This day is the day we remember that a 33 year old Jesus made a choice no one else could make. A choice to allow the heartbreak of being mocked by people he had grown up with his entire life (some of which were family). A choice to accept the blame for something he was innocent of. To undergo a brutal physical beating so severe it would make his face unrecognizable. To accept a shameful death on a cross next to a murderer and a thief all the while being innocent of any crime. All because He saw a Joy that was set before Him. An end to His painful means.
You. Me. We are that Joy for Him. We are the reason He willingly gave over His very life and let His body be so abused. For the promise of the POSSIBILITY that He would have a relationship with us.
He is in love with us. We are His greatest love. He laid down His life for the CHANCE that we could love Him back. After all, we still have the ability to choose. A free will. There is no guarantee that we will love Him in return...........or even acknowledge Him or His huge sacrifice.
Yet He gave Himself anyway. It was the only way. The only way to be certain we would be able to have relationship with Him. With God. There is no other way we could approach a Holy God in our sin soaked state. In all of our humanness. He chose to make a way for us to come close to Him. To BE the way for us. Because He is in love with us.
So, as everyone is busy coloring eggs and making meal plans, I take time out to really focus on that incredible choice. I could never have made that choice. I love my husband. I mean, crazy, head-over-heals, truly, madly, deeply love him. But I know myself. I could not have let any of that happen to me for the possibility that he MIGHT love me back.
I am amazed. And humbled that the Son of God is so in love with ME that He could make that choice. That is what I celebrate this weekend.
So I have a fun little cookie recipe to share with you. I've been making these every Easter with my kiddos for the past 7 or 8 years. It's become a tradition they look forward to as much as they do egg hunts and it is a perfect reminder of the choice that was made and the reward we now enjoy because of it. So here ya go:
Easter CookiesTo be made the evening before EasterPreheat oven to 300 degrees (this is important, don't wait till you're half done with the recipe!)
- 1cup whole pecans
- 1tsp vinegar
- 3 egg whites
- pinch salt
- 1 cup sugar
- zipper baggie
- wooden spoon
- tape
- Bible
Place pecans in zipper baggie and let children beat them with the wooden spoon to break into small pieces. Explain that after Jesus was arrested, He was Beaten by the Roman soldiers. Read John 19:1-3.
Let each child smell the vinegar. Put 1tsp vinegar into mixing bowl. Explain that when Jesus was thirsty on the cross, He was given vinegar to drink. Read John 19:28-30.
Add egg whites to vinegar. Eggs represent life. Explain that Jesus gave His life to give us life. Read John 10:10-11.
Sprinkle a little salt into each child's hand. Let them taste it and brush the rest into the bowl. Explain that this represents the salty tears shed by Jesus' followers, and the bitterness of our own sin. Read Luke 23:27.
So far, the ingredients are not very appetizing. Add 1 cup sugar.
Explain that the sweetest part of the story is that Jesus died because He loves us. He wants us to know and belong to Him. Read Psalm 34:8 and John 3:16.
Beat with a mixer on high speed for 12 to 15 minutes until stiff peaks are formed. Explain that the color white represents the purity in God's eyes of those whose sins have been cleansed by Jesus. Read Isaiah 1:18 and John 3:1-3.
Fold in broken nuts. Drop by teaspoons onto wax paper covered cookie sheet. Explain that each mound represents the rocky tomb where Jesus' body was laid. Read Matthew 27:57-60.
Put the cookie sheet in the oven, close the door and turn the oven OFF. Give each child a piece of tape and seal the oven door. Explain that Jesus' tomb was sealed. Read Matthew 27:65-66.
GO TO BED! Explain that they may feel sad to leave the cookies in the oven overnight. Jesus' followers were in despair when the tomb was sealed. Read John 16:20 and 22.
On Easter morning, open the oven and give everyone a cookie. Notice the cracked surface and take a bite. The cookies are hollow! On the first Easter, Jesus' followers were amazed to find the tomb open and empty. Read Matthew 28:1-9.
I hope making these simple cookies with your kiddos will help you remember the choice He made for all of us and cause you to wonder......what will your response be?
Happy Easter!
p.s. if you would like a cute photo how-to of making these check out The Lucky 7's blog.
