What is the story of Easter, and why is it worth celebrating?
Easter is one of the most important Christian celebrations. It is a time when Christians commemorate and celebrate Jesus Christ’s death and resurrection. As was prophesied before Jesus, He was going to be crucified and would rise from the dead on the 3rd day.
We celebrate the event over a weekend, beginning on the 1st day when Jesus was crucified, which we refer to as “good Friday,” and conclude on the 3rd day when Jesus rose again and which we call “Easter Sunday.” Luke 24:1-7 (KJV) summarises Jesus’ death and resurrection; when the women went to His sepulchre to prepare his body, they found that the stone was rolled away, and two angels advised them that He is risen. Also, Matthew 28:6 (KJV) confirms His resurrection “He is not here; he has risen, just as he said. Come and see the place where he lay.”
“Jesus answered them, “Destroy this temple, and I will raise it again in three days.”21 But the temple he had spoken of was his body, John 2:19,21. During the celebration of Easter, especially in the western world, people tend to spend time buying gifts, hunting for Easter eggs and having a good time. Our thoughts and actions at this time should be one of appreciating what Jesus did for us. We should be intentional to ponder on what we have done with the gift of salvation that Jesus gave to us.
Let us be mindful to reflect on our current state and walk with God and adjust as necessary. If nothing else, the recent coronavirus pandemic has taught us how fickle the worldly things we hold dear are. Let us focus on all things that will enable us to spend eternity with Jesus Christ.
What are the benefits we receive because of Easter? The Bible says in Romans 3:23 (KJV) that we have all sinned and fallen short of the glory of God. Jesus, by His death and resurrection, provides the way to reconcile us to God so that we can rise above sin and step into our place as God’s children. We are all born slaves to sin, and Jesus’ death and resurrection guaranteed our freedom. Romans 3:9 (KJV) tells us, “we have before proved both Jews and Gentiles, that they are all under sin. We are now free in Christ”.
Jesus overcame death and took away the fear. We can walk free of the fear of death. 1 Corinthians 15:54-55 says, “Death is swallowed up in victory. O death, where is thy sting? O grave, where is thy victory?”. We do not have to suffer eternal punishment in hell. Instead, we can have eternal life in Heaven through Him. Romans 6:23 says that “the gift of God is eternal life through Jesus Christ our Lord.” That is the gift that God is offering you today. Accept the gift by trusting Jesus Christ as your Lord and Savior.
Happy Easter