Rabbit or Rabbi on Resurrection Day?

Photo by Gabe Pierce on Unsplash

But the angel answered and said to the women, "Do not be afraid, for I know that you seek Jesus who was crucified. He is not here; for He is risen, as He said. Come, see the place where the Lord lay. And go quickly and tell His disciples that He is risen from the dead, and indeed He is going before you into Galilee; there you will see Him. Behold, I have told you." -- Matthew 28: 5-7 (NKJV)

Recalling memories from my childhood, I remember the excitement of an Easter basket. Seeing television ads and elaborate retail marketing about Easter, I hoped for the Easter Bunny to deposit big chocolate rabbits, lots of jellybeans, and maybe a few dollar bills inside a plastic egg or two into my basket. My family entertained this basket idea while my sister and I were young, displaying the Easter baskets in our dining room a week before Easter. We checked the baskets every day, but until Easter, the baskets contained only plastic green grass. No treats appeared while we waited for our traditional Easter egg dying event.

While it was nothing artistically fancy, Easter egg dying was a big deal for my family. Typically, just a few days before the Easter holiday, we dyed two dozen hard boiled eggs. I remember the setting and preparation. Newspapers sprawled on the kitchen table for protection; small bowls of egg dye, wire egg holders at the ready, and a tiny wax stick to write names on an egg before dying. This activity was truly a multi-step process for us as young children. My parents demonstrated tremendous patience, especially Mom, who later cleaned up the color blended splashes and broken egg remains. The hard-boiled eggs with fresh bold colors symbolized Easter for me. That was then.

As a child, I had the sense that Easter was a big holiday because many people who rarely attended church came to church in fancy clothes on Easter Sunday. My parents brought us to church every Sunday, and as I grew older, I understood the significance of church seasons and holidays. As a young teen, I started to learn the true meaning of Easter. At church on Easter Sunday, we read from the Gospel of John. While Jesus was talking to Martha, He said in John 11:25 (NKJV): "I am the Resurrection and the life. He who believes in Me, though he may die, he shall live."

During one particular sermon, our pastor explained that the true Biblical meaning of Easter does not involve rabbits and candy. For those who are true believers, the event is a holy day of hope. The pastor taught that true believers are the ones who not only believe that God's Word is truth, but who also receive Jesus in their hearts. A two-step process: believe and receive. Our hope, he said, is in Jesus Christ. We read in Romans 8:11 (NKJV): "But, if the Spirit of Him who raised Jesus from the dead dwells in you, He who raised Christ from the dead will also give life to your mortal bodies through His Spirit who dwells in you." A season of Hope.

The pastor explained further that Resurrection Day not only brings hope for salvation to sinners and unbelievers, but it also brings remembrance, restoration, and redemption for those who have already received salvation from our Heavenly Father's love. Romans 5:8 (NKJV) states: "But God demonstrates His own love toward us, in that while we were still sinners, Christ died for us."

And Jesus, as teacher, taught the same principle that He came to give us a greater life: He said in John 10:10 (NKJV): "The thief does not come except to steal, and to kill, and to destroy. I have come that they may have life, and that they may have it more abundantly."

As an adult, I now understand that Jesus was a great Teacher and Rabbi, leading, teaching, and instructing His Followers. He said in John 5:19 (NKJV): "Most assuredly, I say to you, the Son can do nothing of Himself, but what He sees the Father do; for whatever He does, the Son also does in like manner."

And His holy Word still teaches and leads us. Jesus was the only Perfect and Holy Sacrifice able to save and restore us to an eternal relationship with Heavenly Father. Teacher, Leader, Rabbi and Holy Sacrifice. Jesus redeemed us from our sins and restored us to our Heavenly Father. His love for us is amazing. And this is now.

Finally, as we look forward to Resurrection Day, how do you see yourself? As an unbeliever? Maybe as one on the fence about your faith? Or maybe as a redeemed disciple of Jesus, sharing your testimony and making disciples? We are all on a journey to being more Christ-like as we follow Jesus. We are redeemed to share the Gospel, the living breathing Word of Jesus, and to spread His precious love around the globe.

And especially for you, readers of this message: Receive this blessing from The Great Commission of Jesus:

"All authority has been given to Me in heaven and on earth. Go therefore and make disciples of all the nations, baptizing them in the name of the Father and of the Son and of the Holy Spirit, teaching them to observe all things that I have commanded you; and lo, I am with you always, even to the end of the age." (Matthew 28:18-20, NKJV)

Questions for Reflection:

1. Where are you on your faith journey? How does your journey look different today from several years ago? What has changed?

2. What is your understanding of Easter versus Resurrection Day?

3. What Scripture speaks to you about the Resurrection of Jesus?