If you think back over your life, I wonder what you would identify to be the most significant three events of your entire life? For the people living in the Roman Empire in the first century there were many, many significant, historic events from about 6bc to about 30ad. But when looking at those years from our vantage point, 2000 years later, may I suggest the three most significant events in the lifetime of those living at that time were:
1. The miraculous, angels announced, birth of the baby named Jesus, born in a stable in Bethlehem.
WHY? Because that Baby was fully human but also fully God! This event brought God to live here on earth with us!
2. The horrific but extremely significant events of Passover/Easter weekend... the betrayal, trials, beatings, crucifixion, burial and bodily resurrection of Jesus Christ!
WHY? Because through those events Jesus, God incarnate, paid the atonement death price for ANY human being who desired to be forgiven of their sins, by Holy God, and drawn into a relationship with God which would assure them of eternity in heaven.
3. The miraculous ascension of Jesus Christ from the Mount of Olives in Jerusalem up into the sky and back to heaven from which He came, in FULL VIEW of many people and with the explanation of angels.
WHY? Because now from His throne room in heaven the living, resurrected, ascended Jesus reigns as supreme sovereign over all things in heaven and on earth; and He is right now redeeming condemned, repentant sinners and transforming them into adopted sons and daughters of Almighty God, who then have the Holy Spirit of God living within them, guiding them each day for the rest of their earthly lives!