“I passed on to you what was most important and what had also been passed on to me. Christ died for our sins, just as the Scriptures said. He was buried, and He was raised from the dead on the third day, just as the Scriptures said.”-1 Corinthians 15:3-4
Don’t forget this! It’s the most important thing for you to remember! We’ve likely all had someone say something like this to us when they wanted to emphasize the importance of something. You must lock this in your brain! It’s key! I remember teachers, coaches, bosses, all making this kind of point about a particular topic at hand. When something is truly significant, it must not be forgotten, right?!
The Lord led the Apostle Paul to summarize His truth of top-notch consequence, of first concern, saying, “I passed on to you what was most important…” That should most certainly peek our interest. When we hear this, read this from the Bible, we should lean forward because what is said contains deep, life-changing implications. So, what is it? First, Christ died for our sins. This is obviously monumental, for we are all sinners in need of mercy. In the book of Isaiah, we read prophecy about the Savior to come, giving His life for the sins of mankind. Isaiah 53:5 reads, “But He was pierced for our rebellion, crushed for our sins. He was beaten so we could be whole. He was whipped so we could be healed.” Jesus fulfilled this prophecy. No greater love has been shown! This really is a big, big deal. This truth carries eternal impact.
Next, God speaking through Paul succinctly emphasized that Jesus was buried and then raised on the third day. The Bible clearly tells us that after Jesus was killed on the cross, He was then placed in a tomb. But He didn’t stay there! He rose on the third day, ripped off the burial clothing that had been placed upon Him, and walked out of the tomb fully alive as The Unstoppable King! Jesus had plainly stated He would do this: Mark 10:13-14 tells us, “…the Son of Man will be betrayed…They will mock Him, spit on Him, flog Him with a whip, and kill Him, but after three days He will rise again.” Jesus said it. He did it. Now He sits at the right hand of the Father, has the highest honor, and the name above all other names (Philippians 2:6-11)!
All this to say, we have been given truth of first importance. It is to be received, remembered, pondered often, treasured, and shared! As we approach Easter, let’s remember what is most important: It’s Jesus! It’s who He is and what He did. Jesus accomplished what He alone could do. We are offered grace, forgiveness, the truth that sets us free, peace, and eternal life through Him. Praise the Lord!
Cheer up, friends!
-Scott