The Easter celebration is the most important festival on the Christian calendar and actually includes an entire week that culminates with resurrection Sunday. Like all holidays, there are some elements that are biblical and some that society and cultures have added. There are some things that we do for fun and family, but there is a deeper meaning to the season that is rooted in what we believe.
It was on this day that Jesus came back to life on the third day after He was crucified, died and buried. He visited friends and followers after He rose from the grave and left them with a message of grace and salvation to share with the world. The event of Jesus’s resurrection occurred two millenniums ago in a land far away, but the effect is eternal and geographically unlimited.
The week preceding His resurrection began with Jesus entering Jerusalem in what we call the “Triumphal Entry” and is celebrated as Palm Sunday. He was celebrated as a king and the long awaited Savior. The shouts of joy changed to jeers just days later as the crowds yelled, “Crucify him!” The week from Palm Sunday to the Resurrection is remembered today as Holy Week. The week includes some of the most powerful teachings of Jesus, including His message to the disciples in the upper room and His prayers to God, the Father, in the Garden of Gethsemane. Jesus was then betrayed, arrested, tried, beaten, and crucified. He died on a Friday and many pause to reflect on a day we now remember as “Good Friday.”
Jesus told his disciples in advance that He would rise again on the third day after His death. He had been buried in a tomb guarded by an enormous stone so that no one could steal the body. When some women came to visit the grave a couple of days after His death they found that the huge stone had been moved and the tomb was empty. Jesus was seen that day and for several days later. He revisited old friends who realized what had been prophesied had come true – Jesus had indeed risen from the dead.
Jesus was crucified, died, and buried to pay the penalty for our sins. He rose from the grave and conquered sin and death. He offers eternal life for all that hear and believe. That is why churches today celebrate the resurrection of Jesus and tell His story around the world. The story is called “The Gospel” or “Good News.”
We invite you to experience “We Believe” this Easter at The Crossing Church. The stories from Scripture will come to life in music, media and live artistry. We look forward to celebrating with you Easter weekend.
Visit crossingeaster.com.
