It is that time of the year when believers in the Christian faith gather to celebrate one of the important festivals on the Christian calendar, Easter! It is also the time when the story of Judas’s famous ‘suspicious’ kiss gains attention.
I read a post on a friend’s Snapchat story, which I found interesting yet profound. Let me paraphrase: “Just like Judas betrayed Jesus with a kiss, do not let anyone kiss you today o”.
If the post is anything to go by, then what becomes of the disciples’ advice to the members to greet each other with a holy kiss?
My view is that with knowledge of our terrain and the generation of today, this directive should remain in the olden days.
After all, from where I sit, Judas’s kiss was timely to fulfill destiny! Arguably, but for Judas’s single act of bravery, our forgiveness would have been in limbo, or better still, there would not be anything like Easter.
To put it differently, the message about death and resurrection would have been less believable.
Well, despite Jesus’ warning as captured in Matthew 26:24b, it reads, “But woe to that man who betrays the Son of Man! It would be better for him if he had not been born.”
Regardless of the above, the man Judas Iscariot etched his name in the sacred book. For good or bad reasons?
My favourite disciple, Matthew, advises, “Do not judge, or you too will be judged” (Matthew 7:1)
What does Easter signify?
According to Christianity.com, Easter is a yearly Christian celebration honouring the resurrection of Jesus Christ.
It is traditionally observed on the first Sunday following the initial full moon after the vernal equinox, with its timing determined by specific tables aligned with the Gregorian calendar in Western churches and the Julian calendar in Orthodox churches.
It is also known as Easter Sunday, the day dedicated to commemorating this festival.
The Easton’s Bible Dictionary reveals that the word “Easter” was derived from “Eostre,” “originally a Saxon word (Eostre), denoting a goddess of the Saxons, in honor of whom sacrifices were offered about the time of the Passover.”
Christians celebrate Easter as a way to remember how the New Testament of the Bible describes Jesus Christ’s bodily resurrection.
Christian doctrine holds that Jesus was crucified on Good Friday and resurrected from the grave three days later, on Easter Sunday, signifying His victory over sin and death.
The New Testament narratives state that Easter Sunday started with the breaking of dawn, following Jesus’ mournful crucifixion on Good Friday.
The ladies who had accompanied Jesus, such as Salome, Mary Magdalene, and Mary the mother of James, went to the tomb where Jesus had been laid as the sun rose.
When they got there, they found the tomb empty and the stone rolled aside from the entrance.
This momentous discovery was accompanied by the appearance of angels who proclaimed the astounding news: “He is not here; he has risen, just as he said” (Matthew 28:6).
In the accounts in the New Testament, as we may have heard from our Sunday school teachers, bus preachers, or televangelists, the women were so filled with amazement and astonishment that they hurried to tell the disciples the amazing news.
It added that Mary Magdalene saw Jesus himself close to the tomb, and subsequently so did the other disciples.
The resurrection of Jesus Christ on Easter Sunday is the cornerstone of the Christian faith, signifying the fulfillment of God’s plan for redemption and offering believers the promise of eternal life.
It is a day of immense joy and hope, as Christians celebrate the victory of light over darkness, life over death, and the triumph of God’s love for humanity.
Easter Sunday serves as a profound reminder of the transformative power of faith and the enduring message of hope that resonates throughout the ages.
What is the relevance of Easter?
The occasion of Easter also connotes Jesus Christ’s victory over death. For those who believe in Him, eternal life is a gift of His resurrection.
Easter serves as a reminder that all Jesus taught and preached during His thirty-three-year career has been fully validated.
He would have been regarded as just another teacher or prophet if He had not risen from the grave or had merely passed away without being raised from the grave.
Christians believe all of that was refuted by His resurrection, which offered definitive evidence that He was the Son of God and that He had triumphed over death once and for all. Thus, assuring the believer of life after death!
Season of renewal and hope
Easter is a time of profound spiritual significance, symbolizing the victory of light over darkness and the promise of eternal life for all who believe.
Despite its religious connotations, Easter holds a universal appeal, inviting people of all faiths and backgrounds to embrace the themes of renewal and hope that define the season.
Easter is a time for reflection and spiritual introspection, as believers contemplate the profound implications of Christ’s resurrection and its significance for their own lives.
It is a time to reaffirm one’s faith, to seek forgiveness and reconciliation, and to embrace the transformative power of grace and redemption.
In addition to its spiritual tone, Easter is also a time for joyful gatherings and shared meals with family and friends.
Whether it’s a festive Easter dinner, a traditional lamb roast, or a simple picnic in the park, the holiday provides an opportunity to come together in fellowship and celebration, strengthening bonds and creating cherished memories.
As you enjoy the holiday (Holy Day), remember the reason for the season and make the most of it!