Easter: Time to remember the suffering of Jesus Christ
What is Easter and its degree?
The word Easter occurs only once in the Bible in the book of Acts 12 verse 4 in the Kings James Version (KJV) and this does not remove its significance. It is the period in which Christians remember the suffering, death and resurrection of our Lord Jesus Christ. He suffered and died on the Cross of Calvary for the remission of our sins and the third day, he rose again from the dead and now is seated on the right hand of the father as a great intercessor. The degree of Easter is found in Isaiah 53 from verses 1-12. Although this was in the Old Testament vision from God to Israel through prophet Isaiah, it contained the good news about salvation (the great truth that motivated God’s plan of salvation). It gives the whole picture of Jesus as a suffering servant. The message was aimed at giving hope to the suffering Israel-hope of deliverance from captivity.
How should people celebrate Easter?
Celebrating Easter as an annual event without meaning is a common trend to many. People celebrate this important festive season in the Christian calendar with mixed agendas. To some, Easter becomes an important season for spiritual growth. Again to others, Easter is time for holiday, enjoyment and refreshment only; to sell their body (prostitution), steal, kill and indulge in maximum immorality. They focus on the physical and material satisfaction. This style of celebrating Easter is as good as digging one’s grave. Easter should be celebrated in worshipping and exalting God for the salvation through His only begotten Son Jesus Christ and doing charity work of assisting others who are vulnerable.
Would you tell us why Jesus Christ suffered?
This is an important question for reflection during this festive season. I may not go crazy if I will call this the ‘Question of Easter’. It is clear from the scriptures that Christ suffered to sustain the anger of God against the sin of the whole human race. By his suffering, he set us free from eternal condemnation and gain for us God’s grace, righteousness and eternal life, according to John 3 verses 16; 1 Peter 2 verses 24; Hebrews 10 verses 14 as well as Galatians 3 verses 13.
When we read in the Bible we are told He descended into Hell, why and what was he doing in Hell?
His going to Hell is an assurance to us especially in times of personal crisis and temptation that Christ, by his suffering, unspeakable anguish, pain and terror of soul especially on the cross, has delivered us from anguish and torment of hell (Luke 22 verses 44). By his resurrection, he has overcome death so that he might make us share in the righteousness he won for us by his death, secondly by his power we too are already now resurrected to a new life, and lastly his resurrection is a guarantee of our glorious resurrection according to 1 Corinthians 15 from verses 1-58. While in Hell Jesus fought the good fight that gives hope of life after death because He tested it for us.
