Have you ever found yourself wondering why the death and resurrection of Jesus really matter? Growing up in church, these monumental events might have seemed like just another story. But what if understanding their true significance could transform your life? This journey of discovery reveals why these events are so much more than just a Sunday school lesson. Let’s dive in and uncover the profound impact of Jesus’ ultimate sacrifice.

It Seems Normal

If you’ve grown up in church like I did, the death and resurrection of Jesus might seem like familiar territory. We hear it so often: Jesus died for our sins. But, if I’m being honest, I didn’t fully grasp why the death and resurrection mattered until I was much older, like, 28 or 29. At the time of writing this, I’m about to turn 31. So, it’s only recently that I’ve started to truly understand the profound significance of what Jesus did.

When I was younger, the importance of Jesus’ death and resurrection was glossed over. We talked about it so much that it seemed to lose its reverence. In Sunday school, at music camp, and during vacation Bible school, we constantly heard, “Jesus died for our sins.” But instead of feeling the weight of this message, I often felt guilted and gaslit about His death. It felt like a repetitive mantra: “He died for you, so you better get your act together.”

I didn’t get it

For a long time, I couldn’t comprehend why His death mattered so much. I thought, “God knew He was going to get Him back, right?” The finite nature of time is something we’re stuck with, but God sits outside of time. It’s a concept we’re never fully meant to understand. So, if God knew Jesus would rise again, why was His death such a big deal?

This confusion stayed with me until I delved deeper into the Bible. In John, and now as I dive into Matthew, I’ve started to grasp the sheer horror and agony Jesus went through. The torture was undeserved. God had to witness His son being tortured, and He continues to relive this every time we honor Jesus’ sacrifice. It’s an eternal experience for Him.

As a parent, I get it now.

As a parent, I understand a fraction of this pain. When my son hurts, even a little, it tears me apart. The thought of someone hurting him intentionally stirs an almost uncontrollable anger in me. So, imagining what God went through, and continues to go through, is heart-wrenching. Jesus carried the weight of His own cross, wore a crown of thorns, was nailed to the cross, beaten, bruised, and mocked. And beyond the physical agony, He bore the weight of all our sins.

“Forgive them, Father, for they know not what they do,” wasn’t just for the people of that time. It was for all of us. Jesus, fully human and fully God, was our mediator. He experienced every bit of human suffering and still asked God if there was another way. Yet, He accepted God’s will with radical obedience.

Understand Forgiveness

Understanding this has profoundly changed my perspective. Jesus’ death and resurrection are not just historical events but the ultimate acts of love and sacrifice. They show us our worth, even when we feel unworthy of life itself. Reflecting on this, I often wish I could go back and shake my younger self into understanding this truth.

The resurrection proved Jesus was who He said He was. When He rose, He left the linens scattered but neatly folded the face cloth. This detail signifies that His body wasn’t stolen; He had risen. The death and resurrection of Jesus are more than stories; they are the foundation of our faith.

So, don’t let the familiarity of these events dull their significance. Dive into the gospels and let the reality of Jesus’ sacrifice and victory over death transform you. The death and resurrection matter more than we can ever fully comprehend, and they hold the power to change our lives.

Let’s end this with a prayer.

Lord Jesus, thank you for your incredible sacrifice. Thank you for experiencing all the pain and torture for us. Help us to fully grasp the depth of your love and live in the reality of your resurrection. For those who are struggling to understand, I pray you open their eyes and hearts to your truth. Amen.

The cross and the empty tomb aren’t just history—they’re your hope.

My Free 5-Day Bible Study will help you walk deeper into the truth of the gospel, with Scripture-based reflection and space to respond to what Jesus has done.

Start the study here and let the resurrection change everything.