Easter

If I had to choose my favourite Christian festival, it would be Easter. Let me briefly explain to you the meaning of this festival.

Easter is a festival that begins with the death fully accepted, although unjust, of Jesus on the cross. We remember this event on Good Friday. But how sad it would be if everything had stopped there.

Without the death of Jesus, there would be no atonement (sacrifice) for the sins of men and, therefore, no possible means of forgiveness. Neither could there have been any resurrection – and without Jesus’ resurrection, there would be no hope.

It is interesting to compare the two foundations of our faith. I have met many Muslim friends who would say, « No, a prophet like Jesus, could not have died by crucifixion, God could not have allowed it. So, he must have been replaced by someone else who looked just like him. »

It is different for us Christians because it is written in the Injil, 1 Corinthians 1:18”For the message of the cross is foolishness to these who are perishing, but to us who are being saved it is the power of God. « 

A « POWER of God, » but why?

Remember the story of Abraham, who was willing to sacrifice his son. And while he stretched out his hand and took the knife to slay his son, God told him « Stop !!! Look at the ram! There is a ram caught in the bush next to you. Sacrifice it in place of your son.  »

« IN PLACE OF »: As the ram died in the place of Abraham’s son, so the person that God sent died in our place on the cross. That person is Jesus, Isa.

Watch out! the story does not end there. Three days later Jesus was resurrected, he conquered death, that is the POWER of God’s victory over death and the unrighteousness of all mankind!!

So Easter begins on Good Friday, the day of Christ’s death. This day is not a festive day, for it is the death of Jesus that we remember

And then comes the Sunday following Good Friday. A festive day, full of joy, reminding us that Jesus is risen, he conquered death and lives with God forever.

Finally, in many countries such as Switzerland or France, there is Easter Monday which is a public holiday but has no religious significance.

Here is a little clip that talks answering « Why the death of Jesus?”

Question :If God is so powerful, why has he allowed Jesus, the Word of God to die on a cross?