The day following Jesus’ crucifixion was a Sabbath day. The day God’s people were commanded to rest. It was a day free of work but saturated in worship. What was it like for Jesus’ disciples? Since the Scriptures are silent, we are left to wonder. But I imagine it was difficult to worship. I imagine they felt helpless. Their teacher and the one they hoped would usher in the Kingdom of God and set them up as judges over Israel was dead (Matthew 19:28). They were likely the religious leaders’ next target, and there was nothing they could do.
We have the advantage of knowing that resurrection Sunday was coming. But remember, they didn’t. They would eventually learn that the cross accomplished more than they ever dreamed possible. God’s plan was grander than they knew. His masterful plan of redemption was accomplished with Jesus’ death on the cross. Jesus himself announced this fact with his victorious cry, “It is finished” (John 19:30). In a single event, Jesus took on the sins of the world, endured the wrath and punishment of God for sin, and was accepted by God as the all-sufficient atoning sacrifice for sin. There is no more work for Jesus to perform. No further suffering needed. His death marks the death of sin, Satan’s defeat, and death’s demise.
And the redemption Jesus secured extended beyond the boundaries of Israel. Jesus’ redeeming work would rescue all kinds of people from all four corners of the earth for generations – including in the 21st century. The good news is that all who faithfully trust in Jesus’ atoning sacrifice on Calvary – no matter the geographic location, or one’s ethnicity, age, or background – are no longer under the curse of sin. Sinners saved by God’s grace are people who have been remade, reborn, recreated by no effort of their own. No longer enslaved to sin, we have the abiding Holy Spirit who empowers to live according to our new identities as God’s children and instruments of this righteousness (Romans 6). That includes the supernatural ability to resist the Enemy’s temptations (James 4:7). For a little while longer, Satan “prowls around like a roaring lion, seeking someone to devour.” But, again, we can “resist him, firm in your faith, knowing that the same kinds of suffering are being experienced by your brotherhood throughout the world” (1 Peter 5:8–9). Satan remains dangerous but because of Christ’s atoning death, we have been given great weapons of defense and offense for battle until our King returns to toss our adversary into the great lake of fire for eternity (Ephesians 6:10-20, Revelation 20:10).
Jesus’ death and subsequent resurrection also guarantee that death itself (the consequence of sin) has been defeated. In his letter to the Corinthians, the apostle Paul cites Old Testament passages that promised a day when death will be destroyed. Then he celebrates the fact that God’s promise (and the millennia-long hope of God’s people) has finally been realized in Jesus Christ.
“Death is swallowed up in victory.” “O death, where is your victory? O death, where is your sting?” The sting of death is sin, and the power of sin is the law. But thanks be to God, who gives us the victory through our Lord Jesus Christ (1 Corinthians 15:54-57).
We no longer need to fear death, because our destiny is certain – eternal life in the blessed, joyful presence of our glorious God (Psalm 16:11)
Why did Jesus do all of this? Why did he go to such great lengths to sacrifice himself in the place of the undeserving? In a word, love.
In this is love, not that we have loved God but that he loved us and sent his Son to be the propitiation (wrath absorbing sacrifice) for our sins” (1 John 4:10).
Scripture is replete with reminders, like the one above, that the purpose behind Jesus’ mission to reconcile the world to himself is love. His love for the Father and hopeless sinners. It pleases God to extend his love to sinners and redeem them from destruction. The Triune God decided long ago, in eternity past, that he would bestow grace on rebellious sinners, including those of us living today.
And most incredibly, we who have experienced salvation, and the life-giving power of the Spirit are called to proclaim this to the world. We have been invited to participate in the on-going mission, to tell and show people the love of God. And we do it in the strength of the same Spirit who raised Jesus from the dead.
Salvation from sin, Satan, and hell is the work of Jesus Christ alone. And we are told to rest in his work. His atoning death was not only necessary for salvation, but it is also a sufficient work. Nothing else needs to be added. Nothing else can be added. And he invites everyone to acknowledge this truth and repent of their sin. The gospel of Jesus Christ humbles the self-righteous (“I can do it myself”) and uplifts the downtrodden (“Woe is me”). Both can find lasting rest and eternal delight for their souls in the Son of God.
Let’s also take time today to rest in the Redeemer’s work and to meditate on his love. And let’s live in the anticipation of resurrection Sunday, when we will celebrate that the tomb is empty! Jesus is alive and is eternally ruling and reigning as King of kings and Lord of lords!
Join us tomorrow morning at 10:00 am for our Easter livestream service when we will worship our risen Savior and Lord!