John 20:17 Jesus said, “Do not hold on to me, for I have not yet returned to the Father. Go instead to my brothers and tell them “I am returning to my Father and your Father, to my God and your God.” Easter gives the hope of Heaven. Jesus arose from the sealed tomb; a tomb guarded by seasoned soldiers. The soldiers were no match for the power of God. “He arose the victor from the dark domain.” Now this same promise is given to those who believe that they also will go to the Father. Jesus said in John 14:3 “and if I go and prepare a place for you I will come back and take you to be with me that you also may be where I am.” These are absolute statements of our Lord. Let’s make them personal.
Mark 15:21 - A certain man from Cyrene, Simon, the father of Alexander and Rufus, was passing by on his way in from the country, and they forced him to carry the cross. Simon of Cyrene, from a city in North Africa. Simon Peter had confidently affirmed his willingness even to suffer and die with Jesus; but he had denied the Lord Jesus Christ and fled. Another Simon would take his place. Simon of Cyrene helped to carry the Cross for Jesus. Is someone else carrying the cross we were to? How quick we are to make excuses! What trifling things we allege as sufficient to keep us away from the Lord’s house so near at hand, or to bear any cross “with Christ”. The season of Lent should reawaken a new