As you know, we are going through what is called “The Passion Week.” Years ago Mel Gibson put out a movie called “The Passion Of The Christ” which told the story of the week leading up to the cross of Christ. The scenes from the beating that Jesus endured still stand out in my mind from the movie. I believe for the first time many of us were able to see a realistic representation of what our Lord endured for us even before he endured the cross. It has been over 2,000 years since that week took place, and yet we remember the events that happened so long ago. The vast majority of the world knows the story, and yet so many people could care less about it. However, still today there are believers that remember what Jesus went through, what he suffered, and what he gave His life for.

I was getting groceries the other day, and was looking at all the candy and baskets for Easter. I noticed how bright and cheerful the colors were for the decorations. I saw the chocolate rabbits, and all the specialized treats for Easter. As I was looking there was a person about eight feet away from me and I heard them say “it just isn’t going to feel like Easter this year.” Now I know in context what they were meaning. However, those words permeated in my mind and heart for the rest of the day. “It just isn’t going to feel like Easter?” you need to understand for me “Easter” isn’t just a “feeling.” Sure it does bring feelings to the occasion, but feelings alone shouldn’t be the focus of what Easter is about.

What happened that dark and tragic week so many years ago was filled with many thoughts and “feelings.” However, what we feel about what happened to Jesus shouldn’t get in the way of what we are called to remember about Jesus. Just as the Grinch couldn’t steal Christmas the coronavirus cannot steal Easter. You see, Easter lives in the hearts of every believer 24 hours a day/365 days a year! Easter is not a feeling or an event it is a reality. Easter reminds us that “while we were still sinners Christ died for us!” Christ paid a debt that we could never pay because of His love for us. If what Jesus did that week isn’t enough for you nothing else will ever be.

So this Easter though things are different, don’t let your feelings override your thoughts. Let your thoughts direct your feelings, and not you feelings direct your thoughts! We hope this Easter you will join at 10:45 for our worship service online. We will continue our new series entitled “Uncertain.” Be sure to watch us at 10:45 at southsidewch.com/latest-message, or on our Facebook page.

In Christ,

Barry Pettit

Lead Pastor

South Side Church of Christ