Why Does Easter Matter?

In their fright the women bowed down with their faces to the ground, but 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.” Luke 24:5-6 (NIV)

We know the end of the Easter story. We just celebrated it. Each year we dress up our children and teach them about the empty tomb. There’s Easter egg hunts, family meals, bunnies and going to church.  

Easter is not just good news from the past. Easter is not just a milestone of faith; it is the power to live today. Christ’s death and resurrection change everything.   

Here are three truths about Easter, Christ’s sacrifice and resurrection, and why Easter matters:  

1. PROOF OF GOD’S LOVE    

How often do parents tell their children, “I love you”? A good parent will express and show love to their children on a regular basis - maybe when they end the day, or when they say goodbye, or for no reason at all. Love expressed in words is very important, but actions of comfort, help, time, and care also show love in very real ways.     

We understand love through action. Our God is not just about talk. He shows His love by giving us wisdom, direction, help, and forgiveness every day. But the ultimate evidence came on Good Friday when Jesus died for us while we were still sinners.  

But God demonstrates His own love for us in this: While we were still sinners, Christ died for us.   Romans 5:8 (NIV)

The King of the Universe loves us! And He showed that love on the cross.  

2. EVIDENCE OF FORGIVENESS

Even children understand basic economic principles. When they go shopping for something, it has to be paid for. When they pay, they receive a receipt. The receipt is proof of the purchase. If there are ever any future questions about the purchase, the receipt proves that payment was made.  

The Bible tells us that Jesus’ resurrection is the “receipt” from God to prove that our sins are forgiven. When we confess our sins and follow Jesus, salvation is given to us. But it is easy to wonder when we fail and sin: Will God really forgive me for that?  

Giving a “receipt” was actually God’s idea.  

He was handed over to die because of our sins, and He was raised to life to make us right with God.   Romans 4:25 (NLT)

The Resurrection is God’s proof that Jesus’ sacrifice was complete payment for our sins. Our eternal bill has been paid.  

3. VICTORY FOR THE FUTURE

He is not here; He has risen, just as He said. Come and see the place where He lay.   Matthew 28:6 (NIV)

This is what we proclaim and share on Easter Sunday and each day following. Jesus is alive and lives! Through Christ’s life, death, and resurrection we are given grace and mercy each day. The light of Christ is found in the resurrection; we see Christ in His glory. There is His light that will never go away. It will not let us stumble in the darkness; Christ’s light will shine and guide our steps.  

This is why Easter matters.  

We are never forsaken, never left alone to wander. True light has come and God has brought new life. Through the resurrection of Jesus we are freed from our fears, and we are forgiven, and saved by His grace. There is no greater love than this and nothing compares to this grace.  

We are called to share this love and mercy with all we encounter. The light of Christ guides us so we can always know the way, the truth and the light. Because we know all this only through Jesus Christ, who is and who was and who will always be our Savior and Lord!  

God’s love is why Easter matters.