Why is this? Why do we need to hear it, read it, and focus on it again and again?

In 1 Corinthians, for 14 chapters Paul discusses deep theological ideas and how they impact our lives. And then in the fifteenth chapter, near the end of his letter, Paul reminds us once again how Jesus died for sins, was buried, and rose again to life and was seen by Peter, the rest of the disciples, and even 500 of his followers at once. After pages of theological discussion and practical application, he stops to revisit the story of Jesus’ death and resurrection in the simplest terms.

Why?

One answer is that we need to hear the story again and again because we so easily forget that this is where our hope comes from. Life is full of issues and responsibilities. We have opportunities and obligations on all sides. We can easily fill our hours and our days with endless commitments, with ceaseless activity. Amid all of this busyness we need to hear the story again to remind us of what life is really all about.

We need to hear the story because it is the foundation of everything. Our hope is not based on ethics or philosophy or even on theological systems or doctrine. As the old song says, “My hope is built on nothing less than Jesus’ blood and righteousness.” It’s that simple, and that profound.

So listen to the story again. Read it again. It’s not just a tale to remember at Easter once a year. It’s not even just for those who have never heard about Jesus. The story is for you.