“For God so loved that world, that he gave his only Son, that whoever believes in him should not perish but have eternal life.” John 3:16 ESV
“Love wins” is a common reference, referring to anything from song titles to cultural movements. But it has a strong, solid meaning for Believers.
Because that’s what happened on Easter – Love won.
Death Has Died
I can’t even begin to imagine what Jesus’ followers thought as they saw their leader taken, hung on a cross, and buried. He was their hope and their salvation. . . and he was gone. They thought death won. What long days those must have been, not only because their hope was shattered, but because they hid in fear of their lives. No wonder Jesus’ followers were confused and doubtful when He appeared to them (Luke 24:36-43).
But death didn’t win.
Love Has Won
- Christ’s love for the Father (John 14:30-31)
- Christ’s love for His people (John 13:1)
- God’s love for His people (John 3:16)
“When the perishable puts on the imperishable, and the mortal puts on immortality, then shall come to pass the saying that is written: ‘Death is swallowed up in victory.’ ‘O death, where is your victory? O death, where is your sting?’ The sting of death is sin, and the power of sin is the law. But thanks be to God, who gives us the victory through our Lord Jesus Christ.”
1 Corinthians 15:54 ESV
And guess what? Death will never win: “We know that Christ, being raised from the dead, will never die again; death no longer has dominion over him.” Romans 6:9 ESV
So as we prepare for Easter, let’s think about death and life. Let’s think about how death was proclaimed the victor, even by Jesus’ followers. And let’s rejoice in the knowledge that death did in fact not win, but love won through the resurrection of our Savior.
Happy Easter!
Check out this song: “Mercy Tree”
How will you focus on God’s love winning this week?
“For God so loved that world, that he gave his only Son, that whoever believes in him should not perish but have eternal life.” John 3:16 ESV
