What More?

So what more could Jesus do for you to show you how much He loves you? Isn’t it enough that He took your place on the cross? All you have to do is look at the nail scars in His hands and feet. Look at the wound in His side. Look at the stripes upon His back. Look into His eyes and feel the compassion of His heart pouring out for you.

The cross is the ultimate expression of God’s love. He didn’t have to do it. But He did because He loves you. He didn’t have to endure the beatings. He didn’t have to wear the crown of thorns. He didn’t have to take the mocking or the shame. But He did it in love for you.

In the Garden of Gethsemane Judas came betraying Jesus. One of the Twelve, one of His followers, His friend, handed Him over to those bearing clubs and swords. One of His own turned Him in, betraying the Son of Man with a kiss. It didn’t have to be this way, but Jesus suffered it all out of the depth of His love for you.

His faithful disciple, Peter, was ready for war. When they seized Jesus to arrest Him, Peter drew his sword and started swinging. He sure wasn’t going to let things go down this way. This was the time to fight! This was the time for Jesus to establish Himself as the rightful King of Israel and take His place as Ruler and Messiah.

Yet Jesus did nothing of the sort. In fact, He rebuked Peter. Then He posed a question that drives me to my knees in wonder and amazement at His love. He asked, “Do you think that I cannot appeal to My Father, and He will at once send Me more than twelve legions of angels?” (Matthew 26:53). No, He didn’t have to do it. He didn’t have to suffer the excruciating pain and unthinkable humiliating of the cross. He didn’t have to die. But He chose to!

That’s love! His love is deep! His love is wide! His love is high! His love is long! That’s a love that goes beyond measure. It’s a love that surpasses knowledge.

So, what more could He do to show you His love? How about rising from the grave?!

When Jesus died on the cross, that was it for the disciples. It was over. Their hopes were crushed. Their dreams defeated. Their souls empty and broken. Jesus was the One who was supposed to redeem Israel. And now – it was over. Had all the events of the past three years as they followed Him been in vain? All the miracles and signs? All the healing of the sick? All the authoritative teaching? All the prophetic words? Was it all just for nothing?

But in the midnight of their sadness, confusion, disappointment and fear, Jesus came to them as the Living One, risen from the dead, and declared: “Peace to you!” He didn’t leave them hanging. He didn’t leave them hopeless. He didn’t leave them to waste away in worry, doubt or despair.

He proved that His love was stronger than death! The cords of death had Him bound, but His love broke through! The sting of death inflicted its fury, but His resurrection victory rendered it powerless! “God raised Him up, loosing the pangs of death, because it was not possible for Him to be held by it” (Acts 2:24).

Friend, maybe you’re in a place of spiritual darkness today. Perhaps sadness, confusion, disappointment and fear are the norm for you. Let the love of Christ Jesus assure you that it doesn’t have to be that way. When you put your faith in Him, He gives you His joy. He gives you His peace. He gives you His power. And He gives you His life.

Will you receive the offer of salvation through Jesus Christ today? Turn from sin and come to Jesus, the One who forgives your sins by His blood and gives you a living hope through His resurrection victory. Oh, how He loves you!

And join us this Sunday at Ridgway First Baptist Church as we celebrate Jesus. We’ll have a Sunrise Service at 7:00 a.m., followed by a light breakfast fellowship. Sunday School for all ages begins at 9:30, and our worship celebration featuring a choir special entitled, “Hallelujah! Praise the Lamb” will be at 10:40 a.m. After the service we’ll have an Easter egg hunt for the children. Everyone is welcome and invited to attend!