Easter Sunday is one of the most important days for Christians all around the world. It is the day when Jesus Christ rose from the dead, fulfilling the promise of eternal life for all believers. This event is known as the Resurrection, and it forms the foundation of the Christian faith. In this article, we will explore what Jesus did on Easter Sunday, focusing on the events and significance of that day in simple terms.

The Crucifixion and Death of Jesus

Before we discuss what happened on Easter Sunday, it’s important to understand the events that led up to it. On Good Friday, Jesus was crucified and died on the cross. He was betrayed by one of His disciples, Judas Iscariot, and arrested by the Roman authorities. After a series of trials, He was sentenced to death by crucifixion.

Jesus was nailed to a cross, where He hung for hours, suffering greatly. He died in the afternoon, and His body was taken down from the cross. His followers, including His mother Mary and the disciple John, witnessed His death. Jesus was then placed in a tomb, a cave-like structure, with a large stone rolled in front of it to seal the entrance.

The death of Jesus was a sad and painful moment for His disciples and followers. They had hoped that He was the Messiah, the Savior who would bring freedom to Israel. But now, they were left in despair, unsure of what to do next. Jesus’ death marked the end of a chapter in their lives, and they were heartbroken.

The Sabbath and the Waiting Period

After Jesus’ body was placed in the tomb, the followers of Jesus had to observe the Sabbath, which is a day of rest in the Jewish tradition. During this time, they could not visit the tomb or do anything that might be considered work. The Sabbath lasted from Friday evening to Saturday evening.

During this waiting period, the disciples and followers of Jesus likely felt deep sorrow and confusion. They may have wondered if Jesus was truly the Savior, as they had believed. However, despite their grief, they were faithful to their religious customs and waited for the Sabbath to end.

The Women Visit the Tomb

On the morning of Easter Sunday, the first day of the week, some of Jesus’ followers, specifically women who had been close to Him, went to the tomb to anoint His body with spices. They were Mary Magdalene, Mary the mother of James, and Salome. These women had been present during the crucifixion and were now coming to show their love and respect for Jesus by preparing His body for burial.

When they arrived at the tomb, they were surprised to find that the stone that had been rolled in front of the entrance had already been moved. The tomb was open. As they entered, they were shocked to find that Jesus’ body was no longer there. Instead, they saw a young man in a white robe, who was an angel sent by God.

The angel told them, “Do not be afraid. You are looking for Jesus of Nazareth, who was crucified. He has risen! He is not here. See the place where they laid Him. But go, tell His disciples and Peter, ‘He is going ahead of you into Galilee. There you will see Him, just as He told you.’”

The women were astonished and frightened. They ran to tell the disciples what they had seen and heard. At first, the disciples did not believe them, but Peter and John ran to the tomb to see for themselves. When they arrived, they found the tomb empty, with the burial clothes lying in the place where Jesus’ body had been.

Jesus Appears to Mary Magdalene

Mary Magdalene, one of the women who had visited the tomb, was left behind as the disciples went away. She stayed at the tomb, weeping and mourning the loss of her Lord. As she wept, she looked into the tomb again and saw two angels sitting where Jesus’ body had been. The angels asked her why she was crying, and she explained that someone had taken Jesus’ body.

Suddenly, Jesus Himself appeared to her, though she did not recognize Him at first. He asked her why she was crying and whom she was looking for. When she realized that it was Jesus, she was filled with joy and excitement. Jesus told her to go and tell the disciples that He had risen from the dead.

Mary Magdalene became the first person to witness the risen Jesus and was entrusted with the message of His resurrection. She hurried to find the disciples and share the good news.

Jesus Appears to Other Followers

Later that day, Jesus appeared to two other followers who were walking on the road to a village called Emmaus. These two disciples were sad and confused, discussing the events of Jesus’ death. As they walked, a man joined them, and they did not recognize that this man was Jesus.

The man (who was Jesus) asked them why they were so sad, and they explained what had happened to Jesus. They told Him about His crucifixion and the rumors they had heard about His resurrection. Jesus then began to explain the Scriptures to them, showing how all the events surrounding His death and resurrection were part of God’s plan.

As they reached the village, the two disciples invited Jesus to stay with them. When they sat down to eat, Jesus broke the bread and gave it to them. At that moment, their eyes were opened, and they realized that the man they had been speaking to was Jesus. But as soon as they recognized Him, He disappeared from their sight.

The two disciples immediately returned to Jerusalem to share their experience with the other followers of Jesus. They were overjoyed to report that Jesus had indeed risen from the dead.

Jesus Appears to the Disciples

That evening, Jesus appeared to the remaining disciples. They were gathered together in a locked room, afraid of the authorities who might come after them next. Suddenly, Jesus appeared among them and said, “Peace be with you.” The disciples were startled and thought they were seeing a ghost.

To prove that He was not a ghost, Jesus showed them the wounds in His hands and side. He invited them to touch Him and see that He was real. Jesus then ate with them, further showing that He was not a spirit but a living, physical person.

During this time, Jesus explained to His disciples that His resurrection fulfilled the Scriptures and that they were to go and share the good news with others. He also promised them the Holy Spirit, who would empower them to carry out their mission.

The Significance of Jesus’ Resurrection

The resurrection of Jesus on Easter Sunday is the central event of the Christian faith. It proves that Jesus is the Son of God and that He has power over death. Through His resurrection, Jesus offers forgiveness and eternal life to all who believe in Him.

The resurrection also shows that God’s plan for salvation was not defeated by Jesus’ death. Instead, His death was necessary for the forgiveness of sins, and His resurrection demonstrates that He conquered death once and for all.

For Christians, Easter Sunday is a day of joy and celebration because it marks the victory of life over death. It is a reminder that death is not the end and that, through Jesus, believers can have hope for eternal life.

Conclusion

Easter Sunday is a day of great significance for Christians. It is the day when Jesus rose from the dead, defeating death and offering salvation to all who believe in Him. On that day, Jesus appeared to His followers, showing them that He was alive and fulfilling the promises He had made. The resurrection of Jesus is the foundation of the Christian faith and the reason for hope and joy for believers around the world.

As we reflect on what Jesus did on Easter Sunday, we are reminded of the incredible love and power of God. Through the resurrection, Jesus has given us the gift of eternal life, and we are called to share this good news with others. The resurrection of Jesus is a message of hope, peace, and victory, and it continues to inspire and transform lives today.

What Did Jesus Do on Easter Sunday?