As we approach Easter, it’s a perfect time to reflect on the true meaning of this season and the incredible gift we’ve been given in Jesus Christ. While we may not always expect it, Jesus is the gift we desperately need in our lives.
Imagine for a moment the scene of Palm Sunday, over 2000 years ago. Jesus approaches Jerusalem, knowing full well the events that will unfold in the coming week. His heart must have been heavy, yet filled with love for humanity. As he enters the city on a young donkey, fulfilling ancient prophecies, the crowds erupt in praise, shouting “Hosanna!” – a plea for salvation and deliverance.
But Jesus wasn’t the conquering political hero they expected. He came with a far greater purpose – to save not just a nation, but the entire world for all time. This unexpected Messiah chose gentleness over power, sacrifice over dominion.
The Gentleness of Jesus
We see Jesus’ gentleness beautifully displayed in his choice of transportation – a young, unbroken donkey. While a king might typically arrive on a majestic warhorse, Jesus deliberately chose humility. This wasn’t just about fulfilling prophecy; it was a powerful statement about the nature of his kingdom.
Jesus invites us with the same gentleness today: “Come to me, all you who are weary and burdened, and I will give you rest.” He offers to teach us the “unforced rhythms of grace.” In a world that often feels chaotic and demanding, Jesus provides a gentle refuge for our souls.
The Tears of Jesus
As Jesus approached Jerusalem, seeing the city spread before him, he wept. These weren’t tears of self-pity, but of deep compassion for people who desperately needed redemption yet failed to recognize it standing right before them.
Jesus saw beyond that moment in history. He saw you and me, our struggles, our pain, our moments of loneliness and despair. He wept because he knew that many would reject the very peace and salvation he came to offer.
Even now, Jesus intercedes for us at the right hand of the Father. He cares deeply about our lives and longs for us to know the Father’s love. His tears reveal a heart of profound love and concern for humanity.
The Invitation of Jesus
Immediately after entering Jerusalem, Jesus went to the temple and drove out the money changers. This wasn’t an act of random anger, but a powerful statement about true worship and our relationship with God.
By clearing the temple, Jesus was declaring that no more animal sacrifices would be needed. He himself would become the final, perfect sacrifice to reconcile us to God. The temple was to become a “house of prayer” – a place of intimate communion with the Father.
This is Jesus’ invitation to us today. We don’t need to strive or perform religious rituals to earn God’s favor. Instead, we’re invited into a living relationship with him. Jesus says, “Come as you are.” He meets us in our brokenness and begins the beautiful work of transformation from the inside out.
The Great Exchange
At the heart of Easter is an incredible exchange. Jesus, fully God and fully human, chose to take our place. He looked at all of human history, saw our rebellion and sin, and said, “I’ll go. Put me in, coach.” While we were still choosing against him, Christ died for us.
This is the gospel – the good news that changes everything. God is not angry with you; he’s been pursuing you. He wants to restore you to right relationship with himself. When we place our faith in Jesus, we’re adopted into God’s family. We’re no longer spiritual orphans but beloved sons and daughters.
The invitation is open to all, but it does require a response. We must lay down our own right to be “king” of our lives and submit to God’s loving authority. It’s an exchange of our sin and brokenness for his righteousness and wholeness.
Putting on Salvation
The apostle Paul encourages us to “put on salvation.” Think of it like noise-canceling headphones for your soul. When we immerse ourselves in God’s truth, it cancels out the lies we’ve believed about ourselves and about God.
This Easter season, take time to open the Scriptures with fresh eyes. Don’t read with your own agenda, but seek to truly know who God is. As you do, you’ll discover a gentle Savior who weeps for you, who wants to know you intimately, and who invites you into true life with him.
A Personal Decision
The beauty of the gospel is that it’s intensely personal. Jesus sees you as an individual, not just part of a faceless crowd. He knows your struggles, your doubts, your pain. And he invites you to come to him, just as you are.
This Easter, consider making your peace with God. You don’t have to have it all figured out or make drastic changes overnight. Simply acknowledge that you’re a sinner in need of a Savior. Believe in your heart and confess with your mouth that Jesus is Lord. Invite him to be the King of your life.
When we bow our knee to Jesus, surrendering our will to his, he promises to lift us up. We find our true identity and purpose in him. The transformation may be gradual, but it’s real and lasting.
As we reflect on the events of that first Holy Week – from Palm Sunday to Good Friday to Easter morning – may we be filled with wonder at the love of God. Jesus is the gift we may not have expected, but he’s the gift we desperately need. He cancels out the noise and distractions of life, bringing peace to our souls like nothing else can.
This Easter, will you receive the gift of Jesus? Will you allow his gentle love to transform your life? The invitation stands. The choice is yours.