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He was handed over to death because of our trespasses and was raised to life because of our justification” (Romans 4:25, EHV). What the Apostle Paul wrote neatly summarizes Lent and its culmination in Holy Week and Easter Sunday immediately following, doesn’t it?
Our trespasses were the reason Jesus was handed over to death. He, himself, didn’t have any. We celebrated his miraculous conception and birth at Christmastime. Jesus was conceived and born without sin. But he was born of a woman, just as every one of us was. He lived perfectly. God demands that of every single one of us, but we are incapable of doing it. Jesus, as both truly God and truly human, took the burden of all our trespasses and sins on himself.
On Palm Sunday the people cheered him on. They recognized Jesus’ arrival in Jerusalem as a fulfillment of the ancient prophecy: “Rejoice greatly, Daughter of Zion! Shout, Daughter of Jerusalem! Look! Your King is coming to you. He is righteous and brings salvation. He is humble and is riding on a donkey, on a colt, the foal of a donkey” (Zechariah 9:9, EHV). They rejoiced, shouting the words of Psalm 118: “Blessed is he who comes in the name of the LORD” (Psalm 118:26, EHV).
Days later, their cries of joy and anticipation for God fulfilling his promises changed at the instigation of the priests and elders of the people. “Crucify! Crucify him!” (Luke 23:21, EHV) was their new chant.
So it came to be that Jesus was put to death at the insistence of the very people who welcomed him into Jerusalem with shouts of joy. It was all part of God’s plan. Our trespasses demanded a payment. Jesus made that payment as he hung on the cross on Good Friday.
Once the job was done, Jesus cried out: “It is finished!” (John 19:30, EHV). One word in the original Greek: “Tetelestai!” It was the word used to mark a bill paid in full. Jesus paid in full our debt to God—the debt of sin.
Back to what Paul said at the top of this article: “He was raised to life because of our justification.” God raised Jesus, showing that he accepted Jesus’ payment in full for our justification. That means God could declare each one of us righteous—completely free from sin.
God always demanded perfection to enter heaven. Jesus paid our debt of sin and gave us his perfect righteousness, instead.
Because Jesus was handed over to death for our sins and raised to life because of our justification we can stand before God’s throne righteous and holy in his sight.
That’s what this month is all about. Holy Week is coming. Easter is just around the corner. Think of the great good news we have to celebrate this month!
Palm Sunday is the beginning of Holy Week, as well as the day Holy Trinity has chosen to be a special Sunday to invite your friends and neighbors—and former members—to join us for worship. Think about the great good news you have to share with others and invite them to come.
Invite your friends and relatives and neighbors to return again and again. Every week they will hear the message that, though our sins are like scarlet, in Jesus our robes are washed as white as snow. Jesus was handed over to death for their trespasses, too, and was raised to life for their justification.
Share the good news of Jesus, especially at Easter, but over and over. Everyone needs to hear this good news.
Pastor Schamber
Easter His Story and Egg Hunt – Saturday, April 12 – Noon – 2:00pm
You are invited to worship! Sunday, April 13 at 9:00am is Palm Sunday and our Friendship Sunday!
Please join us! We would love to see you at Church!
Palm Sunday Worship – April 13 at 9:00am
Holy Thursday Worship with Communion – April 17 at 7:00pm
Good Friday Worship – April 18 at Noon and 7:00pm
Join us for worship. Our worship times are:
Sundays: 9:00 a.m.
Wednesdays: 7:00 p.m.
God bless your worship.
Pastor Schamber
Holy Trinity Lutheran Church is located at
4201 Burlingame Ave SW
Wyoming, MI 49509
(616) 538-1122
Service times are Sunday at 9:00 am, and Wednesdays at 7:00 pm