A Sunday School teacher looked at the class of four-year olds and asked this question: ''Does anyone know what today is?'' A little girl waved her hand, ''I know. I know! Today is Palm Sunday.'' ''That's fantastic!'' the teacher replied.
''Does anyone know what next Sunday is?'' The same little girl held up her hand and said, ''Next Sunday is Easter Sunday.'' Again, the teacher replied, ''That's great!'' Then the teacher asked, ''Does anyone know what makes next Sunday Easter?'' The little girl again responded, ''Yes, next Sunday is Easter Sunday because Jesus rose from the grave.'' Before the teacher could congratulate her, the little girl added, ''And if he sees his shadow, he has to go back in for seven weeks!’'
It’s vital that we truly understand what Easter means and why it matters. Today we celebrate and proclaim the fact that Jesus is alive. He was crucified for our sins, buried, and on the third day arose from the dead. The tomb was empty. Death was defeated. He ascended to the right hand of the Father above. He is returning someday to judge the living and dead. All of that hinges on the truth we celebrate this day. Christ is alive!
the Apostle Paul said in 2 Corinthians that if there is no resurrection then our faith is futile, it’s in vain. If Jesus isn’t alive today then we are worshipping and serving a dead guy. But the Bible clearly teaches us, and we believe that on the third day after his death, Jesus rose from the dead, that God brought him back to life. And because he lives, he offers us life.
Rasmussen poll: 64% of Americans believe the resurrection of Jesus is a fact. I’m in that number. It's an historical fact. It wasn't done in secret. The whole city of Jerusalem knew about it and eventually the whole Roman Empire. It was news. If CNN had been there, they would have had live coverage. There are at least 15 historical references to Jesus meeting people, touching people, talking with people. One time He cooked breakfast for some people. One time He talked to about 500 people after He had risen from the dead. A lot of people saw Him.
Easter matters because it tells us some things about Jesus.
The Resurrection shows that JESUS IS WHO HE CLAIMED TO BE
John 11:25 "I am the resurrection and the life. He who believes in me will live even though He dies."
The resurrection validates this claim because only God has the power to raise the dead. The empty tomb is proof of Jesus’ divinity.
The resurrection shows that JESUS HE HAS THE POWER HE CLAIMED TO HAVE
He said "All power on earth and in heaven is given to me." In John 10:18 He says, "Nobody takes my life from me. I have the power to lay it down and I have the power to take it up again."
No force could keep Him in the tomb. The Romans killed Him, they put Him in a tomb, they put the big stone in front of the tomb and then sealed it with the Roman seal and they posted a 24-hour guard. They were only trying to prevent the inevitable.
This should encourage us today. If God has the power to raise the dead, then He has the power to save, the power to deliver and set free, the power to heal, and the power to meet all of your needs.
The resurrection shows that JESUS DOES WHAT HE PROMISES TO DO
Mark 10:34 "They will mock and flog and kill me but after three days I will come back to life." The cross was no surprise to Jesus. It was all part of God's plan.
Easter matters. The resurrection of Jesus from the dead matters. Our faith stands on this historical event.
Today’s Challenge: Let’s celebrate the risen savior. Let’s recognize the importance of this day to our faith and our relationship with God.
