If the casual observer looked upon the average American Easter celebration, they might think that the significance is found in the eggs or in the rabbits or in some piece of chocolate confectionery. Easter for the Christian has nothing to do with Eostre, the Teutonic goddess of spring and fertility, but rather it has EVERYTHING TO DO WITH JESUS OF NAZARETH, the One who conquered death and offers eternal life to a sin-sick world. Easter for the Christian is about a dark day, a loud cry, and an EMPTY TOMB.
First, consider the dark day of Jesus’ crucifixion. The death penalty is performed by Roman crucifixion and had become a common form of punishment in that day. Everything in Jerusalem was business as usual as far as most people were concerned until as Mark explains, “Now when the sixth (12:00 pm) hour had come, THERE WAS DARKNESS OVER THE WHOLE LAND until the ninth (3:00 pm) hour.” (Mark 15:33) 3 hours of darkness.
Secondly, consider the loud cry mentioned by Mark. The sunlight in Jerusalem was restored at 3:00 PM when simultaneously the people heard a loud voice cry out, “And at three in the afternoon Jesus cried out in a loud voice, “My God, my God, why have you forsaken me?” (Mark 15:34) The consequence of sin is to be godforsaken. (Rom. 6:23a) The Bible repeatedly declares that Jesus never sinned personally, so whose sin was He dying for? “…He was wounded for OUR transgressions, He was bruised for OUR iniquities; The chastisement for OUR peace was upon Him, And by His stripes WE ARE healed.” (Isa. 53:5)
Thirdly, consider the empty tomb. The cardinal concept of the Christian faith is the resurrection of Jesus Christ. The dark day, and the loud cry, meant nothing if Jesus is not alive. The apostle Paul put it best when he said “…if Christ is not risen, your faith is futile; you are still in your sins!” (1 Corin. 15:17)
The significance of Easter is much more than just the frills associated with the spring season but instead it is the declaration that HE LIVES! Easter Sunday is a great for us to receive the OFFER OF ATONEMENT for sin and RECEIVE ETERNAL LIFE in heaven with God in spite of our sinful condition. Recognize that you’re a sinner and call upon Christ today and HE WILL BE YOUR RISEN SAVIOR!
Your Personal Pastor -Bill Stockham