This Holy Week had me reflecting a lot on Easter. As a kid, I always looked forward to getting new clothes, maybe even a new suit. On Easter Day, we’d dress up in our fresh outfits and head to church to hear the biblical story of how Christ died, was buried, and rose from the grave. When we got home, our Easter baskets would be waiting, filled with treats. The house buzzed with family, and the smell of delicious food cooking filled the air. After a big meal, we’d have an Easter egg hunt—a tradition that made the day so special for our family.
Over the years, things have shifted—less about church and the story of the resurrection, and more about the other aspects of Easter. It feels like we’ve forgotten the traditions we grew up with. Heaven forbid we talk about the blood Jesus shed for us. Now the focus is on the Easter bunny, candy, eggs, and treats. The holiday has become commercialized.
So, what is Easter really about? Over 2,000 years ago, an innocent and godly man named Jesus was whipped, beaten, and mocked. He was then led to a place called Calvary, where He was crucified alongside two criminals. Luke 23:32 says, “There were also two others, criminals, led with Him to be put to death. And when they had come to the place called Calvary, there they crucified Him, and the criminals, one on the right hand and the other on the left. Then Jesus said, ‘Father, forgive them, for they do not know what they do.’” This perfect man, who had never sinned, took our sins upon Himself and died for us, becoming the ultimate sacrifice for humanity’s sins.
Jesus was buried in a tomb on Friday, with a large, heavy stone sealing the entrance. Due to the Jewish Sabbath on Saturday, they waited until Sunday to anoint his body with burial spices. But when they arrived, the tomb was empty. Luke 24:1-3 says “Now on the first day of the week, very early in the morning, they, and certain other women with them, came to the tomb bringing the spices which they had prepared. But they found the stone rolled away from the tomb. Then they went in and did not find the body of the Lord Jesus”
They were trying to understand what was happening when two angels suddenly appeared. Luke 24:4 says, “And it happened, as they were greatly perplexed about this, that behold, two men stood by them in shining garments.” In Luke 24:5, the angels, seeing their fear as they bowed their faces to the ground, asked, “Why do you seek the living among the dead?” Then in Luke 24:6-7, the angels said, “He is not here, but has risen! Remember how He told you while He was still in Galilee, saying, ‘The Son of Man must be delivered into the hands of sinful men, be crucified, and on the third day rise again.’”
Jesus arose from the grave and now is alive. Jesus died for our sins, so we don’t have to. Jesus defeated death so we do not have to died eternally. God loves us so much… He sent His Son to take our place on the cross. 1 John 4:10 tells us, “Herein is love, not that we loved God, but that he loved us, and sent his Son to be the propitiation for our sins.”
Yes, my friends, the way we celebrate Easter has forever been changed. But stand assured the reason we celebrate Easter has not changed and it will never change.
Here’s something to think about: are you celebrating the Easter Bunny or the cross? Let’s take a moment to reflect. Honestly, do we need a little more of Christ in our lives? Take a moment to ask God to remove the distractions of the world and fill you with His blessings. If you don’t know Jesus personally, starting that relationship is simple—just ask Him to forgive your sins and come into your life. It’s that easy, and it doesn’t cost a thing. 1 John 1:9 says, “If we confess our sins, He is faithful and just to forgive us our sins and to cleanse us from all unrighteousness.”
Let us celebrate Easter with thanks and praises to God! May God bless you this Easter!
Bob
I thank you for reading my blog. I do not claim to be any expert or affiliated with any religious organization. All I can say is that I’m affiliated with my Lord Jesus Christ. This is one man’s opinion and observation. My hope is I stirred up some thoughts for you to think about. There is one place that we can find all the answers to life. That road map is Commonly known as the Bible. If you want the answers to life all you have to do is read. If you would like me to pray with you or want to send a comment, please email me at Bob.L@magnificentpromises.com or the form below.
For God so loved the world that he gave his only begotten son, that whosoever believeth in him shall not perish but have everlasting life. John 3:16
