Many years ago, I was a Technology Consultant and Trainer at a government agency, collaborating with their IT Department on a software rollout. Just making friendly conversation, I asked one of the technicians, “What are you doing for Easter?” He quickly replied, “Nothing. Should I be?” I was stunned and my face must have shown it. Should I tell him that ….
- it’s a day set aside to thank a living God for sending His only son to earth to die for our sins
- we can be now be reconciled with God, by the forgiveness of our sins and we now have a way to heaven
- Jesus was resurrected from the grave on the third day after his crucifixion; he is alive!
- this one event fulfilled all prophesies concerning the Messiah who would be persecuted, die for our sins, and rise on the third day (Isaiah 53).
- without Jesus rising from the dead, there would be no Christianity, no hope of victory over sin and everlasting life in Heaven
- when you die you will meet Jesus, and if you confess your sin and put your faith in Jesus, you will be able to see all your family and friends again, those who also believed
At the time, I wasn’t prepared to tell him the reason for the hope that I have. There was a door of opportunity swung wide open, but I was in fear of any HR rules on proselytizing and losing my contract; my income. I know many of you that are in the workplace carry this same fear.
Easter in a Secular World
Walking the aisles of a store around Easter, what do we see? Today Easter is promoted as a time for an Easter Bunny delivering an Easter basket full of marshmallow chicks and tons of candy, followed with a game of finding hidden dyed colored eggs. Many companies make a lot of money during Easter. In America, $19 million were spent on eggs, $2.6 billion in candies are sold, over $5.5 billion on Easter baskets; and $1 billion on decoration. In 2021, consumers plan to spend an average of $179.70 this Easter, the highest figure on record.
As a parent or grandparent, it is fun to give Easter baskets to our children; however, we must be intentional on sharing the real meaning of Easter. Sadly, the significance of a risen Savior has not been taught to millions of children and for many, Easter baskets is all they know.
My childhood memory of Easter is waking up to don my best clothes and walking a couple of blocks to church. Easter was a day families flocked to the church and an overwhelming joy permeated the church. I loved seeing all the women and girls sporting new dresses and some wearing matching hats. My memories were of observing people worship God in song and being reminded about Jesus’ sacrifice for all mankind.
The Lamb
Besides cute chickens, we often see little innocent fluffy white lamb toys at Easter. What’s the lamb all about? The lamb is a strong Christen symbol which comes from the Jewish tradition where they killed an unblemished lamb as a sacrifice to cover their sins. The lamb had to be a male lamb that was perfect, without any spot, blemish or defect. Jesus was perfect; He is the only man who has ever lived who was perfect…the only man who never sinned. He was the perfect lamb who sacrificed his life to permanently cover our sins.
“The next day John saw Jesus coming toward him and said, “Look, the Lamb of God, who takes away the sin of the world!” John 1:29
Why should I share my faith?
Spring is a refreshing time of new things coming to life. It is also a good time to share Jesus’ coming to life and this my friend is the reason to celebrate Easter.
- Jesus Told Us To. The Bible is clear that we are told to tell others.
“Go therefore and make disciples of all nations, baptizing them in[b] the name of the Father and of the Son and of the Holy Spirit, teaching them to observe all that I have commanded you. And behold, I am with you always, to the end of the age.” Matthew 28: 19-20
- It’s Good News. If you had a cure for cancer, wouldn’t you want to share this good news with others? Christians have the best news of all. Through Christ we have won the war against an enemy, Satan.
Romans 10: 14,15 reminds us, “How, then, can they call on the one they have not believed in? And how can they believe in the one of whom they have not heard? And how can they hear without someone preaching to them? And how can they preach unless they are sent?
- It Saves People From Hell. Jesus talked more about hell in the New Testament than about heaven. Hell is real, a place where people go when they intentionally choose not to follow Jesus. Hell is not a place where you get to party with your friends, it’s a lonely, and isolated place. It’s filled with terrible eternal torment and everlasting separation from God. Clearly, it’s a place where you don’t want your family and friends going to.
If there was a train coming that was going to kill a family member or friend, would you tell them; of course, you would. Are we that hateful of others, that we will not tell them that Jesus came to earth to set people free from sin and have a bridge to the Father. Tell them that it was Jesus sacrificial death that swung open the gates of heaven making a way for our sin to be forgiven, ushering us into the presence of God.
As we journey through this Holy Week, remember that it was through Jesus’ love, passion, and death that we were not only offered forgiveness for our sins but also new life in Him. May we continually honor Christ’s sacrifice by always seeking His righteousness and committing to live as true ambassadors of His kingdom.
Who is this King of Glory? It is Jesus.
So they took branches of palm trees and went out to meet him, crying out, “Hosanna! Blessed is he who comes in the name of the Lord, even the King of Israel!” John 12:13