One of the most significant events in human history just passed: Resurrection Sunday. As followers of Jesus, we’ve heard the story of His crucifixion countless times, but each time we revisit it, we are reminded of the profound love and sacrifice He made for all of us. Jesus, falsely accused and convicted, endured public humiliation, torture, and unimaginable suffering. His disciples had seen His power firsthand through His miracles, yet, as they watched Him on the cross, they knew He could stop it all but chose not to. He accepted His fate in obedience to His Father’s will.

The night before His crucifixion, Jesus cried out to God in the garden:

“If it is possible, may this cup be taken from me. Yet not as I will, but as you will.”

How many times have we prayed, “Lord, take this trial from me”? But it’s the second part of Jesus’ prayer that challenges us the most—“Yet not as I will, but as you will.” Can we trust God enough to say, “Even if it means walking through the fire, I will go, if it is your will”?

The Agony of the Cross

Crucifixions were designed to bring slow, painful deaths accompanied by public humiliation. As Jesus hung on the cross, a crowd gathered to mock Him, hurling insults and objects. Even His disciples, afraid for their own lives, hid in the crowd. Jesus was left to endure His suffering alone.

We often think of the profound grief, shock, and confusion the disciples must have felt after His death. They believed Jesus could save Himself—how could He let this happen? That Friday may be called Good Friday, but for His followers, it must have felt anything but good. And then came Saturday—a day marked by loss, finality, and disorientation. The silence and emptiness of losing someone so deeply loved.

But Then Came Sunday

But Sunday was coming. As followers of Jesus, we celebrate the most extraordinary gift of all—the resurrection. On that Sunday morning, Jesus rose from the dead, proving His divinity and fulfilling God’s plan to save all of humanity. It’s a supernatural act that we often tame with bright colors, songs, and celebrations. But let’s not forget the magnitude of that day—He rose from the dead! He did it for you, for me, and for every soul that has ever lived or will live.

The Greatest Gift Ever Given

Over 2,000 years later, Jesus’ sacrifice still stands as the greatest gift ever given. He endured the cross for all the mistakes we’ve made, all the wrong paths we’ve taken, and all the times we’ve fallen short. He did it so that we might have eternal life with Him. He did it for our children, for future generations, and for every person we encounter.

We are humbled by His love and sacrifice. Words fail to express the depth of gratitude we feel, but we are determined to live in a way that honors Him.

Living Fully to Honor Him

At Kingdom Alliance, we’ve committed ourselves to living lives that reflect Jesus’ sacrifice. We are driven to break off religious lies, bring hope, and pour into God’s Kingdom. We will strive for excellence and help as many people as possible do the same. We will live with boldness, take risks, make mistakes, and love with reckless abandon. We’ll laugh, dance, and embrace life fully. And we will continue to offend those who are offended by our boldness, because it’s the spiritual forces of darkness that find our faith so disturbing.

April is a month to begin again. It’s a time to take inventory of the year so far. Have you been living in a way that honors the gift of salvation? There are countless ways to do this, and our way is through Kingdom Alliance. We are proud of what we’re building—a community and culture of love, grace, and growth.

Wake Up and Rise

Let this serve as a wake-up call. It’s time to shake off complacency and stagnation. There is a whole world waiting for you to step into your God-given purpose. Let’s do it together!

Xo,

Bobby & Michelle Schaffer