Truth:
Today we celebrate the day that Jesus rose from the dead. What a glorious day that was! When He was crucified His family, friends, and followers all grieved thinking that was the end. Yet on Sunday morning they found the tomb empty. The grave could not hold Him. He had risen in glory and power and lives forever more.
I was watching a program yesterday in which they were asking people on the street what Easter means. It was astonishing to hear the answers. All the way from “It’s the day Jesus was born” to beliefs it was all about bunnies and eggs it was evident many people have no idea what happened on that Sunday morning. We need to reach them with the good news!
This morning I saw an interesting headline: Take a virtual pilgrimage to holiest place in Christianity this Easter It was referring to the Holy Sepulcher, which is believed to be built on the sight of Jesus burial and resurrection.
I wondered what makes that place more holy than, say, your family table. When we have received Jesus as our Lord and Savior, He lives in us. A church built on a site that was significant in history is not the “holiest place in Christianity.” Every member of your family that has Jesus living within is holy by His presence. And scripture tells us that when two or three are gathered in His name, He is there in the midst of us (Matthew 18:20). So as you gather round your table together, He is right there with you. No need to take a virtual tour to anywhere else.
Family Interaction:
We see Jesus’ resurrection from this side of history. As you gather as a family talk about what it must have been like for those who knew and loved Jesus after He was crucified. We know He rose on Sunday, but they did not know that was going to happen. What must they have felt during that time? What do you think they talked about?
Now share together what it must have been like for them after they learned He had risen from the dead. Did they rejoice? Did they doubt the rumor was true? Read John 20 together. Have a family member play the part of each of the people in the resurrection story. Interview them like they would for a news story, asking what they saw and how they felt. From Mary Magdalene who met Jesus in the garden to Thomas who doubted it was true. Each person has a story to tell.
Prayer:
Jesus, we rejoice today in Your resurrection! You paid the price for all our sin. You overcame the grave. You triumphed over sickness and death. Because of Your death and resurrection, we are freed from the bondage of the enemy. Thank You, Jesus, for paying the price for each of us. We are now Yours and we want everyone to know the miracle of this day. May You be glorified in all the earth! Amen.