Easter celebrates God’s accessible love for all
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“For God so loved the world, that he gave his only begotten Son, that whosoever believeth in him should not perish, but have everlasting life.“-John 3:16 (KJV)
Millions of people around the world will gather in person in all types of places of worship or commune virtually in celebration of Easter. This Holy Day recognizes and honors the redemptive life, death, and resurrection of Jesus Christ. As a Christian, I will be among the grateful people who thank God for making his love accessible to me through his son, Jesus.
From the time I was a child to my current older age, I have been awestruck by the many ways Jesus extended love to children, women, and other disenfranchised members of society like the sick, blind, and disabled.
“But Jesus said, Suffer little children, and forbid them not, to come unto me: for of such is the kingdom of heaven.” (Matthew 19:14 KJV).
Jesus Makes Love Accessible to Children
“But Jesus said, Suffer little children, and forbid them not, to come unto me: for of such is the kingdom of heaven.” (Matthew 19:14 KJV). I was a church kid, so from an early age, I attended Sunday Bible School. I loved singing lyrics to songs that let me know that Jesus loves me. You may know the one, “Yes, Jesus loves me for the bible tells me so.”
I relished learning the biblical stories about young David who killed Goliath and the story of the three Hebrew boys who did not burn in the fiery furnace. I listened attentively to the words of Jesus, who welcomed children around him and warned others what would happen if they harmed a vulnerable child. “But whoso shall offend one of these little ones which believe in me, it were better for him that a millstone were hanged about his neck, and that he were drowned in the depth of the sea.” (Matthew 18:6 KJV). Yes, Jesus loves the little children, and knowing this as a child made my heart happy. I knew God’s love was accessible even back then.
Jesus Makes Love Accessible to Women
As I matured into a young black woman in America I began to personally understand and face issues of racism and sexism. I do not have the space in this blog to present the myriad dire statistics of minorities and women in every area of life. Health, housing, employment, education, entertainment, You name it. I could go on and on. How refreshing it has been for me to read the Gospels of Christ and gain knowledge about how progressive Jesus’ ministry actually was for his time. Jesus had a close personal relationship with the sisters of Lazarus, Martha and Mary and Mary Magdalene. He visited their homes and respected their desire to learn spiritual philosophy.
Jesus stood against harsh political punishments for women and showed grace and mercy to the woman who was caught in adultery. He did not condemn her and shamed all those who wanted to harm her. “So when they continued asking him, he lifted up himself, and said unto them, He that is without sin among you, let him first cast a stone at her.” (John 8:7 KJV). Whether or not the church is patriarchal has been vastly debated. From the examples I’ve given, I recognize a Jesus who extends love and accessibility to women as well as men. He said to the women as well, “And it shall come to pass in the last days, saith God, I will pour out of my Spirit upon all flesh.” (Acts 2:17 KJV). All for me means both men and women.
“For we have not an high priest which cannot be touched with the feeling of our infirmities; but was in all points tempted like as we are, yet without sin. Let us therefore come boldly unto the throne of grace, that we may obtain mercy, and find grace to help in time of need.” (Hebrews 4:15-16 KJV).
Jesus Makes Love Accessible to the Blind
Now that I have lost my sight, the lyrics of the famous hymn, Amazing Grace, are even more meaningful for me. I once was lost, but now am found, Was blind, but now I see. It has been the Amazing Grace and accessible love of God that has sustained me in this journey from having my sight to complete loss of sight. If you have been following my posts on my website, Facebook, and blog, then you have heard my testimony in words and songs. Jesus loves me. I can truly say that through my experience of suffering, I have grown closer to the presence and love of Jesus in my life. Just as he, in so many examples reached out and comforted and healed the blind, he too has brought me peace.
There are so many examples in the Bible of Jesus healing the blind. Each time I read these stories I put myself into the story and imagine how I would have felt during such a miraculous encounter. My thoughts ultimately lead to the fact that there is no suffering that I, or anyone else, could go through that Jesus himself did not endure.
“For we have not a high priest that cannot be touched with the feeling of our infirmities; but one that hath been in all points tempted like as we are, yet without sin.” (Hebrews 4:15-16 KJV). He sacrificed his life for you and me. “Greater love hath no man than this, that a man lay down his life for his friends.” (John 15:13 KJV). Now that is amazing accessible love.
So every easter I am so happy to join with you all to celebrate Jesus. His love is accessible
to everyone. To everyone. “We love him because he first loved us.” (1 John 4:19 KJV).
Happy Easter!
Debra Hill
Debra Hill is an independent inspirational singer, author, songwriter, and writer. As a blind performer, she adds a personal story of God’s faithfulness. Her life exemplifies that Christ’s power will work to lift all regardless of circumstances.
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