WHY IS EASTER SO SPECIAL?
Easter is unique because Jesus rose from the dead, something that never happened with founders, leaders and gurus of other religions. When people die, they stay dead and so this was truly unexpected and a one-off event. Several aspects of the resurrection are worth noting.
Resurrection was a historical event: As opposed to those who say out of ignorance that this was a myth, there is adequate historical evidence to attest to the fact that the resurrection actually took place. Several good books have been written on this subject including those by Josh McDowell. In fact, there is more historical proof for the Bible and the resurrection than for the fact Julius Caesar existed as an emperor of Rome. As opposed to myths and legends about gods and goddesses that need to believed, in Jesus’ resurrection we see an actual historical event on which the Christian faith hinges on.
Resurrection not resuscitation: The Gospel writers carefully point out Jesus actually went through a physical death. The act of crucifixion, his chest being pierced by a spear letting out of blood and water, his body being taken down from the cross and embalmed, and him being buried in a tomb where the entrance stone rolls in to fit without easily being removed all make it clear that he actually died, rather than that he just swooned on the cross and then was resuscitated. People’s imagination has no bounds as they suggest among multiple other stories including him being stolen from a tomb where a Roman unit of soldiers stood guard and him going to the east to live out the rest of his life and so on. These are no more than stories without the merit of historical proof.
Resurrection was inevitable: Physical death came into this world only because of the sin of man. Physical death happens to all because man is conceived in sin and sin leads to spiritual death, which is reflected in physical death. Jesus was unique among all men in that he was not conceived in sin, rather by the Holy Spirit in the virgin Mary. His nature was the nature of God in all its purity and he alone among all men lived a sinless life. By virtue of his sinless life, his death became an acceptable offering for the sin of all men. Note that the gospel writers are careful to write that he gave up his life rather than say, ‘he died’. Death was not in his DNA and so he had to give up his life despite the crucifixion. He took on the sin of all mankind, but his original nature did not change and so while transient death was necessary as he represented mankind, his original pure nature made resurrection inevitable.
Resurrection confirms hope of eternal life: Not only did Jesus rise from the dead, he made multiple appearances to people following his resurrection. We see a body quite different from the physical body, one which could be touched, could eat and talk, yet could appear and disappear at will, and pass through closed doors, eventually rising up to heaven. If this life were to end at death, it would be the most meaningless exercise. Yet, when the hope of eternal life is presented to us, everything makes sense. Death will not have the last laugh, rather by believing in Christ, we could participate in his resurrection, to be given new eternal bodies when he raises us after our deaths.
Easter is unique and becomes relevant only when we join with Christ in faith to receive his very best- the gift of resurrection.
