Love Expressed Through Sacrifice: The Cross

The cross stands as the clearest expression of God’s love for the world. 

Jesus demonstrated His love through the ultimate sacrifice. At Easter, Christians remember that His death opened the way for people from every nation, tribe, and tongue to know Him. Yet millions still cannot access this message of love and salvation. Approximately 3,000 language communities remain unable to read or hear the Easter story in a language they truly understand. 

How Can They Know Jesus Died for Them?

Millions struggle to understand who Jesus is because they do not have Scripture in their language.

Some hear fragments of the gospel but have no way to return to it, reflect on it, or test what they have heard. Others rely on outdated or unfamiliar translations that feel distant and confusing, like a broken phone call where only pieces come through, while the main message is inaudible. 

Though the harvest is plentiful, many are still waiting to hear the truth in a language that speaks to their hearts.

When People Understand Scripture, Change Begins

When people hear Scripture in their heart language, the salvation message becomes clear as the Holy Spirit makes His Word personal to each one. 

This Good Friday, our Lord continues His work of seeking and saving the lost through the spread of Scripture. God reveals His love and truth as local translators bring His Word to their language communities. 

Kavya* grew up in a large family devoted to worshipping nature gods. She followed the same path and had never heard the name of Jesus or encountered the Bible.

One school holiday, curiosity led her to attend a Bible school program. There, Kavya heard the gospel for the first time. At first, she dismissed the message, but over time, her thinking began to shift. Slowly, she came to understand and believe the truth of salvation in Christ. 

Reborn, she chose to follow Jesus. She began reading the Bible in a language of wider use, but much of it felt distant and confusing. Instead of helping her grow, it became a barrier to her faith. 

Then everything changed when she received the Bible translated into her language. Joy filled her heart as she absorbed Old Testament narratives and New Testament letters. It was the daily bread Kavya had been longing for. 

Kavya shares, “Reading the Bible in my language has changed my life and drawn me closer to God. I am deeply grateful to The Word for the World and the brothers who worked tirelessly to translate it. For the first time, I can read and understand God’s Word.”

Bible Translators Serve with Sacrificial Love

Bible translators demonstrate Christ’s love through sacrifice, giving up their time, comfort, and security to bring God’s Word to their people. Many serve in difficult and dangerous conditions, yet these courageous believers continue because they long for others to know the one true God.

One translation team found encouragement in Leviticus 2:2. The passage describes how Aaron’s sons, the priests, presented the grain offering before the Lord. This image reminded the team of their calling. Just as the priests prepared and offered the sacrifice with care, the translators approach their work with reverence and dedication. They see their labor as an offering to God, carried out with faithfulness and deep responsibility.

Because Jesus laid down His life, they lay down theirs with courage, often at great cost, so that others can encounter Him through Scripture.

How Can We Respond

In response to Christ’s sacrifice, The Word for the World partners with translators to bring His Word to every people group. Through expert support and training, indigenous infrastructure is developed, equipping the local church to carry out every aspect of Bible translation. Working across the world, we invest in communities, provide tools, and build sustainable foundations.

This Easter, the pattern of sacrificial love continues. Christ gave His life, and Bible translators follow His example as they serve Him and their communities. The Body of Christ has an opportunity to take part in this beautiful expression of God’s Kingdom coming to earth. 

Your gift helps place God’s Word in the hands and hearts of people still waiting to hear. Take part today—join this work and bring the message of the cross to those who have yet to receive it.

*Pseudonym used for security.