The last week of the Easter term has a special place in the church calendar – Holy Week. This term we have been thinking about the stations of the cross and the journey Jesus took. We will take time too to celebrate, both the achievements we have made this term, but also the victory Jesus gained over death, when his followers discovered the empty tomb.
We often sing the song, ‘In Christ Alone’ in school as part of our preparation for Easter. In it there is a line that has sometimes divided opinion. It says,
“'Til on that cross, as Jesus died
The wrath of God was satisfied
For every sin, on him, was laid
Here, in the death of Christ, I live.”
In John 3:36 we read, “Whoever believes in the Son has eternal life, but whoever rejects the Son will not see life, for God’s wrath remains on them.” Romans 6:23 says, “For the wages of sin is death, but the gift of God is eternal life in Christ Jesus our Lord.” These verses offer hope and life, through Jesus.
The story of Paul is a testimony of how, believing in Jesus changes your life. Faith is not just a head knowledge; it is a heart transformation. In Romans 6:8-14, Paul describes it this way:
“Now if we died with Christ, we believe that we will also live with him. For we know that since Christ was raised from the dead, he cannot die again; death no longer has mastery over him. The death he died, he died to sin once for all; but the life he lives, he lives to God.
In the same way, count yourselves dead to sin but alive to God in Christ Jesus.
For sin shall no longer be your master, because you are not under the law, but under grace.”
As we reflect on the importance of Holy week in the life of the school, is to consider the significance of Jesus’ death and resurrection to you. If Paul and John are right, then it is a free gift that is for you today!
