The Observance of Easter

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The Observance of Easter

Sermon by  Thomas Thornhill Jr


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LESSONS FROM OUR CALENDAR (7)

This year, I am presenting some lessons based upon days on our calendars.  My point is not necessarily to lend approval to these days, but to inform us about their purpose and glean Biblical applications where they are found.

Thus far we have examined the New Year, Martin Luther King Day, Valentine’s Day, President’s Day, Lent & St. Patrick’s Day.   Today we want to address Easter.

Some observations: 1) In this lesson it is not my intent to question the sincerity, or potentially good results, of those who practice this annual day.  It is good that so many pause on this day to think about Jesus and His resurrection. 2) I do not question that it is good to make the resurrection known.  It is why we are here today. And it is the foundation of our faith.  3) Let it be known that we DO commemorate the resurrection of Jesus often as we shall see in this lesson.

  1. Facts about Easter Sunday
    1. In early March, I presented a lesson on the season of lent – a 40 day observance where adherents are asked to give up something that is meaningful to them – specific foods, activities, etc. It begins on a Wednesday and culminates with events on Holy Thursday (the day recognized as when Jesus instituted the Lord’s Supper.
    2. This is followed by “Good Friday” which commemorates the death and burial of Jesus, Holy Saturday – a day of reflective observance which culminates with the “Easter vigil” Saturday night. Sunday morning is Easter.  For many in the denominational world, Easter is observed with a sunrise service, as that is the time that Jesus arose from the dead (Matthew 28:1, Mark 16:1-2). Some churches reenact the “passion of Jesus” (His death, burial and resurrection).  Some have various festivities and family gatherings with special menus (most of the world still eats lamb (U.S. did until the early 1920s) which is logical as that was the Passover meal. In America with a decrease in demand for wool clothing – and thus less sheep, Americans begin serving ham (ironically, considering the “day”) because it was more affordable for a large gathering.  According to Better Homes & Gardens[1], it was also a religious statement to prove one was neither Jewish nor Muslim).  Catholics may attend an Easter Vigil Midnight sass, while others begin with a Sunday morning mass. This day is viewed as the holiest day in the “Christian calendar”.
    3. The word “Easter” is found only once in the KJV and most other versions do not use that word (Acts 12:4 – KJV). Other versions correctly use the word, “Passover”, as that was the feast referenced by the text.  That word in Greek (πάσχα, pascha), is found 29 times in the New Testament, and always translated Passover – with the one KJV exception.
    4. The origin of the word “Easter” is probably from the word “Eostre”, which some believed to be a pagan Germanic goddess of spring. This traces its origin to the 6th century AD by St. Bede.  Along with this, some of the secular observances find their origins – easter bunnies (because of their fertility) and eggs which represent new life.   So does wearing new outfits.  Others attribute the word to a form of the Latin word for dawn.
    5. Designating a special service for the resurrection of Jesus dates to the later-2nd
      1. This is the EARLIEST special observances. And it was called Pascha (or the Christian Passover) and corresponded with the Jewish holiday (cf. Matthew 26:17-19).
      2. Apparently, Christians wanted special annual observances like the Jews. The event it commemorates would certainly explain why that is so. Consider it was during this feast that Jesus was crucified and arose.  1 Corinthians 5:7 describes Christ as our Passover.
      3. How they observed that day is unknown. Traditions some observe today have later origins.
      4. HOWEVER, a study of the New Testament reveals the absence of any commands or examples of it being observed by 1st century Christians, nor ANY annual festivals or observances. As such, we cannot find authorization for it in scripture.
  2. The Fact of the Resurrection
    1. Let it be clearly understood that we recognize, believe in and remember the resurrection of Jesus.
    2. It is the foundation of our faith as Christians. It is the ONE doctrine that sets us apart from ALL other world religions.
    3. 1 Corinthians 15:1-8 finds Paul declaring the death, burial and resurrection of Jesus.
    4. All 4 gospels record His resurrection on Sunday (the first day of the week) – Matthew 28:1-8, Mark 16:1-8, Luke 24:1-2ff, John 20:1-2ff.
    5. The gospels also record numerous appearances of Jesus, some to remarkable witnesses.  He appeared first to Mary Magdalene, then several women.  He appeared to Peter, and then to the apostles (men with reputation and authority).  He appeared to groups of individuals at the same time, both small and great.  He appeared to individuals & groups multiple times.  1 Corinthians 15:6 records Him appearing to a crowd of more than 500 (many of whom were still alive as Paul wrote about this).  He appeared to Paul and James His brother (1 Cor. 15:7-8, cf. Galatians 1:19) – former skeptics who because of His resurrection became believers.  The lives of these people were drastically transformed so that they became strong disciples willing to sacrifice their lives for Him.  The recorded appearances of Jesus by MULTIPLE sources provide an impressive list that when scrutinized leads to one unavoidable conclusion – He arose!  It is the MOST logical conclusion when all the facts and possible explanations are put together.
    6. It was the foundation of Bible preaching (see Acts 2:24,32; 3:15,26; 13:30-37, 17:31, etc.) and provoked responses, both positive and negative. It is referenced in most New Testament books and is a fundamental theme of our faith.
    7. The resurrection is why we are here today! Because He arose, we believe in Jesus as our only Savior. We believe in the ONE true God of scripture.  We believe the Bible is His word and inspired (God breathed and guided) and accurately portrays His will.  We believe the church is important and a part of His plan because He purchased it with His blood (Acts 20:28, Ephesians 1:22-23, 3:10-11, etc.).   To the true believer, these facts are non-negotiable!
  3. Why we do not observe Easter as a religious holiday?
    1. Because of a strong belief in the resurrection, some might ask why we do not observe this day along with the rest of the denominational/Catholic world. It s a good question.  Here are some reasons.
    2. There is no authority for it in scripture. Colossians 3:17 we need authority for everything we do.  Authority means permission.  The only way to ensure that what we are doing is pleasing to God is to respect His boundaries (1 Corinthians 4:6, 2 John 9-11).  To act without authority is presumptuous and uncertain at best.  God has ALWAYS demanded that we respect His boundaries (e.g. – Nadab & Abihu – Leviticus 10:1-3, 2 Samuel 6:6-8 – Uzzah, etc.).  In the New Testament, there is no record or command to observe the resurrection of Jesus as an annual tradition.  NOR are there any examples of early disciples doing so.
    3. Warnings of human traditions – the observance of Easter and various activities associated with the day are ADMITTEDLY based upon traditions. These traditions are man-made.  Consider Matthew 15:3-9 where Jesus noted that the traditions of men can make our worship to God vain.   Colossians 2:8 warns, Beware lest anyone cheat you through philosophy and empty deceit, according to the tradition of men, according to the basic principles of the world, and not according to Christ.  Easter has been observed for so long that it is ASSUMED that it is what God expects us to observe.  Some view it the most important thing we are to do.  That is why some, who do not see “church” as important, will attend on this day.
    4. Warnings of feast days –
      1. Galatians 4:8-11. The book of Galatians finds Paul writing to churches considering leaving the teachings they had learned about Christ.  Gentiles were considering incorporating facets of Judaism into their faith.  Paul described observing those traditions as “weak and beggarly elements to which you desire again to be in bondage?”  He specifically mentions observing days and months and seasons and years (weekly and annual feasts).  NOTE vs 11, I am afraid for you lest I have labored in vain.  His warning was that such observations would draw them AWAY from Christ and their salvation.  Note Galatians 5:4 “you have fallen from grace.”
      2. Colossians 2:16-17 (recall Colossians 2:8 in our previous point). Dealing again with Judaizing teachers and their demands Paul notes, So let no one judge you in food or in drink, or regarding a festival or a new moon or sabbaths, which are a shadow of things to come, but the substance is of Christ.  His point was to say, “Do not let others pressure you into observing such things (festivals, sabbaths, etc.) and condemn you because you are NOT participating in them.  Your hope lies in Christ and what He has commanded you to do.”  Paul is emphasizing that such is NOT what Christ has instituted or demanded.
      3. NOTE: Paul, as a Jew by birth did observe certain customs and days himself, especially when it was helpful to the cause of Christ (cf. 1 Corinthians 9:19-23, Acts 18:18 – he took a vow, etc.). But he did so AS AN INDIVIDUAL and did NOT create days and festivals for the church to observe.  Romans 14:5-6 addresses how as individuals we may choose to observe something as a liberty (matters about which God is indifferent), but we CANNOT make it a matter of faith for others.  But we CANNOT bind it on others.
        1. Today, in many churches, Easter is so engrained that you cannot avoid it if you go there. It is taken OUT OF the realm of personal observances.
    5. Sincerity is not enough –
      1. Again, I emphasize that I do not question the sincerity of those who observe the Easter holiday. I believe, for most, their intentions are well-meaning.  Perhaps they are even done with a desire to openly profess their faith AND to share the gospel message with others.
      2. But sincerity is not justification to alter God’s pattern. Matthew 7:21-23 – it is not enough to say, “Lord, Lord.”  Even things done in “his name” if NOT authorized is vain.  Jesus here called it lawlessness.
      3. Acts 23:1, Paul had lived in all good conscience, even as he persecuted Christians. He THOUGHT he was doing the right thing (Acts 26:9).
  4. We do observe the resurrection
    1. Every Sunday – it was the day He arose (Matthew 28:1-2, etc.). The fact we now meet on Sundays is a testimony to our believe in the resurrection.
    2. In the act of baptism to be saved – Romans 6:3-4, we are “raised to walk in newness of life.” Colossians 2:11-13,  In Him you were also circumcised with the circumcision made without hands, by putting off the body of the sins of the flesh, by the circumcision of Christ, buried with Him in baptism, in which you also were raised with Him through faith in the working of God, who raised Him from the dead. And you, being dead in your trespasses and the uncircumcision of your flesh, He has made alive together with Him, having forgiven you all trespasses.  Baptism is an act that puts us into Christ (Galatians 3:27) and washes away our sins (Acts 22:16, 2:38, etc.).  In that act, we look to the death, burial and resurrection of Jesus in that act.  While it is the blood of Jesus that saves us (Ephesians 1:7), His work was not completed until He arose from the dead.  That is our hope and what we simulate as we obey the gospel.
    3. Even the Lord’s Supper, which commemorates His death is meaningful because He arose. Matthew 26:26-29 records Jesus instituting the Lord’s Supper.  In so doing, He implies his resurrection in vs. 29.  1 Corinthians 11:23-26 we observe it “till He comes” implying it is partaken of with the understanding He also arose from the dead and is living.  It is in His resurrection we find our hope – cf. 1 Corinthians 15:12-19, esp. vs. 19).
    4. We proclaim His resurrection in sermons, Bible study and readings, songs we sing, our prayers, etc. Throughout our studies we make references to our faith because He arose.   Honestly, is it WHY we are here.

Belief in the resurrection of Jesus and Easter are not the same thing.  One is firmly rooted in scripture, while the other is founded upon the traditions of men.  It IS on the calendar, but it is NOT in the Bible.

We are criticized by many because we do not observe Easter while the rest of the world does.  But our concern is not with what men think of us.  It is about what God thinks.  It is about what God authorizes us to do.  And in the end, that is what matters.  He is the one that we will stand before and give an accounting one day.

So, with that in mind, I conclude by asking, Why are you here today? I encourage you to think about these things.

[1] Walsh, Karla.  Why Do We Eat Ham on Easter? https://www.bhg.com/holidays/easter/ham-on-easter/  2/17/22.  Accessed 4/17/2025

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