Resurrection Stories
Kid Definition of Resurrection
It's when someone who has passed away comes back to life, not as a ghost or a zombie, but as their true and whole self. In the case of Jesus, it means he was alive again after dying on the cross. It's like the most fantastic comeback ever! This is what we celebrate on Easter Sunday!
Kid Definition of Crucifixion
Crucifixion is a very sad and tough thing to talk about. Jesus died (was crucified) because some people didn't understand or like the good things he was teaching. They put him on a cross, and it was really painful. Jesus was really brave and showed us how big his love is for all of us.
Adult Thoughts
Due to being perceived as a criminal by the government, Jesus likely wouldn't have been granted the privilege of a proper Jewish burial with anointing oils. In fact, it's debated how he got a grave, as he wouldn't have been automatically entitled to one. Many believe that Joseph of Arimathea and Nicodemus, who were influential figures, took on the responsibility of burying Jesus. However, due to the urgency, especially with the approaching Sabbath (Saturday), there wasn't enough time for the customary anointing oils and rituals. This urgency is cited as the reason why the women returned to the burial site on Sunday.
Questions that make you go… hmmmm...
What is more important crucifixion or resurrection?
What would happen to your faith if you learned that Jesus really did not come back from the dead?
What would happen if you learned that he definitely did come back?
Why didn't people recognize Jesus after he came back to life?
In the Road to Emmaus story (Luke 24:13-35), Jesus walked with two disciples on a road to a place called Emmaus, which was about 7 miles from Jerusalem. Even though Jesus joined them, they didn't realize it was him. Jesus asked them a thought-provoking question about the Messiah suffering and entering into glory. It wasn't until they sat down to eat together that they finally recognized him. But why then?
In 1 Corinthians 15, Paul talked about resurrection. Some people believed in Jesus' resurrection and thought he would come back very soon – like end times soon. They believed that when Jesus returned, those who had died would come back with him. However, as time passed, this view had to be adjusted or explained by Paul.
When is Easter? (Probably during Spring Break... Ugh!)
Easter is the Christian celebration of Jesus Christ rising from the dead, as told in the Bible. Christians believe that Jesus was crucified, died, and was buried, but on the third day, he miraculously came back to life. This event is known as the resurrection.
The name "Easter" itself is believed to be derived from the Old English word "ēastre," which was a festival celebrating spring.
The date of Easter is determined by the lunar calendar and can fall on any Sunday between March 23 and April 26. Easter became a Christian holiday to honor and celebrate the resurrection of Jesus Christ, symbolizing hope, renewal, and the promise of eternal life for those who follow the Christian faith.