A word from Pastor Wayne Johns, Onerahi Community Church

For many of us, Easter is a time when we have a welcome interruption from the daily grind. Like all public holidays, it is based on a milestone in history that has been so powerful and life-changing that we honour it to this day. The historical milestone of Easter dates back to over 2,000 years ago when a Jewish man was executed by the Roman authorities who then occupied Israel. At first glance, this seems to have no relevance whatsoever to the modern world.

On closer observation, we discover from the Bible that this individual, Jesus, was God’s Son and that He died so God could forgive us. Let’s think of this in terms of sitting an exam.

You have a test coming up that will earn a life of wealth if you pass but prison forever if you fail. Unfortunately, the exam is unavoidable and so difficult that you can never pass it. In other words, you are doomed. Fortunately, you are allowed a substitute who can sit the test for you. But no one will help. That is, until Jesus volunteers. He sits the exam, passes with a hundred percent, and you are free to enjoy your wealth. That is basically what Jesus did by dying on the cross. He took our place and achieved what we never could, and then He rose from the dead.

The death and resurrection of Jesus is remembered and celebrated at Easter because of the wealth these events have produced for those who believe. That wealth includes forgiveness of sins, a relationship with God, and eternal life. What a milestone worth remembering!