Easter is a holiday rich in tradition and controversy. The eggs and bunnies have nothing to do with the true meaning and claim of Christ followers on this holiday- that Jesus rose from the dead. While no one disputes the fact that Jesus was crucified, the question of whether or not He rose again is perhaps the most pivotal question we're faced with. This is more than historical significance- if Jesus rose from the dead, He truly is God, and all that He claimed is true. Listen to audio from Easter 2008 at Vintage21 Church in Raleigh, North Carolina, as Pastor Tyler Jones brings the true meaning of Easter back to the forefront.
Isaiah 53:4-7 Surely he has borne our grief and carried our sorrows; yet we esteemed him stricken, smitten by God, and afflicted. But he was wounded for our transgressions; he was crushed for our iniquities; upon him was the chastisement that brought us peace, and with his stripes we are healed. All we like sheep have gone astray; we have turned—every one—to his own way; and the Lord has laid on him the iniquity of us all. He was oppressed, and he was afflicted, yet he opened not his mouth; like a lamb that is led to the slaughter, and like a sheep that before its shearers is silent, so he opened not his mouth.
Questions for Reflection
1) Will you have the courage to doubt your doubts? Will you take some time to explore Christianity and consider Jesus? What are next steps for you: maybe talk to a pastor, join a home group or just consider coming back next week?
2) Without an understanding of sin, Easter is meaningless! The reality of the story of our lives is this: my sin has ruined my life—your sin has ruined your life. You need a trade; you need someone to vicariously change places with you. This vicarious trade is what the “Gospel or the Good News of Jesus” is all about. Will you accept this trade? Will you allow Jesus to free you from you greed, hatred, self-centeredness and pride? When?
3) If you are a follower of Jesus, what does Easter now mean to you? Is it the same old thing again and again? Or, is it a continued call to “pick up your cross and follow Jesus?” How will you renew your following of Jesus this day?