What Does Jesus Say About Easter?

Easter is a central celebration in Christianity, a time when Christians around the world remember the death, burial, and resurrection of Jesus Christ. While the word “Easter” itself is not directly mentioned in the Bible, the events surrounding Jesus’ resurrection are of utmost importance in Scripture. Jesus’ teachings and His actions during this time give us deep insights into the significance of Easter and why it matters to all Christians. In this article, we will explore what Jesus says about Easter, focusing on His words and actions leading up to and after His resurrection.

The Importance of Resurrection

The resurrection of Jesus Christ is the cornerstone of Christian faith. Without it, there would be no Christianity. Jesus Himself made it clear that His death and resurrection were necessary for the salvation of humanity. Throughout His life, He spoke of His death and resurrection, preparing His followers for the events that would unfold.

Jesus’ Prediction of His Death and Resurrection

In several parts of the Gospels, Jesus foretold His death and resurrection. One such instance is found in Matthew 16:21, where He says, “From that time on, Jesus began to explain to His disciples that He must go to Jerusalem and suffer many things at the hands of the elders, the chief priests, and the teachers of the law, and that He must be killed and on the third day be raised to life.” These words are significant because Jesus is making it clear that His death and resurrection are not accidents, but part of God‘s divine plan for salvation.

Another example is found in Mark 8:31, where Jesus again predicts His suffering and resurrection, saying, “He then began to teach them that the Son of Man must suffer many things and be rejected by the elders, the chief priests, and the teachers of the law, and that He must be killed and after three days rise again.” These prophecies about His resurrection were often difficult for His disciples to understand, but they were part of the foundation of what would become Easter.

Jesus’ Words About His Resurrection

In John 2:19-21, Jesus speaks even more directly about His resurrection. He says, “Destroy this temple, and I will raise it again in three days.” The people around Him thought He was talking about the physical temple in Jerusalem, but Jesus was referring to His own body. His statement was a clear reference to His future resurrection. Jesus knew that His death would not be the end but a necessary step in the plan for humanity’s salvation.

Later, after His resurrection, Jesus reminded His disciples of the predictions He had made. In Luke 24:6-7, after His resurrection, the angels told the women at the tomb, “He is not here; He has risen! Remember how He told you, while He was still with you in Galilee: ‘The Son of Man must be delivered over to the hands of sinners, be crucified, and on the third day be raised again.'” This statement confirms that the resurrection of Jesus was not an unexpected event but something that was planned by God.

The Significance of the Resurrection

The resurrection is not just a historical event; it carries profound theological significance. Through His resurrection, Jesus conquered death and sin. His victory over death provides hope for all believers. Let’s look at the meaning of the resurrection in more detail.

Victory Over Sin and Death

One of the most powerful messages of Easter is that Jesus has conquered death. In 1 Corinthians 15:55-57, Paul writes, “Where, O death, is your victory? Where, O death, is your sting? The sting of death is sin, and the power of sin is the law. But thanks be to God! He gives us the victory through our Lord Jesus Christ.” Jesus’ resurrection is the ultimate proof that death no longer has power over those who are in Christ.

Jesus’ death on the cross paid the price for sin, and His resurrection proved that the price had been fully paid. As a result, believers can be confident that death is not the end. Jesus promises eternal life to those who trust in Him (John 3:16). Through His resurrection, He made a way for believers to have a restored relationship with God.

The Promise of New Life

In addition to victory over sin and death, Jesus’ resurrection offers the promise of new life. In John 11:25-26, Jesus says to Martha, “I am the resurrection and the life. The one who believes in Me will live, even though they die; and whoever lives by believing in Me will never die.” This is one of the most powerful promises in the Bible. Jesus assures His followers that belief in Him brings not only eternal life but a new life here and now.

The new life that Jesus offers is not just about life after death but also about the transformation of the believer’s life on earth. When a person accepts Jesus Christ as their Savior, they are spiritually reborn (John 3:3). They receive the Holy Spirit, who empowers them to live differently, reflecting the love and grace of God.

The Role of Jesus in Easter

Easter is not just about the resurrection itself but about the person of Jesus Christ. His words and actions leading up to Easter provide deep insight into the meaning of His sacrifice. Let’s look at how Jesus prepared His disciples and the world for the events of Easter.

Jesus’ Last Supper

Before His crucifixion, Jesus shared a meal with His disciples. This meal, known as the Last Supper, is recorded in the Gospels of Matthew, Mark, Luke, and John. During this meal, Jesus instituted the practice of communion (or the Lord’s Supper), which is an important part of Easter traditions in many Christian denominations.

In Luke 22:19-20, Jesus says, “This is My body, given for you; do this in remembrance of Me.” And in Matthew 26:28, He tells His disciples, “This is My blood of the covenant, which is poured out for many for the forgiveness of sins.” These words are significant because they highlight the purpose of Jesus’ death – to provide forgiveness for sins. Through His sacrifice, Jesus offered the ultimate act of love, and His blood was poured out as a new covenant between God and humanity.

The Crucifixion

The events leading up to Easter are often filled with sorrow, especially the crucifixion of Jesus. In Matthew 27:46, Jesus cries out, “My God, My God, why have You forsaken Me?” These words express the depth of Jesus’ suffering as He took on the weight of humanity’s sin. However, His death was not the end of the story. It was through His suffering that He fulfilled the purpose of His coming to Earth—to save humanity from sin and restore them to God.

Jesus’ crucifixion shows the depth of God’s love. In John 15:13, Jesus says, “Greater love has no one than this: to lay down one’s life for one’s friends.” Jesus demonstrated this greatest act of love by giving His life for us, even though we did not deserve it.

The Resurrection

The resurrection is the ultimate confirmation that Jesus was who He said He was. In Matthew 28:6, the angel tells the women at the tomb, “He is not here; He has risen, just as He said.” This declaration shows that Jesus’ promises are true. His resurrection is the fulfillment of His words and prophecies. Through His resurrection, Jesus not only proved His divine authority but also gave hope to all who believe in Him.

Jesus’ Post-Resurrection Appearances

After His resurrection, Jesus appeared to His disciples and others, providing further evidence of His victory over death. In John 20:19-29, Jesus appears to His disciples and offers them peace. He shows them His wounds and reassures them that He is alive. In John 20:29, He tells Thomas, “Because you have seen Me, you have believed; blessed are those who have not seen and yet have believed.”

These appearances were essential for the disciples’ understanding of the resurrection. They were not just hearing about it; they were witnessing the reality of Jesus’ return to life. This personal encounter with the risen Jesus was the foundation for their faith and their mission to spread the message of Easter to the world.

Conclusion

While the Bible does not explicitly mention the word “Easter,” it is clear that the events surrounding Jesus’ death and resurrection are central to the Christian faith. Through His words and actions, Jesus taught His disciples and us the profound significance of His sacrifice and resurrection. Easter is a time to remember that Jesus conquered death and sin, offering us eternal life and the hope of a transformed life here on earth.

As we celebrate Easter, let us remember the love of Jesus, who laid down His life for us and rose again, defeating death once and for all. Through His resurrection, we are offered forgiveness, new life, and the promise of eternity with Him. Easter is not just a historical event; it is the foundation of our faith and the reason for our hope.