Celebrating Easter
“And they went out and fled from the tomb, for trembling and astonishment had seized them, and they said nothing to anyone, for they were afraid.” (Mark 16:8) “This is the end—for me, the beginning of life.” - Dietrich Bonhoeffer This Sunday, many people will dress up and head to churches that will be fuller than usual. Some people will enjoy an extended weekend, a holiday from work or school. Some will gather with families and friends to enjoy a meal together and watch kids hunt eggs. As we gather to worship and celebrate, it is good to ask, “Why?” Why are we celebrating? Why do we have the day off? Why have so many come together to worship?
An event happened 2,000 years ago that forever altered history. Jesus of Nazareth was crucified on a cross, and three days later, the grave in which they laid him was empty. He arose from the grave!
It’s unfortunate, but sometimes we look down upon people from the past just because they are from the past. We may consider how far humanity has progressed and think ancient people were less intelligent than we are. This is simply not true. Ancient people were quite intelligent. They did things we are still trying to figure out today. Ancient people were not dumb. They understood that dead people stay dead. They do not come back to life. This is one reason I like Mark 16:8, a verse detailing the response to Jesus’ resurrection that we sometimes overlook.
How would you respond if you learned a grave at the local cemetery had been unearthed and a dead man was walking around town?
You may tremble. You may be astonished. You may be a little afraid.
Why? Because dead people do not come back to life. If a person dies, they are dead. End of story. That is it.
What if that is not it? It would mean everything we know and understand would be challenged. Our foundations would be shaken. Our world would be turned upside down. This is what is described in Mark 16:8. The witnesses to the resurrection of Jesus have just had their world turned upside down, and nothing will ever be the same. News like this would unsettle anyone, but ultimately it is good news. It is life-altering news.
We may sometimes take days like Easter for granted. It is just another day off. It’s a time to eat chocolate bunnies and peeps. It’s a time for kids. This is why we need to pause and ask “Why?” Easter should never be taken for granted. It changes everything. It gives us hope no matter what we are facing. It provides hope no matter what is going on in the world. Jesus has conquered death. Jesus has overcome the grave. Jesus is alive today.
The empty tomb is worth celebrating. It is why Christians gather on Easter and every first day of the week. Come and join us. Let’s celebrate together!