Easter has all sort of controversies (like the picture used in this article).

Some think the name “Easter” has pagan origins and refuse to use.

Some think having anything to do with bunnies and eggs filled with candy is a perversion of a sacred day.

Some don’t think the resurrection occurred in the Spring and want to change the date.

For me and my family those things are mostly peripheral issues that take a back seat to the celebration of the resurrection. But before we get to the celebration we have to consider all of the divine miracles that led to the glorious culmination of God’s redemptive plan.

So I want to ask, have you ever stopped to think about the incredible miracles that took place prior to the resurrection?

Let’s start with the fact that Jesus was born of a virgin. Not the part where a virgin gives birth. Don’t get me wrong, that’s amazing all by itself. I’m talking about the part where the Creator of all that exists comes to earth wrapped in the flesh and bones of a tiny baby.

The Bible tells us that Jesus created all things (Col. 1:17), and that nothing was made that wasn’t made by Jesus (John 1:3). This means simply that Jesus is responsible for creating all things. And yet one day the Creator of the world decided to willingly leave His rightful place next to the throne of God and come down as a baby. The body of Jesus is without question the strongest, most amazing body that has ever existed because it contains the glory and powerful of God within mere flesh and bones.

But let’s not forget the fact that Jesus took on human flesh. By that I mean that he decided to become “one of us.” The dual nature of Christ means that He is both fully God and fully man. But that means Jesus is fully man. The Lord of all creation became a man of flesh and bones. Jesus got hungry; His body had aches and pains as He grew; He sweat; He cried; He got tired. The Almighty Creator of all the Universe experienced life as a human.

If we fast forward a few years we come to an event that has happened only once in all of history. During the hours that Jesus was on the cross there came a point in time when He cried “eli eli lama sabachthani.” (Matt. 27:46). This means: “my God, my God, why have You forsaken me?”

You may not understand the significance of this statement, but, it is one of the most profound statements and events in all of human history. Jesus is part of the Trinity; Father, Son, Holy Spirit. This means that Jesus is intimately connected to the Father and Holy Spirit as a triune Being. They are called “three in One.” And up until this moment in history the Trinity had never been separated. But at this moment when Jesus was on the cross He took upon Himself all of our sin; Jesus became sin. And because God is holy and can have no part in sin the Father and the Holy Spirit were forced to separate themselves from Jesus.

For the first (and last) time in all of history Jesus was entirely alone. He was removed from the Trinity and forced to bear the weight and punishment of sin alone. This is a miracle that should bring us to our knees in thanks. We, at times can’t bear the weight of our own sin for a minute but Jesus took the weight of every person upon Himself. It’s incredible.

But then another once-in-all-of-history event took place: Jesus died.

We’ve heard that so much that I think sometimes we take what actually happened for granted. The reality that God the Son, the Creator and sustainer of all life died, is a miracle. (Matt. 27:50) The Bible tells us that it is only by Jesus that all life is sustained and yet at one point in history Jesus was dead. Now, we can speculate on the death of Jesus, what manner, and all those other arguments that exist. But the reality is that Jesus was dead.

For a brief moment in history the Lion of the tribe of Judah no longer roared. The Bright and Morning Star was dimmed until it gave no light. The Rock was broken. The Lion that has entered Jerusalem so triumphantly one week earlier was now “the Lamb of God that takes away the sin of the world.” (John 1:29) And that Lamb obediently died on the cross.

Listen, I don’t want to take away from the Resurrection. This miracle holds within it all the hope we have as Christians. Without the resurrection Jesus is just a cool guy that did some awesome miracles. Because of the resurrection Jesus Christ is the Savior of all that seek forgiveness of their sins and to be in right relationship with God. So believe me, I want to shine a big ole’ spotlight on the resurrection.

But, I don’t want us to forget the miracles that happened before the resurrection. Jesus is not just a cool guy. Everything about Jesus is amazing and worthy to be praised. From his amazing birth to his amazing love for broken people like me; Jesus is an amazing Creator and Savior.

This Easter (or whatever you call it) I hope you will take a minute to reflect on the Person of Jesus Christ and all that He is. Worship at His feet as you come to understand His glory, His power, His love, His mercy, and the miracle that He is.