Easter is the celebration of the resurrection of Christ. It is the oldest Christian tradition and is considered to be the most important date of the year on the Christian calendar. While we can associate celebrations in the Bible with the wise men from the East visiting Jesus Christ as baby for Christmas festivities, no celebration can be associated with the resurrection of Jesus Christ in the Bible. This is not to suggest we should not celebrate Easter, but for us to know that the tradition of celebrating Easter evolved by the understanding of its essence by the later church. 

 

The early church, which included the 12 disciples or, let's say, 11 disciples removing Judas Iscariot, did not expect Jesus to rise again from the dead. After the terrifying death of Jesus Christ, the disciples coalesced into fear and doubt that Jesus was the Christ and the promises about His resurrection. The Bible lets us know in Luke 24: 1-7 that on the first day of the week, very early in the morning, that the women who had come with Joseph of Arimathea and certain other women with them, came to the tomb bringing the spices which they had prepared. But they found the stone rolled away from the tomb. Then they went in and did not find the body of the Lord Jesus. And it happened, as they were greatly perplexed about this, that behold, two men stood by them in shining garments. Then, as they were afraid and bowed their faces to the earth, they said to them, “Why do you seek the living among the dead? He is not here, but is risen! Remember how He spoke to you when He was still in Galilee, saying, ‘The Son of Man must be delivered into the hands of sinful men, and be crucified, and the third day rise again.’

After Jesus's resurrection, He travelled with two men to the village of Emmaus, unknowing to these men that it Jesus. These two men were feeling sad as they travelled with Jesus as described in Luke 24:17. They explained to Jesus in Luke verse 21 of same chapter that they were hoping that Jesus was going to redeem Israel. 

Simon Peter mobilised some other disciples to go fishing. They struggle through the night to get a good catch of fish. In John 21:4-6 But when the morning had now come, Jesus stood on the shore; yet the disciples did not know that it was Jesus. Then Jesus said to them, “Children, have you any food?” They answered Him, “No.” And He said to them, “Cast the net on the right side of the boat, and you will find some. ” So they cast, and now they were not able to draw it in because of the multitude of fish.

 

Some lessons we can learn from the encounter Jesus Christ had with His disciples after His resurrection gives us reasons to celebrate Easter.

 

1. Jesus Christ is ever loving to His children.

In John 21:4, Jesus referred to the disciples as His children and demonstrated His love to them by giving them a great catch of fish despite their neglect of Him and doubt of His resurrection.

Hebrews 13:5 (AMPC) Let your character or moral disposition be free from love of money [including greed, avarice, lust, and craving for earthly possessions] and be satisfied with your present [circumstances and with what you have]; for He [God] Himself has said, I will not in any way fail you nor give you up leave you without support. [I will] not, [I will] not, [I will] not in any degree leave you helpless forsake let [you] down (relax My hold on you)! [Assuredly not!] 

 

2. Rather than abandon us, Jesus Christ recalibrates our love for Him and directs us on how to love him better.

Jesus asked Simon Peter three times if he loved Him more than his fishing profession in John 21:15-17. 

I Corinthians 3:13 each one’s work will become clear; for the Day will declare it, because it will be revealed by fire; and the fire will test each one’s work, of what sort it is. 

 

3. Jesus Has graced us according to our abilities.

Peter felt Jesus was picking on only him when others like the disciple Jesus loved most, John, was not accused. After Jesus questioned Peter about his commitment to the ministry He asked Peter to follow Him. Peter asked Jesus about John, but Jesus in verse 22 said “If I will that he remain till I come, what is that to you? You follow Me."

Romans 12:6 Having then gifts differing according to the grace that is given to us, let us use them: if prophecy, prophesy in proportion to our faith.

 

4.The promise of the Holy Spirit

Luke 24:49 Behold, I send the Promise of My Father upon you; but tarry in the city of Jerusalem until you are endued with power from on high.”'

 

5. The great commission.

Mark 16:15-16 And He said to them, “Go into all the world and preach the gospel to every creature. He who believes and is baptized will be saved; but he who does not believe will be condemned.