John 3:16 For God so loved the world that he gave his one and only Son, that whoever believes in him shall not perish but have eternal life.

Please do not think me blasphemous when I tell you something: Years ago, when I first became a Christian, I didn’t understand the big deal about Easter. Don’t get me wrong…I understood from an intellectual standpoint. I understood that Jesus was taking the punishment for all of our sins so that we could live in Heaven. Forever. I was certainly appreciative of the act, but what I missed out on was the sacrifice.

I have somewhat of a mathematical mind…by nature I tend to add things up in my mind, balance numbers, add, subtract, multiply and divide until things make sense. And somehow in my mathematical mind, I’d decided that the sacrifices that Jesus made for us were worth the cost. Yes, he suffered on the cross but relatively, that suffering only lasted for a little while. And, yes, he was separated from his Father for more than thirty years, but in the grand scheme of things, that wasn’t really too long. Mathematically, thirty years compared to eternity seems like just a drop in the bucket. And look at the gains….Jesus saved ALL of us for that tiny time of suffering. Obviously, I am an idiot.

I totally missed the point. But, as God often does, He sent someone to teach me a lesson. On January 22^nd, 2004, I was handed an epiphany by a nurse in light blue scrubs and a white surgical hat. From the moment I held my baby girl, my entire perspective changed. I realized, in an instant, what God gave up for me and you. Because, here’s the thing: if the world were waiting on me to sacrifice either of my children so that it might be saved; well, the world would still be waiting. I would not stand by and watch my children being insulted and tortured for anyone, much less liars and thieves.

When I realized that was exactly what God had done for me, it literally brought me to my knees. There is no greater sacrifice than the one He made for us. Since that day, I have never read John 3:16 in the same light. He didn’t just give His son to us – he gave His son to us to be hurt, emotionally and physically. And He stood by and let it happen. I cannot imagine the pain and the anguish it must have caused God. How could He possibly love me, you, anyone that much? How could we possibly be worth that much of a sacrifice? And now? Well, let’s just say that now I realize that Easter is beyond a big deal. It is the biggest deal of all.

(The picture at the top is one that Gracie drew to go with my writing…I can’t think of a better illustrator for my words!  I hope you all have a blessed and amazing Easter!)