Easter has a central place in the Christian calendar and the incidents that took place over 2000 years ago laid the foundation upon which Christianity is built.

The book of John includes the instructions Jesus gave to the disciples, his prayer for church unity prior to going to the Garden of Gethsemane, and the anguish he experienced there.  It is written that Jesus prayed so fervently his sweat became like drops of blood.  In addition, he was betrayed by Peter, who went on to see 2000 people saved when he preached his very first sermon and heralded the start of the church.

All the gospels contain information about the unfair trial Jesus underwent following his arrest, chronicle how he carried the cross that he was crucified on through the streets of Jerusalem, share how he was cruelly treated by the Roman soldiers, mention the compassion he showed the two men who have crucified either side of him and describe the momentous moment when the veil in the temple, was supernaturally ripped in two signifying that the sin that had once separated people from God, had been removed by Christ’s death on the cross.

The good thing is that the Easter story does not end with Christ’s death on the cross.

It is made complete by his glorious resurrection on Easter Sunday.

Death could not and did not keep Christ down.  Instead, he conquered death, arose with power, and glory and in that process, demonstrated that suffering can be transformative.

There are many great lessons for us to glean from the Easter story.

One of those lessons is that suffering is often temporary.  Christ willingly offered Himself as the ultimate sacrifice for human sin, knowing that down through the ages, millions of people’s lives would be transformed by his selfless act.

Secondly, Christ’s suffering was purposeful.  Jesus had an end goal in mind for the suffering, shame and pain that he endured.  His death was the perfect sacrifice for human sin, and the resurrection bridged that gulf between humanity and Creator God.

Lastly,  the Easter Story highlights overcoming suffering can and does lead to not only personal transformation and public acknowledgement and praise.

Jesus Christ is the most famous man in human history.

His life and His teachings have impacted individuals, families, communities and nations. And this is due to his sacrificial act of dying on the cross and rising from the dead three days later.

During our reflections over the Easter weekend, let’s remember that suffering does not last forever, that it can be purposeful and be transformative – both for us and others and that when we share our stories of overcoming our suffering we become figures of hope and inspiration for others. Just like Jesus.

Happy Easter.