Easter is the time of year when many think of Spring, new clothes, chocolate and bunnies. For Christians, it is the holiest of holy holidays. Of course we also talk a lot about Christmas, which represents the time of Christ’s birth; but it is Easter, or what we call Resurrection Sunday, that holds the key to what makes Jesus both real and unique from other religious leaders, and also serves as the foundation and justification of our faith. The gospels (Matthew, Mark, Luke and John) each talk about the crucifixion and resurrection of Jesus Christ. This is when we celebrate the fact that Christ came to earth, fulfilled his mission, was killed on the cross and rose again on the third day as prophesied.
In May of 2015 I had the distinct pleasure of traveling to Israel with the Jewish Federation of Greater Los Angeles. To me this was a trip of a lifetime. I, along with several colleagues, had the opportunity to travel on what was called the “Community Leadership Study Trip to Israel.” There were approximately 15 of us from all walks of life who explored the region in the hopes of achieving a better understanding of both the people and culture of Israel. Our itinerary included visiting the Old City of Jerusalem, including the Via Dolorosa and the Stations of the Cross. We also explored the Church of the Holy Sepulcher (which included the last Stations).
As a child I grew up in a household with my grandmother where I was taught the Bible and we attended church weekly (as a matter of fact, several days during the week) and our faith was a bedrock in our family. However, as with so many things in life, oftentimes it’s not until you have a deep personal experience (and it becomes more than just something you’ve read or heard about) that your faith or belief is strengthened and taken to another level. For me, that experience came when I had the opportunity to travel to Israel and see firsthand the places I read about in the Bible. While on that trip, I had much time for introspection. I found myself coming back to the question raised by author C.S. Lewis that challenges us to think about Jesus as either Lord, liar or lunatic. Lewis argued that if Jesus claimed to be God, and he wasn’t, then he was either a liar or crazy. This debunks the theory of those who claim he was simply a “good teacher.” By definition, he couldn’t be “good” or a “teacher” if he were either a liar or insane.
Lewis’ theological question has sparked much debate used to argue the divinity of Jesus Christ. But no matter how well read we are, or how educated we become, nothing can take the place of a personal experience; that is something that nobody can take away. Walking down the Via Dolorosa, where he carried the cross to Calvary, I wasn’t concerned with theologians or apologetics. In that moment, He truly became my Lord. This season I challenge you to take a good look at what Easter is really about. Take time to check out the Word of God for yourself. There’s evidence even beyond the Bible that determines the truth of the life, death and resurrection of Jesus Christ. Determine for yourself whether He was/is a liar, lunatic or if He will be your Lord. For me I am grateful that He has Risen!
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Visit www.WendyEnterprises.com and www.forgivingforliving.org. Wendy is a coach, consultant and speaker. You may email her at [email protected].
