Embracing the Easter Season with Intention and Grace
In the Old Testament, the Jews would celebrate the Passover every year. The Passover was not an ordinary meal. It was an annual time for remembering and reflecting on God’s provision and protection when the Israelites were freed from slavery in Egypt.
Before the Passover, they were required to clean their homes (removing all leaven) and prepare the Passover meal and sacrifice. Similarly, we should spend time preparing our hearts for Easter.
Easter is a time of reflection and renewal. We celebrate the finished work of Jesus on the cross by reading and reflecting on His great sacrifice and renewing our spirit with hope and joy that one day we will be with Jesus and He will make all things new.
How to Prepare for Easter
Read the accounts of the Passover, the Last Supper, the Crucifixion, and the Resurrection
Preparation for Easter can begin by reading passages from the Bible that describe the Passover, the Last Supper, the crucifixion, and the resurrection.
I suggest reading the following passages (take your time and read these passages over a few days):
Exodus 12 (the Passover in Egypt) – The Passover foreshadows that Jesus will be the final lamb and sacrifice. A study of the Passover will enhance your understanding of Easter.
Isaiah 53 describes the suffering and afflictions Jesus would endure.
Matthew’s account of the Last Supper to the Ascension – Matthew 26-28
Mark’s account – Mark 14-16
Luke’s account – Luke 22-24
John’s account (this account is the most detailed; if you only have time to read one account, start with John) – John 13-21.
As you read these passages, consider the cost of sin – even just one sin. For only one sin, Jesus would have had to die to pay the price for our redemption.
Crucifixion on the Roman cross was reserved for the worst criminals. It was a brutal, slow, and painful death. Before He was put on the cross, Jesus was beaten and mocked, and forced to carry His cross until He was physically unable to carry it.
Jesus carried the burden and punishment of our sin so we would not have to.
Reflection on Easter
Our modern lives are busy and move at a fast pace. At Easter, we should slow down and reflect on the gift of Jesus to make us right with God.
Thank Jesus for His sacrifice so that you would be saved. In Luke 22:41, we understand the heartache of Jesus when He asks for the Father to “take this cup away from Him, nevertheless thy will be done.”
Jesus must have known the suffering that would soon happen. It’s hard to imagine the weight of this moment and the next few hours.
Easter is a time for a grateful heart. Jesus gave His life for us; He was forsaken by the Father so we wouldn’t have to be separated from God for eternity.
You can prepare your heart for Easter through confession of sin and by reflecting on how Christ has changed your life.
Renewal of Your Spirit
Finally, Easter is a time of remembrance and celebration. We remember the sacrifice so that we could be saved and celebrate the resurrection. Jesus defeated sin and destroyed the sting of death.
Easter is a time to commit to recognizing sin in your life and deciding anew to turn from sin and selfish ways.
Easter is about renewal. Our spirits and hearts can be renewed in Christ, and we are encouraged to continue serving Him. He promised a helper, the Holy Spirit. He told us to share the message with others.
The message of Easter is the greatest message ever told. Let us boldly share it each time we have an opportunity.
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