Rediscovering the Real Meaning of Easter - The Crosswalk Devotional - April 5

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Rediscovering the Real Meaning of Easter
By Vivian Bricker

Bible Reading:
“He is not here; he has risen, just as he said. Come and see the place where he lay.” - Matthew 28:6

Easter is a wonderful time to reflect on the beauty and goodness of Christ. When I was growing up, however, I didn’t understand Easter at all. I mainly associated it with the Easter Bunny and candy. I knew nothing about Jesus Christ or His death on the cross.

Although my mom was a Christian, I don’t remember fully absorbing any teachings about Easter when I was a child or a teenager. Perhaps those lessons simply went over my head, but I genuinely don’t recall learning about Jesus’ sacrifice.

Everything changed after I became a Christian during my first year of college. That was when I began to understand the true purpose of Easter and realized what a beautiful and meaningful celebration it is.

The first Easter I celebrated as a follower of the Lord was filled with worship. My sister and I even changed some of our family traditions to make them more focused on Jesus. My childhood fascination with the Easter Bunny faded, replaced by a deeper appreciation for the grace of the Lord Jesus Christ. One year, we even made a cross decorated with flowers and placed it on our front door as a reminder of Christ’s sacrifice and victory.

Easter has changed a lot for me, but in the best way possible. Once I truly understood the meaning of Easter, I couldn’t believe I had celebrated the holiday for so long without recognizing its real purpose.

Easter is about Jesus—not the Easter Bunny, egg hunts, or candy. While those traditions are not wrong in themselves, they can easily distract from the holiday's true meaning. When commercialism becomes the focus, it takes Jesus out of Easter and turns the celebration into something it was never meant to be.

As followers of Christ, Easter is also a meaningful opportunity to share the Gospel with others. Many people have heard the Gospel, yet its meaning hasn’t fully reached their hearts. This can be true for both children and adults. Because of this, we should look for opportunities to share the message of Jesus—even with people who may already be familiar with it. Sometimes hearing the truth again allows it to take root more deeply.

When sharing the Gospel, speak in a personal, sincere way. This helps others truly hear and understand what you are saying. Sharing your testimony can also be powerful before or after explaining the Gospel. Trust the Holy Spirit to work in each person’s heart, and don’t become discouraged if someone doesn’t accept Christ immediately. For many of us, faith was a journey that took time before we chose to fully place our trust in Jesus.

Intersecting Faith & Life:

At the tomb of the risen Lord, an angel declared, “He is not here; he has risen, just as he said. Come and see the place where he lay” (Matthew 28:6).

This beautiful truth gives us hope and encouragement even in our darkest moments. Jesus truly rose from the dead, and through Him we have victory over death. While we will still physically die one day, death does not have the final word. Those who trust in Christ will live forever with Him.

The gift of eternal life is possible only because of Jesus’ finished work on the cross. Because of Him, we have hope not only for the future but also for the present.

During this Easter season, we can celebrate the Lord, help others come to know Him, and rejoice in the salvation He offers. One of the greatest ways we can show our love and devotion to Him is by sharing the Good News with others. Just as the angel announced Christ’s resurrection, we are called to share that same message with the world.

Easter is not simply another holiday on the calendar. It is the celebration of the death, burial, and resurrection of our Lord. Through Him, we have received forgiveness, redemption, and victory over the grave.

Celebrate this truth during the Easter season, and allow the joy of Christ’s resurrection to overflow into every part of your life. Jesus accomplished something extraordinary when He rose from the dead, and one day He will return again and bring a final end to evil (Revelation 1:7).

Has your interpretation and understanding of Easter changed over the years? How can you share the Gospel with a loved one this Easter?

Further Reading:
Luke 19:10
Luke 24:1-53
John 5:28-29

How did today’s devotional speak to you? Share your thoughts in the Crosswalk Devotional discussion.

Photo Credit: ©GettyImages/Javier_Art_Photography

Vivian Bricker obtained a Bachelor of Arts in Ministry, followed by a Master of Arts with an emphasis in theology. She loves all things theology, mission work, and helping others learn about Jesus. Find more of her content at Cultivate.

Check out fantastic resources on Faith, Family, and Fun at Crosswalk.com! 

Listen to the Jesus Calling Podcast!

Welcome to this special bonus episode of the Jesus Calling Podcast, inspired by the topical themes from Sarah Young’s seasonal prayer devotional Jesus Listens: Prayers for Every Season. Today, we are featuring guests who speak to themes that all of us might be experiencing in this season of winter. As the days grow shorter and the night longer, we are offered a rare gift: permission to stop. This season can be a challenging time for many, and if you are struggling with low spirits, please know you are not alone, and help is available. This episode is an opportunity to honor your weariness, to resist the urge to rush, and to discover the profound healing that happens when we simply let ourselves rest in the stillness. If you like what you hear, be sure to follow Jesus Calling on Apple or Spotify so you never miss an episode!