Easter, A Redletter Day!

Have you ever sat and read through the New Testament and  read ONLY the words in red? Jesus’ words.  For a completely new perspective, I challenge us to do just that. I know context  is everything, but step out of the exegesis box (interpreting the scriptures)  for a brief moment, to get an amazing snap shot of Jesus. His strength,  authority and tenderness.His love, and compassion.

Without all the narrative, those  red words pack a powerful punch, knowing that Jesus says them. There  are dramatic statements, strong commands, tender words. “Let it be so…” (Matt. 3:15) “It is written…” (Matt.4:4) “Get up…” (Matt. 9:6) “Take courage it is I…” (Matt 14:27) “Quiet, Be still…” (Mark 4:39) “Come  forth …” (Jn. 11:43) “Don‘t be afraid just believe…” (Mark 5:36)  “What do you want Me to do for  you…” (Mark 10:51) “Who do you say I am…“ (Lk. 9:20) “Then  neither do I condemn you…” (Jn. 8:11) “I am He…” (Jn. 18:6).

These are just a few, but there  is one more that to me stands out among the rest. Here I do want to set  the context. Jesus is agonizingly set between two thieves. His feet and hands  are nailed to a wooden cross. Hours earlier, He knelt in a garden declaring for  all humanity “Abba Father … everything is  possible for You. Take this cup from Me. Yet not what I will, but what You  will.”

There at the foot of the  cross, many mocked, some cried and I am confident there were those in complete silence. After the vinegar  was given to Jesus, He said “It is  FINISHED…” ( Jn. 19:30 ~ emphasis mine) He then bowed His  head and gave up His spirit.

It is finished. The word in  the Greek alone paints the most vibrant color filled picture: “To complete  something not merely to end it, but to bring it to perfection or its destined  goal”* As the pages turn from Genesis to this very moment, God’s story is  fulfilled. Does it end here? No. But the bridge back to the Father is perfected.  Jesus rises from the dead triumphantly (Happy Easter) engages and commissions  the disciples, returns to heaven to reign forever. Now we the church, as inspired by the Holy Spirit, carry on  with the red letter commands, statements and tender words.

Move over Easter Bunny, here comes the risen King!  “It is finished.” Now lets live like it really IS!  Relationship offered, relationship restored.  May we live each day as a red  letter day!

Blessed Easter to you and yours,

In Him, DeDe (“Let us consider how we may spur one another on toward love  and good deeds.” ~ Heb. 10:24)
*  ‘Teleo’ – Quote from the Complete Word Study Dictionary of the New  Testament.