasphemy for Jesus to call himself the Son of God. Especially since that is exactly who he is.
Perhaps using Psalm 82 that condemned unjust judges reminded them they were about to commit an act that condemned them too. It certainly violated Roman law that only permitted Rome to carry out executions.
A study of John 10:31-42 reveals a reason to believe in Jesus.
If I am not doing the works of my Father, then do not believe me; but if I do them, even though you do not believe me, believe the works, that you may know and understand that the Father is in me and I am in the Father.” (ESV, John 10:38-39)
Finally, Jesus appeals to their common sense. If they won’t believe what he says, then believe based on his miracles. They admitted that healing a man born blind was only possible through the power of God. It should logically lead them to the conclusion that he is in the father and the father is in him.
However, they still refused to believe in him and seek to arrest him instead. It was, at least, better than killing him. But he eluded them and went across the Jordan to the area where John the Baptist had ministered. And the chapter ends on a positive note.
And many believed in him there. (ESV, John 10:42.
About Chip Tudor:
Chip Tudor is a Christian author, blogger and professional writer. He publishes books, humorous Christian drama, and thought provoking blogs from a Christian worldview.This blog is originally published here.
A Christian Detective Novel
Jack Sterling, a former Navy SEAL, is hired as a bounty hunter to track down a war veteran who skipped out on bail. But at the same time, must resolve his own spiritual crisis. With grit, wit, and unexpected grace, Soul Pursuit proves that the hardest chase is for something deeper. A soul worth saving.
A study of John 10:22-30 reveals a festival celebration and question to Jesus, the connection between belief and hearing, and the eternal security of faithful followers.
A study of John 10:22-30 reveals a festival celebration and question to Jesus.
So the Jews gathered around him and said to him, “How long will you keep us in suspense? If you are the Christ, tell us plainly.” (ESV, John 10:24)
In chapter seven, Jesus travels to Jerusalem from Galilee to celebrate the feast of the tabernacles that occurs in the fall. And throughout chapters 8 and 9, Jesus remains in Jerusalem, teaching in the temple, dialoguing with Jews, and healing a blind man. Now it’s winter and another Jewish celebration serves as the background. The feast of dedication of the Jerusalem temple.
What is the feast of dedication?
The first temple in Jerusalem was built by King Solomon around 966 BC (1 Kings 6–8). However, it was destroyed by Babylon under King Nebuchadnezzar who conquered Israel in 586 BC. Later, Persia conquered Babylon and King Cyrus let the Jews return and rebuild the temple, which was completed in 516BC. However, when Alexander the Great established his empire, he introduced Greek culture. And following him, under the Seleucid dynasty, King Antiochus IV Epiphanes forced Greek culture on the Jews. It included desecrating the temple by installing pagan idols and sacrificing pigs. This resulted in the Maccabean revolt which led to the cleansing and rededication of the temple in 164 BC.
It celebrated:
Restoring true worship
Purifying the temple
Preserving God’s covenant people
Although not prescribed in the Mosaic law, the feast of dedication was observed by many faithful Jews in Jesus’ day.
Now as Jesus walks through the area of the temple called the colonnade of Solomon, a group of Jews stop him to ask a question.
A study of John 10:22-30 reveals the connection between belief and hearing.
The works that I do in my Father’s name bear witness about me, but you do not believe because you are not among my sheep. My sheep hear my voice, and I know them, and they follow me, (ESV, John 10:25-27)
The Jews wanted a direct answer from Jesus. Stop speaking in parables, making vague references, and give us a yes or no answer. Are you the Messiah or not? But Jesus didn’t comply. What he had said up to now was sufficient. Furthermore, his miracles were even more confirmation. So why all the mystery?
Probably because Jesus knew they weren’t interested in more clarification. But to elicit an incriminating response they could use against him. They had more than enough evidence to make an informed decision. Just refused to believe. Why? Because they weren’t his sheep. His sheep heard his voice and followed him.
The Greek word for “believe” is pisteuete, which means to believe and trust. However, it goes beyond intellectual assent and represents covenantal trust in the Son. And the Greek word for “hear” is akouousin written in present tense. Therefore, it involves ongoing responsiveness rather than a one time event. In other words, salvation is an ongoing life of faithful perseverence and obedience.
Additionally, people who claim to reject Jesus based on intellectual reasons do so in denial of the moral one. Prideful refusal to give up their sin.
A study of John 10:22-30 reveals the eternal security of faithful followers.
My sheep hear my voice, and I know them, and they follow me. I give them eternal life, and they will never perish, and no one will snatch them out of my hand. (ESV, John 10:27-28)
Jesus summarizes the teaching he has presented the last few chapters in one sentence. It involves a relationship between sheep and shepherd. Christ-followers, represented as the sheep, hear the voice of Jesus, the shepherd. And Jesus individually knows us relationally too. As we follow him he gives us a divinely secured, eternal life. The Greek word for “snatch” is harpazō, which means to seize, catch away, pluck, pull, and take by force. It is reassurance that what God secures cannot be undone.
The parable extends beyond a transaction of receiving Christ as savior and following him in discipleship as Lord. The only parts to the Gospel not included are still to come. The crucifixion and resurrection.
Finally, Jesus drops a bomb.
I and the father are one…
The Greek word for “one” is hen, which is the neuter form. If John had used the masculine form heis, it would have suggested that the Father and Son are one person. But the neuter form suggests the Father and Son are one in mission and purpose.
The irony in this whole exchange is the Jews were celebrating the feast of the dedication of the temple, when the Christ, who embodied the temple, stood before them. They celebrated the cleansing of the temple and completely missed the one who came to cleanse sinners.
About Chip Tudor:
Chip Tudor is an author, blogger and professional writer. He publishes books, humorous Christian drama, and thought provoking blogs from a Christian worldview.This blog is originally published here.
A Christian Detective Novel
Jack Sterling, a former Navy SEAL, is hired as a bounty hunter to track down a war veteran who skipped out on bail. But at the same time, must resolve his own spiritual crisis. With grit, wit, and unexpected grace, Soul Pursuit proves that the hardest chase is for something deeper. A soul worth saving.
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