The First Easter – The Only Distinction that Matters
I have a confession to make, leading up to a festive season, it’s easy to lose focus. All you have to do is walk into any store and you will be surrounded with chocolates bunnies and Easter eggs. But how often are our hearts reminded to the focus on the miracle of Jesus’ death and resurrection.
This Easter hundreds of millions of you will wake up before day light and attend an Easter Service. Why do you do this? Why is Easter celebrated before the break of dawn? Because, it was at the break of dawn, on a brand new day when the believers in Jesus heard the good news that Jesus Christ is Risen form the dead, and this changed everything.
The Striking difference
Without a doubt Easter is one of the most important events in the history of the world. Because the rising of Jesus from the dead proved that Jesus Christ was speaking only the truth. Jesus made some bold claims. He claimed himself to be the Son of God and the only way to heaven. The Bible says in John 14:6 Jesus said to him, “I am the way, and the truth, and the life. No one comes to the Father except through me. In this statement Jesus claims His absolute sovereignty over life and death. He shows He is the source of both life and death. Many people throughout the history have claimed to be God. But its striking difference with Jesus, is that, He was the only One who proved that he is God. The only living God by being raised to life.
The Bodily Resurrection of Jesus
The bodily resurrection of Jesus is central to the Gospel. Jesus’ proved his claims of divinity by rising from the dead. Jesus\’ bodily resurrection is a guarantee of eternal life. Jesus rose literally, physically, factually, and in a body that was noticeable and tangible like those of his very earthy disciples, people have witnessed this great event. The Bible says Matthew 28:1-6 After the sabbath, as the first day of the week was dawning, Mary Magdalene and the other Mary went to see the tomb. And suddenly there was a great earthquake; for an angel of the Lord, descending from heaven, came and rolled back the stone and sat on it. His appearance was like lightning, and his clothing white as snow. For fear of him the guards shook and became like dead men. But the angel said to the women, “Do not be afraid; I know that you are looking for Jesus who was crucified. 6 He is not here; for he has been raised, as he said. Come, see the place where he lay.
The rolled away stone was significant
The stone was 2 tons and would have taken many strong men to move it, the tomb was also sealed off and watched over by Roman Guards. This was not possible by human hands. It is evident that only God can do the impossible
Fulfilled prophecy
Easter is the fulfilled prophecy of the Messiah, Jesus proved what he said- I am going to die for the sins of the world, and I will be raised back to life three days later, and that’s what exactly he did! (Isaiah 53) in fact the resurrection of Jesus is the most significant event of all times. It spilt the history of system labels years into A.D. and B.C. — with the \”A.D.\” denoting years after his birth and \”B.C.\” labeling the years that precede his birth. Now every time we write a date, we use Jesus Christ as our reference point. Isn’t this amazing? Even our own birthday, the date, the month and the year is dated from the resurrection of Jesus Christ.
And all these significant events happened on the dawn of a new day as the bible says in Luke 1:78-79 By the tender mercy of our God, the dawn from on high will break upon us, This is the reason we attend an Easter service before break of dawn.
We are a part of God’s family The greatest Love story ever told
By his death and resurrection Jesus made a place for us in the Father’s house. Luke 23:42-he said, “Jesus, remember me when you come into your kingdom.” And Jesus assured him you will be with me in paradise. Death is inevitable. Many of us fear death. But Jesus assures us and shows us, how not be afraid of dying, When Jesus went to the cross he was hung between two criminals, one scoffed and made fun of Him and thought death is the end of life on the contrary the other thief realised the need was for forgiveness and not relief from pain and suffering he was going through, and he knew he could not save himself, so he simply said “Remember me”, that’s good enough! And Jesus’ response shows he had power over death. You will be with me in paradise. This makes us a part of God’s family.
Which of these events is significant to you?
The event that shook the whole world. That Jesus conquered death, represents the fulfilment of the of the Old Testament prophecies about this event, hundreds to thousands of years prior to the Resurrection of Jesus and the revelation of God\’s salvific plan for all of humankind.
So the commemoration of Easter It’s not just a big deal. It’s the biggest deal in all of time. With all these events Easter is integral to our faith and our very own existence.
– Nita Fleming