7 Scriptures to Reflect on the Beauty of Easter

"For what I received I passed on to you as of first importance: that Christ died for our sins according to the Scriptures, that he was buried, that he was raised on the third day according to the Scriptures,  and that he appeared to Cephas, and then to the Twelve. After that, he appeared to more than five hundred of the brothers and sisters at the same time, most of whom are still living, though some have fallen asleep.  Then he appeared to James, then to all the apostles, and last of all he appeared to me also, as to one abnormally born." - 1 Corinthians 15:3-8

This is the image of Christ after His resurrection. Paul and James witnessed this, along with 500 others! Can you imagine what that must have been like? This verse, along with several others, proves that Jesus was a man who lived a sinless life, endured a tortuous death, was paced in a tomb with a rock so heavy several men couldn’t even make it budge, and then three days later is found walking around! Jesus defeated death and conquered the grave! He is alive!

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"The angel said to the women, 'Do not be afraid, for I know that you are looking for Jesus, who was crucified. He is not here; he has risen, just as he said. Come and see the place where he lay. Then go quickly and tell his disciples: "He has risen from the dead and is going ahead of you into Galilee. There you will see him.’" Now I have told you.'” - Matthew 28:5-7

“Do not be afraid.” These are the infamous words of nearly every angle encountered throughout Scripture. Something right there to ponder. While they generally brought good news, these majestic creatures must have caused quite a sight! But, this angel before the tomb brings news that will not only change the trajectory or time but is a fulfillment of prophecy! Jesus is alive! Hallelujah!  

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"Now, the betrayer had arranged a signal with them: 'The one I kiss is the man; arrest him and lead him away under guard.'  Going at once to Jesus, Judas said, 'Rabbi!' and kissed him. The men seized Jesus and arrested him." - Mark 14:44-46

This kiss of death is not one we most likely want to associate with Easter, but we must. Why? This flip in script forces us to come to grips with our own deception and devious acts. The truth is that Jesus came to die for all of us. That includes Judas. And that includes us! While we may not have sold Jesus out for thirty pieces of silver (Matthew 26:15), why have we betrayed Jesus through hasty judgments of others, brutal or harsh words, clinging to idols, or justifying a behavior, just to name a few? So, while this part of the Easter story is difficult to read, it allows us to get clean before God. 

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"Jesus said to her, 'I am the resurrection and the life. The one who believes in me will live, even though they die, and whoever lives by believing in me will never die. Do you believe this?'” - John 11:25-26

This is a powerful couplet of verses right here! Not only does it boldly state exactly who Jesus is in this “I am” statement, but it also comes with a call to action. Salvation is very personal because our God makes it that way. 

In John 11:26, Jesus is speaking to Martha, one of Lazarus’ sisters, after her brother's death. He assures her to trust Him and place her faith in Him amid her grief. Jesus is calling us to do the same.

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"Now Thomas, one of the Twelve, was not with the disciples when Jesus came. So the other disciples told him, 'We have seen the Lord!' But he said to them, 'Unless I see the nail marks in his hands and put my finger where the nails were, and put my hand into his side, I will not believe.' A week later, his disciples were in the house again, and Thomas was with them. Though the doors were locked, Jesus came and stood among them and said, 'Peace be with you!”'Then he said to Thomas, 'Put your finger here; see my hands. Reach out your hand and put it into my side. Stop doubting and believe.”^'Thomas said to him, 'My Lord and my God!'" - John 20: 24-28

We must understand that Thomas wasn’t there when Jesus showed up among the disciples and spoke peace over them after His resurrection (John 20:19). They had eyewitness accounts. Thomas probably just wanted the same opportunity to see Jesus and believe. 

So, when Jesus stood before them again, He asked Thomas to feel His flesh. This is a powerful depiction of how Jesus meets us in our doubt. Jesus knows that doubt is a natural human response, so He further states in John 20:29 that blessed are those who have not seen yet still believe. 

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"For we believe that Jesus died and rose again, and so we believe that God will bring with Jesus those who have fallen asleep in him." - 1 Thessalonians 4:14

This is such a profound Scripture that we as believers should have hope in if we are grieving the loss of loved ones. Paul is reassuring the church in Thessalonica that we hope to see our beloved brothers and sisters again. Jesus conquered death, and His resurrection shows us that there is hope to be united again! If you miss a loved one this Easter, cling to this hope, dear friend. Sadly, I know the grief associated with this holiday all too well, but I love this verse as it brings so much comfort. 

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"Praise be to the God and Father of our Lord Jesus Christ! In his great mercy, he has given us new birth into a living hope through the resurrection of Jesus Christ from the dead and into an inheritance that can never perish, spoil, or fade. This inheritance is kept in heaven for you, who, through faith, are shielded by God’s power until the coming of the salvation that is ready to be revealed in the last time. In all this, you greatly rejoice, though now, for a little while, you may have had to suffer grief in all kinds of trials. These have come so that the proven genuineness of your faith—of greater worth than gold, which perishes even though refined by fire—may result in praise, glory, and honor when Jesus Christ is revealed." - 1 Peter 1:3

Praise be to God! Such an accurate response to His great mercy! We are His! He calls us out, sets us apart, and gives us a new name. Just as He gave Peter a new name, we are called beloved, cherished, chosen, and priceless - take your pick! Faith in Jesus gives us the most honorable and distinguished title, “a child of God,” all while knowing we have an eternal inheritance. This should be such a cause for celebration and rejoicing! While we don’t deserve His great love, grace, and mercy out of compassion, He still gave us a way to be born again! Thank you, Jesus! Let's pray:

Faithful Father, You are so very good to us, and we are humbled by the selfless act You displayed on the cross. Thank you for loving us despite our fears, disbeliefs, doubts, sorrows, and failures. We are unworthy and undeserving of Your love, yet You came to live and die for us. You gave us new life, new hope, a new beginning. Oh, we are ever so thankful and praise Your holy name. Amen.

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