What happened on Easter Sunday?

Easter Sunday is the cornerstone of the Christian faith, a day that commemorates the resurrection of Jesus Christ from the dead. This event is not just a pivotal moment in the liturgical calendar but also the foundation upon which Christianity is built. The resurrection is the ultimate demonstration of Jesus' divine nature and the fulfillment of the prophecies concerning the Messiah. To fully grasp the significance of Easter Sunday, it is essential to delve into the biblical narrative, theological implications, and the transformative power this event holds for believers.

The narrative of Easter Sunday begins with the events leading up to it. According to the Gospels, Jesus was crucified on a Friday, now known as Good Friday, and His body was placed in a tomb. The Jewish Sabbath, which begins at sunset on Friday and ends at sunset on Saturday, meant that Jesus' followers could not immediately attend to His body. Therefore, early on the first day of the week, which corresponds to Sunday, several women who were close to Jesus went to the tomb to anoint His body with spices, a customary burial practice.

The Gospel of Matthew recounts that there was a violent earthquake, for an angel of the Lord came down from heaven and rolled back the stone from the entrance of the tomb (Matthew 28:2). The angel's appearance was like lightning, and his clothes were white as snow. The guards who were stationed at the tomb were so afraid that they shook and became like dead men. The angel then spoke to the women, saying, "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, NIV).

The Gospel of Mark provides a similar account but adds that the women were initially terrified and bewildered. They fled from the tomb and said nothing to anyone because they were afraid (Mark 16:8). However, as the narrative unfolds, it becomes clear that they did eventually share the news with the disciples.

In the Gospel of Luke, we find that the women, including Mary Magdalene, Joanna, and Mary the mother of James, went to the tomb and found the stone rolled away. They did not find the body of the Lord Jesus. While they were wondering about this, two men in clothes that gleamed like lightning stood beside them. The men said to them, "Why do you look for the living among the dead? He is not here; he has risen! Remember how he told you, while he was still with you in Galilee: ‘The Son of Man must be delivered over to the hands of sinners, be crucified and on the third day be raised again’" (Luke 24:5-7, NIV). The women then remembered Jesus' words and went to tell the disciples.

The Gospel of John offers a more personal account, focusing on Mary Magdalene's experience. She went to the tomb early in the morning and saw that the stone had been removed. She ran to Simon Peter and the other disciple, the one Jesus loved, and said, "They have taken the Lord out of the tomb, and we don’t know where they have put him!" (John 20:2, NIV). Peter and the other disciple ran to the tomb and found it empty, with the strips of linen lying there. After they left, Mary stood outside the tomb crying. She saw two angels in white seated where Jesus' body had been, one at the head and the other at the foot. They asked her why she was crying, and she replied, "They have taken my Lord away, and I don’t know where they have put him" (John 20:13, NIV). She then turned around and saw Jesus standing there, but she did not realize it was Him. Jesus asked her, "Woman, why are you crying? Who is it you are looking for?" Thinking He was the gardener, she said, "Sir, if you have carried him away, tell me where you have put him, and I will get him." Jesus said to her, "Mary." She turned toward Him and cried out in Aramaic, "Rabboni!" (which means "Teacher"). Jesus said, "Do not hold on to me, for I have not yet ascended to the Father. Go instead to my brothers and tell them, ‘I am ascending to my Father and your Father, to my God and your God.’" Mary Magdalene went to the disciples with the news: "I have seen the Lord!" (John 20:15-18, NIV).

The resurrection of Jesus is not merely a historical event; it is a theological cornerstone that signifies victory over sin and death. The Apostle Paul emphasizes this in his letters, particularly in 1 Corinthians 15:14, where he writes, "And if Christ has not been raised, our preaching is useless and so is your faith" (NIV). The resurrection validates Jesus' identity as the Son of God and His teachings. It also provides believers with the hope of their own resurrection and eternal life. Paul further elaborates in Romans 6:4, stating, "We were therefore buried with him through baptism into death in order that, just as Christ was raised from the dead through the glory of the Father, we too may live a new life" (NIV).

The resurrection also has profound implications for Christian ethics and living. It calls believers to live in the light of the resurrection, embodying the values of the Kingdom of God. The transformative power of the resurrection is evident in the lives of the apostles, who went from being fearful and disheartened to bold proclaimers of the Gospel. The Book of Acts records numerous instances of their fearless witness, even in the face of persecution.

Easter Sunday is thus a day of immense joy and celebration for Christians worldwide. It is a day that reaffirms the core of the Christian message: that Jesus Christ is alive, and through Him, we have the promise of eternal life. The resurrection is a testament to God's power and love, offering believers a living hope that transcends the trials and tribulations of this world.

Throughout history, the Church has celebrated Easter with various traditions and liturgies that reflect the joy and significance of the resurrection. The Easter Vigil, held on the night of Holy Saturday, is one of the most important liturgical events in many Christian denominations. It begins in darkness, symbolizing the darkness of the tomb, and culminates in the lighting of the Paschal candle, representing the light of Christ rising from the dead. This service often includes the reading of biblical passages that recount God's saving acts throughout history, culminating in the resurrection.

On Easter Sunday, churches are often adorned with flowers, particularly lilies, which symbolize new life and resurrection. The liturgy is marked by joyful hymns and the proclamation of "Christ is risen!" to which the congregation responds, "He is risen indeed!" This ancient greeting encapsulates the essence of Easter and the Christian faith.

Moreover, Easter has inspired countless works of art, music, and literature that seek to capture the awe and wonder of the resurrection. From Handel's "Messiah" to the vibrant paintings of the resurrection by artists like Caravaggio and Raphael, the story of Easter has been a wellspring of creative expression that continues to inspire and uplift.

In conclusion, Easter Sunday is not just a historical event but a living reality that continues to shape the lives of believers. It is a day that celebrates the triumph of life over death, light over darkness, and hope over despair. The resurrection of Jesus Christ is the ultimate affirmation of God's love and power, offering a promise of new life to all who believe. As we celebrate Easter, we are reminded of the profound truth that Christ is risen, and because He lives, we too shall live.