“On the first day of the week, very early in the morning, the women took the spices they had prepared and went to the tomb. They found the stone rolled away from the tomb, but when they entered, they did not find the body of the Lord Jesus.” “He is not here; He is risen!” Luke 24:1-3,6a

This coming Sunday is Easter! Remember last Sunday, Jesus came into Jerusalem and was welcomed by the people with palm branches and Hosannas. But a lot happened in this week between Palm Sunday and Easter Sunday.

The religious leaders of Jesus’ time, the Pharisees and the priests of the Temple did not believe that Jesus was the Messiah, God’s Son. They did not like that the people listened to Jesus’ teachings and followed Him. They decided He was an impostor and plotted to kill Him. As upset as this makes us now (since we know that Jesus is God’s Son) it was all part of God’s plan to save us all!

Jesus came to Jerusalem in order to fulfill this plan. He came willingly because He loves us all so much. Jesus was arrested and beaten and hung on a cross to die. And He did die, for you and me and everyone. He was buried in a cave-like tomb and a large stone was rolled in front of the opening. It was Friday.

And on Sunday morning is where our Bible verses begin, and God’s plan is completed! Some of the women followers of Jesus came to the tomb with spices to put on Jesus’ dead body. It was one of the things they did back then for the dead. But they had to wait until Sunday morning because the Sabbath day lasted from Friday evening to Saturday evening.

Can you guess what this Sunday is now called? You’re right, Easter Sunday! Because Jesus did not stay dead. He was not in the tomb. He arose from death and lives! Jesus overcame death for all of us. God’s new plan for all of us is completed! Jesus died and arose so that all who believe in Him can live and have eternal life with Him after they die. What a wonderful plan for us!

Jesus’ resurrection (arising from death) also allows us to speak directly to God and to Jesus. Before this first Easter Sunday, people had to go to the Temple priests if they had a request or need. But now we can all pray and talk directly to God our Father. Today, we as Christians (followers of Jesus Christ) celebrate this marvelous day as Easter Sunday. And this is why a cross is used as a symbol in many of our churches and in Christian jewelry.

This week, as we look forward to Easter Sunday, re-read the Easter Story with your family. It is in each of the four gospels: Matthew, Mark, Luke and John. And even though we won’t be in our churches because of the virus in our country right now, you and your family can talk about God’s new plan for saving us. You can pray to God and thank Him for sending His Son to save us. You can sing songs and Hosannas! Celebrate Easter!

Blessings as we all celebrate Easter with our families and continue to pray for all those that are sick in our world, our country, our states, and our communities.