This week has never been an ordinary week. This week is the anniversary of events that changed the trajectory of the world. From the moment Jesus rode in (Palm Sunday) to the Last Supper, the betrayal of Judas, and the torture and beating (basically a lynch mob) that went after Jesus while setting a known criminal free….

Jesus begged His Father that, if it be His will, to let this come to pass. But then He said, “Not my will, but Yours.” Jesus knew full well what lay ahead of Him.

All of this resulted in the crucifixion and death of Jesus. Nails pounded into His hands and feet, a crown of thorns placed on His head, sweating blood—the agony He must’ve felt with every gasp He took for breath while on the cross.

He didn’t deserve it. He is the only one who has walked this earth and lived a completely perfect life. But He thought of you, and He thought of me, and He thought of everyone else in this world, and He said, “Because I love you so much, I’m willing to die. I’m willing to take on all of your bad choices, all of your sin, so that you can have life. I’m willing to endure this for you.”

So unfair. Every time I hear someone say, “That’s not fair,” regarding something they experienced, I want to say, what about this life is fair? What about the fact that the one person who walked this earth and lived a perfect life died the most horrific death is fair? Nothing.

But here’s the amazing thing: God doesn’t promise an easy or fair life. In fact, He tells us that in this world we will have trouble and tribulation and hardship. It’s guaranteed because we live in a sinful world. But in all His amazing grace and mercy and unimaginable, unconditional love, He said, “You’re worth it. You’re worth me sending my one and only begotten Son to die for you. Because I love you so much and I want a relationship with you so deeply that I am going to bridge the gap.”

It truly is unfathomable. And even more so that the only thing you have to do to receive this gift is accept it.

That can be the easiest and yet most difficult and crucial decision you ever make—following Jesus and choosing to believe that He died for you to make a way, and that you are a sinner and need to be saved. It is just that simple, but choosing to follow Jesus is not the easy road, and so many will choose not to. The Bible tells us the road is narrow, yet there’s room for anyone who chooses to follow Jesus.

Friends, we are ending Holy Week. The world feels darker and heavier than it ever has in my entire 49 years of life. If I were to only hold onto hope by what I see on the news or in the world around me, I would be in deep despair. But my hope doesn’t lie in this world, and it doesn’t lie in what happens here, because I know the ending to the story.

I know that one day, sooner than most of us think, Jesus is coming back, and all will be made new, and all will be made right…for those who know Jesus.

And for those who don’t, this world and the despair you feel will go on for eternity—only it will be multiplied hundreds of thousands of times compared to what you feel now. You don’t have to endure that, and you can make the choice today to follow Jesus.

As we get ready to celebrate Easter, which is not about bunny rabbits or even family time, may we all remember that when it feels like Friday, Sunday is coming. Jesus was crucified and died, but our hope lies in the fact that He rose again and is coming back for us.

Can I get a hallelujah and amen?! 💜✝️