Traditions come and go, but Easter Sunday has been around for a long time. What is the big deal about it? Why do people who normally don’t go to church, feel it is appropriate on that particular Sunday?
First of all, it is actually Resurrection Sunday, and it is a day that changed the world. It is the day that proved Jesus Christ was more than just a good man or a religious leader. It is the real reason why we date time as Before Christ (BC) and Anno Domini (AD) – in the year of our Lord. If Jesus was just a good teacher there be no reason to set our years by Him. So, what are the facts behind this holiday? Two people who were there described the events as,
“The things concerning Jesus of Nazareth, who was a Prophet mighty in deed and word before God and all the people, and how the chief priests and our rulers delivered Him to be condemned to death, and crucified Him. But we were hoping that it was He who was going to redeem Israel. Indeed, besides all this, today is the third day since these things happened. Yes, and certain women of our company, who arrived at the tomb early, astonished us. When they did not find His body, they came saying that they had also seen a vision of angels who said He was alive. And certain of those who were with us went to the tomb and found it just as the women had said; but Him they did not see.” (Luke 24:19-24)
These people thought Jesus was a great prophet who would set up an earthly kingdom. They were disappointed that He had been condemned to die by the religious leaders. Three days later, they were perplexed that Jesus’ body was not in the tomb!
Then He [Jesus] said to them, “O foolish ones, and slow of heart to believe in all that the prophets have spoken! Ought not the Christ to have suffered these things and to enter into His glory?” (Luke 24:25-26)
Jesus, who was alive and came to talk with these men, called them foolish for not believing what the Lord’s prophets had foretold. They taught that Christ had to suffer and die to pay for the sins of the world. (Isaiah 53) Now that Jesus had died, He came back from the dead, proving He is the Son of God. Since He is the Son of God and is alive, Jesus can offer forgiveness of sins and new life, eternal life in Heaven to all who believe in Him (John 3:16).
This is why resurrection Sunday is important. It is the proof that everything Jesus said is true. If He was still dead, He could not save anyone or get you into Heaven. If He was still dead, His teachings would not have true life changing power. If He were still dead, there would be no reason to believe He would come back to earth as He said. But since Jesus is alive, that changes everything! It means we must take Him seriously. It means He is the only way to Heaven. And it means we should celebrate, because we can actually go to Heaven!
Friends, Resurrection Sunday has nothing to do with spring, bunnies, or colored eggs. Those things are traditions that people invented and somehow became associated with Jesus’ resurrection. Some say they represent a connection between new life after winter, but they can really be a distraction from what is important. Forget the Easter Bunny and celebrate Jesus who gives you eternal life!
If you would like to know more about Jesus and the eternal life He offers, visit https://keonscommentary.org/Jesus.htm