For Christians, Easter is a time to reflect on the sacrifice that Jesus made for all of humanity and to celebrate His victory over death. It is also a time to remember the importance of forgiveness, redemption, and hope. There is no Christianity without the crucifixion and resurrection of Jesus Christ. 1 Corinthians 15:17 And if Christ has not been raised, your faith is futile; you are still in your sins. As Christians, we celebrate Easter as a way of remembering and commemorating the death and resurrection of Jesus Christ, the cornerstone of the Christian faith. 1 Corinthians 15:3-4 For what I received I passed on to you as of first importance: that Christ died for our sins according to the Scriptures, that he was buried, that he was raised on the third day according to the Scriptures.
The origins of the term “Easter” is not very clear. Some say it can be traced back to ancient pagan traditions that celebrated the arrival of spring and the rebirth of nature. This school of thought believed these traditions were later incorporated into the Christian faith as a way of celebrating the resurrection of Jesus Christ. The name “Easter” is thought to come from the Old English word “Eostre,” which was the name of a pagan goddess of spring. This continues to be a concern to many Christians. Another school of thought argues that there is not enough evidence that such goddess ever existed or worshipped and that the term “Easter” has something to do with East . Everyone however agrees that Easter is usually celebrated in Spring. The date varies each year because it determined by some things that have to do with the appearing of the full moon and this is usually between the month of March and April.
The Resurrection Story
This is the story of the death and resurrection of Jesus Christ. Jesus had already told his disciples all that was going to happen before it took place. Judas Iscariot, one of the twelve disciples betrayed Jesus by leaking his identity to the chief priest and temple officials (Luke 22:1-6). Jesus went to Mount Olives to pray with His disciples after the Passover. The crowd came and found Him there and was handed over for condemnation. Pilate did not find a reason for death for Him, Herod also did not, but Jesus Christ had to die to save all of humanity. The people insisted Jesus had to be found guilty. His offence was claiming to be the Son of God. Luke 22:70-71 Then they all said, “Are You then the Son of God?” So He said to them, “You rightly say that I am.” And they said, “What further testimony do we need? For we have heard it ourselves from His own mouth.”
The crowd condemned Jesus Christ as the Son of God. He was condemned by the people He came to save. The people were willing to release Barabbas a hardened criminal. So Jesus was crucified. Jesus Christ willingly gave Himself up to be crucified (John 10:18). He had the power to free Himself. God could have sent angels to save Him but He came to die and so He had to. On Good Friday, as Christians we remember the crucifixion of Christ on the cross.
Joseph of Arimathea was a good man. He asked for the body of Christ and buried Him in his own tomb. The women followed him. They observed the burial.
Luke 23:50-55 Now behold, there was a man named Joseph, a council member, a good and just man. He had not consented to their decision and deed. He was from Arimathea, a city of the Jews, who himself was also waiting for the kingdom of God. This man went to Pilate and asked for the body of Jesus. Then he took it down, wrapped it in linen, and laid it in a tomb that was hewn out of the rock, where no one had ever lain before. That day was the Preparation, and the Sabbath drew near. And the women who had come with Him from Galilee followed after, and they observed the tomb and how His body was laid. Then they returned and prepared spices and fragrant oils. And they rested on the Sabbath according to the commandment.
On the day after Sabbath the women went to check on the body of Christ but Jesus had risen. On Resurrection Sunday, we celebrate the resurrection of Christ. Jesus Christ overcame death.
After His resurrection Jesus appeared to many of His disciples (1 Corinthians 15:3-8) He ate with them. He proved to them that He rose again. He asked the disciples to touch and feel Him. He was not a spirit but was the Risen Christ. Luke 24:36-43 Now as they said these things, Jesus Himself stood in the midst of them, and said to them, “Peace to you.” But they were terrified and frightened, and supposed they had seen a spirit. And He said to them, “Why are you troubled? And why do doubts arise in your hearts? Behold My hands and My feet, that it is I Myself. Handle Me and see, for a spirit does not have flesh and bones as you see I have.” When He had said this, He showed them His hands and His feet. But while they still did not believe for joy, and marveled, He said to them, “Have you any food here?” So they gave Him a piece of a broiled fish and some honeycomb. And He took it and ate in their presence.
The resurrection of Jesus is the foundation of our Christian faith, with the promise of eternal life to all who believe. Luke 24:46-47 Then He said to them, “Thus it is written, and thus it was necessary for the Christ to suffer and to rise from the dead the third day, and that repentance and remission of sins should be preached in His name to all nations, beginning at Jerusalem.
Many other activities take place during Easter and Christians everywhere celebrate differently. As Christians, the celebration must center around the reason true reason for Easter. Easter is the time to celebrate Jesus’ victory and to celebrate the new life He gives. Easter is a time for both solemn reflection and joyful celebration. It is a time to remember the sacrifice of Jesus Christ, to celebrate His resurrection and the hope of eternal life that we have as believers.
He is Risen ! The tomb is empty ! Alleluia !!!
