Is Easter About Hiding or Revealing?
Many relate Easter with an oversized rabbit and candy-filled plastic eggs. Which begs the question, what is the story behind Easter?
As we approach Easter, I wanted to take some time to reflect on what it’s truly about. If you asked the common person the reason for the holiday, they might say it’s a time for hunting for previously hidden colorful eggs while eating too much sugar. Perhaps it’s to get dressed in nice bright colors, go to church, and maybe to a restaurant afterward.
Do you remember the true reason for Easter? I know you’ve heard the saying, “the reason for the season” referring to Christmas and the birth of Jesus Christ. But what about Easter?
In this article, we’ll discuss a few commonalities of what we do today that relate to the original celebration of Easter.
Eggs
For thousands of years, eggs have been a symbolic piece of Spring. For Pagans, eggs represent fertility and new life. Catholics also emphasize eggs. During Lent, as an alternative to meat, they’ll consume eggs and fish on Fridays.
Later, Christians decided to get into the Easter egg game too. But with a twist.
Christians believe that Jesus Christ was buried in a tomb on Friday and rose back to life that Sunday. Fulfilling His own prophesy that He would rebuild His temple in three days.
“The Jews then responded to Him, ‘What sign can you show us to prove your authority to do all this?’ 19 Jesus answered them, ‘Destroy this temple, and I will raise it again in three days.’ 20 They replied, ‘It has taken forty-six years to build this temple, and you are going to raise it in three days?’ 21 But the temple He had spoken of was His body. 22 After He was raised from the dead, His disciples recalled what He had said. Then they believed the scripture and the words that Jesus had spoken.” – John 2:18-22
These plastic eggs are a representation of the tomb that held His body.
On that Sunday, when the women went down to wash His body, they found the tomb empty. This story is described in both John’s and Luke’s gospels.
So, the tomb was empty. Just like the plastic eggs shortly after they’re found.
Of course, to fully comprehend the significance of this, it’s important to understand the timing of His crucifixion with Passover. We’ll come back to that.
Beautiful and Bright Colors
Easter takes place in Springtime. A time of change. New life can be seen everywhere. From the flowers, the baby birds, the green grass, and the tall trees full of luscious leaves.
With birth and life all around, the days get longer, and even the nights seem brighter. Did you know that white is a collection of all the colors and black is the absence of color? And white is the brightest “color.”
The Bible teaches that Jesus is the light of the world.
“In the beginning was the Word, and the Word was with God, and the Word was God. 2 He was with God in the beginning. 3 Through Him all things were made; without Him nothing was made that has been made. 4 In Him was life, and that life was the light of all mankind. 5 The light shines in the darkness, and the darkness has not overcome it.” – John 1:1-4
And His light can be relied upon, regardless of the season of life you’re going through.
Passover
The Friday the Romans crucified Him was the day known to the Jews as Passover. It has to do with what the Book of Exodus teaches about how God freed the Israelites from their slavery to the Egyptians.
Now, it’s better known as Good Friday. This was the day that Jesus became sin, even though He had never sinned.
“God made Him who had no sin to be sin for us so that in Him we might become the righteousness of God.” – 2 Corinthians 5:21
It needed to occur on the Jewish holiday of Passover.
By crucifying (sacrificing) Him on Passover, Jesus Christ (the Lamb of God) became the eternal Passover Lamb. He was sacrificed for the sins of those who believe. Past, present, and future.
Resurrection (Salvation) Day
A lot happened in the days leading up to Jesus’ crucifixion. On Palm Sunday, He rode into Jerusalem on a colt (young male donkey) fulfilling the Old Testament prophecy (Zechariah 9:9).
Unfortunately, the Jewish people were expecting a mighty military warrior who would free them from the Roman occupation (Zechariah 9:1-8). In their rejection, they didn’t realize that they could’ve had so much more.
Before He was crucified, He was not only denied by all of those who had been singing praises of “Hosannah” (Matthew 21:8-9). He was also betrayed by two of His disciples: Judas and Peter.
Judas sold Him for 30 pieces of silver (Matthew 27:9) and Peter denied even knowing Him (Luke 22:54-62). Both of them to fulfill prophesies.
Although Matthew’s gospel says the 30 pieces of silver came from the prophet Jeremiah, it came from the prophet Zechariah ( Zechariah 11:12-13). And Peter’s denial of Jesus was prophesied by Jesus a few hours earlier (Luke 22:33-34).
As mentioned earlier, His resurrection on the third day was the fulfillment of one of His prophecies.
Ah, but so much more happened on that day. We know of at least one of the criminals (Luke 23:40-43) and a centurion who believed (Matthew 27:54). Mary (Jesus’ mother got a new son) and John (aka the one whom Jesus loved) got a new mother (John 19:25-27).
Greater still, the direct path to God was opened for all believers through His son Jesus Christ (1 Timothy 2:5). This was signified when the veil separating the Holy of Holys split in two (Matthew 27:51).
God’s Design
The change of seasons is part of God’s creation and design for the world. God makes it all possible. How do we know? Because God has put it in every human’s heart.
“They know the truth about God because He has made it obvious to them. 20 For ever since the world was created, people have seen the earth and sky. Through everything God made, they can clearly see His invisible qualities—His eternal power and divine nature. So, they have no excuse for not knowing God.” – Romans 1:19-20
Anyone who doesn’t believe in intelligent design is like a lost sheep. If you know anything about sheep, you know that they’re stubborn and lack intelligence. When they get lost, because they’re defenseless, they’re easy prey for predators. On their own, they’ll never find their way back. That’s why they need a shepherd.
When the shepherd takes care of the sheep, the sheep learn his voice. So, when he calls for them, they’ll come.
Jesus is the good shepherd.
“I am the good shepherd; I know my own sheep, and they know me.” – John 10:14
However, some sheep will not listen. Even if it’s shown plainly to them, they will not believe it.
Why? Because they are not His sheep.
“The people surrounded Him and asked, ‘How long are you going to keep us in suspense? If you are the Messiah, tell us plainly.’ 25 Jesus replied, ‘I have already told you, and you don’t believe me. The proof is the work I do in my Father’s name. 26 But you don’t believe me because you are not my sheep. 27 My sheep listen to my voice; I know them, and they follow me.’” – John 10:24-27
At some point, we’ve all been sheep who’ve gone astray. If you’re still in that season of life, perhaps it’s time to start listening to the One who made the way for you. And it’s a gift. Let me be clear, it might be free but it’s not easy.
Related article: Are you on the Highway to Hell or the Stairway to Heaven?
Easter is about God revealing His love for you. He wants you to join His family. But it’s a choice that you have to make. Will you choose to become a child of God?
If you found value in this article, consider reading Why Write About Christianity and Satan?
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