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From the writings of the Rev. Billy Graham

Long before His final journey to Jerusalem, Jesus warned His disciples that after He arrived there He would be arrested, put on trial, and then executed by the Roman authorities. At the time, they didn't understand what He was saying; in fact, they protested and urged Him to go another way.

Why, then, didn't Jesus try to escape from that final confrontation? Why didn't He avoid what awaited Him? The reason was because He knew that the time had come for Him to finish the work God had given Him to do: to become the final sacrifice for our sins through His death on the cross.

You see, our greatest problem is that we are separated from God, and the reason can be summarized in one word: sin. Sin isn't just something we do that's wrong; sin ultimately is our rebellion against God. When we sin, we are telling God that we want to run our lives without Him, and we treat Him like an enemy. The Bible says, "Once you were alienated from God and were enemies in your minds because of your evil behavior" (Colossians 1:21).

But God loves us, and He doesn't want us to be separated from Him forever. He wants to be our friend -- and that's why Jesus Christ came into the world. He was without sin, but on the cross all our sins were placed in Him, and He took upon Himself the judgment and Hell that we deserve.

As you approach this Easter season, turn your heart and mind to God and His great love for you. Then thank Jesus for refusing to dodge the agony and shame of the cross, but willingly sacrificing His life for you. By faith open your life to Him today.

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(This column is based on the words and writings of the late Rev. Billy Graham.)

(c)2018 BILLY GRAHAM DISTRIBUTED BY TRIBUNE MEDIA SERVICES, INC.