The Meaning of Easter

After he said this, he was taken up before their very eyes, and a cloud hid him from their sight. They were looking intently up into the sky as he was going, when suddenly two men dressed in white stood beside them. "Men of Galilee," they said, "why do you stand here looking into the sky? This same Jesus, who has been taken from you into heaven, will come back in the same way you have seen him go into heaven." (Acts 1:9-11 NIV)

 

What is the meaning of Easter? For many, it is nothing more than a holiday that has something to do with cute little bunnies and going on an Easter egg hunt. The egg does represent new life because new life hatches from the egg; just as Jesus' resurrection on the third day represent our new life and salvation through our belief in Jesus.
The true meaning of Easter is a celebration of the ultimate sacrifice. Back in Old Testament times, priests would sacrifice spotless animals such as bulls, goats, or lambs that were as close to perfect as they could find to God as a sin offering for the people. The blood of the sacrifice would purify and make atonement for their sins.
When Jesus lived, he was perfect and without sin. He became the ultimate sacrifice that was spotless and without any blemish in the eyes of God. His sacrifice on the cross and the shedding of his blood made atonement available for everyone until the end of time. When God turned away and took his eyes off of Jesus, Jesus took on the sins of the world. I believe Jesus most painful moments of His life was when He felt the emptiness of not having God with him in order to take on our sins.
But, the most important part was Jesus' conquer over death. His sacrifice would have been for nothing if Jesus had stayed in the tomb. Easter celebrates His resurrection and triumph over death. Jesus came back to life on the third day and He appeared to many over a period of 40 days before ascending up to Heaven.
Easter is a time of celebration like no other. Jesus' resurrection made is possible for all of us to have forgiveness of our sins. Because of Jesus, we have direct communication with God and have the comfort of knowing the He is always with us. The best part is this gift is free. We have to do nothing other than believe!
God will never turn away from us like He did with Jesus. Will you turn away from God?

by James Apple