When Jesus prayed in the garden of Gethsemane before His crucifixion – agreeing to carry out His Father’s will though it included measureless agony – He thought not just of His approaching death, nor His faithless disciples, nor the cruel betrayal of a friend.

He thought of us. 

The gospel of John records that Jesus prayed for all who would ever believe in Him. Wishing to impart to all His followers glory given from above, though they would cause his death, Christ interceded for a world destined to die in sin apart from a Savior. He did this not simply through pleading on our behalf that we would be spared from a deserved punishment, but by serving as a substitute.

Through this act, the death of a sinless man won innocence for all who would receive it, and His resurrection can secure a resurrection for all who confess that his sacrifice was both necessary and enough.

This Gospel is good news for all, in that we can be treated as both guiltless and righteous, with no barrier remaining between us and a holy God. Through the miracle of Easter, all has been set right between mankind and their loving Creator. There can now be an eternal embrace that cannot be broken.

Hallelujah and happy Easter.

“I have said these things to you, that in me you may have peace. In the world you will have tribulation. But take heart; I have overcome the world.” John 16:33 ESV