I asked this very question, back on March 15th, when I started my series through Frederick Leahy's "The Cross He Bore".
I am a Christian, and as such, believe in Jesus Christ, and in his death, and resurrection.
However, as I learned through this series, I had missed the whole back story, as it were. There is much more here, than what meets the eye.
I would encourage you to go back through my posts. I would particularly draw your attention to the 1st, and 13th posts.
So, what is it that Christians find so fascinating in Easter? Here it is, in one word: HOPE!
When the crowds were singing Hosannas to Christ on Palm Sunday, there were expecting that this Messiah was here to take his rightful place as king. They all dreamed of the Roman occupation being driven away, and they would enjoy life with Messiah.
What they did not expect was that their King would be put on trial, and crucified. All of Christ's followers were scattered, and certainly hope was not a thing talked about on Good Friday. Frankly, all hope was lost. How could this be?
Then, three women, on their way to dress Christ's dead body in spices found a most alarming situation. Their whole paradigm was about to be significantly changed. Christ was not there. They were stunned. What happened to Christ's body?
Then, suddenly, two angels appeared. The three women were scared out of their wits! Out of their confusion, suddenly these men, with dazzling brightness were standing by them in the tomb. They feel on their faces in fear.
Then the great paradigm shift was about to happen. The angels said, “Why do you seek the living among the dead? 6 He is not here, but has risen. Remember how he told you, while he was still in Galilee, 7 that the Son of Man must be delivered into the hands of sinful men and be crucified and on the third day rise.”
They remembered! They remembered! And their whole world changed, in an instant. Christ was alive!
To the Christian, that empty tomb brings hope. Jesus Christ would appear to a great many people in the next 40 days. When he finally left, he said that he would be back.
This, the hope of eternal life, with Christ, is the Christian's joy.
Christianity is deeply rooted in historical fact. Jesus Christ lived, was crucified, and left an empty tomb. This, history does not deny.
The claims of Jesus are the great problem for many. If this is the case for your life, may I suggest that you not take the word of anyone else, but make your own personal journey to find the truth.
Start reading the Bible. Start with the Book of John, and see if you don't find the hope, and joy, that billions of Christians find on Easter Day.
Our pastor, Jamie Rasmussen did an Easter message on hope today. Here is a link to the video of his message. I highly recommend it. Perhaps you will find your paradigm changed!
Happy Easter! Jesus Christ is risen...Indeed!
