But on the first day of the week, at early dawn, they [the women] went to the tomb, taking the spices they had prepared. And they found the stone rolled away from the tomb, but when they went in they did not find the body of the Lord Jesus. The men [angels] said to them, “Why do you seek the living among the dead? He is not here, but has risen.” Luke 24:1-3, 5b-6a ESV

Today is Easter Sunday! Remember Palm Sunday when Jesus came into Jerusalem and was welcomed by the people with palm branches and Hosannas. But a lot has 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 imposter and plotted to kill Him. As upset as this makes us now (since we know that Jesus is God’s Son) it was always a 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, me, and everyone. He was buried in a cave-like tomb and a large stone was rolled in front of the opening. It was Good Friday.

On Sunday morning is where our Bible verses begin. Some of the women followers of Jesus came to the tomb with spices to put on the 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 be saved and forgiven and can live good lives with Him. We also have forever life with Him after we 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 celebrate Easter Sunday, re-read the Easter Story with your family. It is in each of the four gospels: Matthew, Mark, Luke, and John. Talk with your family 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 and joy as we all celebrate Easter with our families and churches because Jesus is alive!

Edited re-post from 2020.