For the last several years, when I think about the Crucifixion and Resurrection of the Lord Jesus, the words of 1 Corinthians 15:3-5 come to mind quickly. The verses read: For I delivered to you as of first importance what I also received: that Christ died for our sins in accordance with the Scriptures, that he was buried, that he was raised on the third day in accordance with the Scriptures, and that he appeared to Cephas, then to the twelve.
In words that were either an early confession or hymn of the Church, Paul describes how the gospel event was all a part of God’s plan. As we approach this weekend, we need to be mindful of all of that. I want to stress that because if the gospel was a part of God’s plan and it happened according to God’s plan, then we can have confidence both in the promises of Jesus’ return and His presence and work in our lives while we wait for Jesus’ return. Good Friday and Resurrection Sunday matter every day of the year.
But that is not all we need to be mindful of from those verses. The words “of first importance” stand out to me. Paul wants us to not simply know the historical events of the gospel; he wants us to know that they are of ultimate importance to both history and our lives. The gospel is truly meant to change our lives just as it changed the lives of the disciples. It is not another truth that we should add to our collection of inspiring thoughts. It should be the truth that serves as the foundation for informing and shaping our lives. Please do not miss what the Lord Jesus brings to us through the gospel. The gospel is the source of our hope, the solution to our deepest needs, and it gives us a purpose to live for and a message to share with others. As you pass through this weekend, may I encourage you to ponder the gospel of first importance and ask how that first importance is embraced and expressed in your life.