Easter Isn’t Just For Faithful Christians
Easter weekend is a global celebration.
Every spring, approximately 2.4 billion people in 95 countries encompassing nations across Europe, Asia, Africa, and the Americas will celebrate the good news of Jesus, who died on the cross for the sins of mankind, rose again 3 days later, conquering sin, Satan, and death.
But who is invited into this celebration? Who is Easter for? Who is welcome to celebrate this news?
The easy answer, of course, is followers of Jesus. We see this in the historical account of the Gospels (Matthew, Mark, Luke, John) when Mary Magdalene and Mary met Jesus shortly after his resurrection and “came up, took hold of his feet, and worshiped him” (Matthew 28:9).
But according to the same Gospel accounts, Easter invites more of us than simply those who “get” the significance, have unwavering allegiance to Jesus, or are already familiar with Christian customs.
Here is a short, non-exhaustive list of others who were welcome to celebrate Easter according to the historical accounts of Jesus’ resurrection:
1. The Doubters
Thomas, one of Jesus’ disciples demonstrated his need for more than “the word on the street” when he said, “If I don’t see the mark of the nails in his hands, put my finger into the mark of the nails, and put my hand into his side, I will never believe” (John 20:24). Thomas needed concrete, factual reasoning.
The risen Jesus, appearing to Thomas, does not say, “How dare you!” but welcomed him saying, “Put your finger here and look at my hands. Reach out your hand and put it into my side…” (John 20:27). Jesus did not shame Thomas for his doubts, but met him with grace and clarity.
Easter is for those with questions. It’s for those who are wrestling with doubt and wonder if Christianity is for them.
2. Those Ashamed
Peter was left in shameful ruin after denying Jesus three times. He was supposed to be Jesus’ right-hand man, but he abandoned him at the most crucial hour. Feeling like a failure, Peter leaves Jesus’ ministry company to return to his old profession.
After Jesus’ resurrection, an angel instructs those at the tomb to share the news of Jesus’ resurrection by saying, “…go, tell his disciples and Peter….” (Mark 16:7). The angel specifically mentions Peter, as if to say, “go tell the disciples, especially Peter because he needs to hear it.” The risen Jesus would soon afterward sit with Peter by a fireside reaffirming Peter and reinstating him into apostolic ministry.
Easter is for those who feel like a failure. It’s for those who feel like they’ve let Jesus down. Jesus’ resurrection is “the beginning of the restoration of all things, including those who had denied Him” (N.T. Wright). Easter is for Jesus’ followers and [fill in your name].
3. The Disillusioned
Two individuals on the road to Emmaus are distraught and disillusioned about what they believe has now become of their faith. The risen Jesus meets them amid their confusion and disappointment. In the fierceness of their unmet expectations, Jesus walks with them for 7 miles.
Easter is for those who find themselves disillusioned by faith or life, for those wondering, “What is going on?” It’s for those despairing, saying, “I can’t believe this happened.”
Jesus is willing to meet and walk with you in your disappointment. He is not far off, but near because the resurrection is not some “stupendous magic show, but a sign of God’s faithfulness in the midst of despair” (N.T. Wright).
4. The Overlooked
Mary Magdalene and Mary were second-class citizens in a male-dominated society. They would not have been able to own property, defend themselves in the court of law, or ever be considered for leadership in their community.
And yet, in the words of Dorothy Sayers, “It was not to kings or priests that He first appeared, but to a woman once called unclean.” Mary Magdalene, a woman with a checkered past, was the first to witness the risen Jesus.
Easter is for those who feel they’re living on the margins. It’s for those who feel they’re not good enough to be noticed, to measure up to certain cultural standards. But not only are those who feel overlooked invited, they’re often the quickest to grasp Easter’s extraordinary significance.
Conclusion
Easter is for you no matter where you find yourself according to the historical accounts of Jesus.
If you’re a doubter, would you consider bringing some of your questions to a church in your neighborhood? The good folks at the church may not have all the answers, but something tells me they’ll receive all of your questions with care and genuine curiosity.
If you’re ashamed, a local church is a great place to turn to because churches are filled with all kinds of people who are well acquainted with shame. They know their shame is great, but they know their shame is covered by a greater righteousness - Christ’s. Get around them and hear their stories of redemption and restoration.
If you’re disillusioned, would you consider giving someone at a nearby church a chance to journey the seven miles with you? They won’t be perfect like Jesus, but a listening ear and a compassionate heart can go a long way during a season of disillusionment.
If you’re overlooked, the church is an amazing place where you can be known and seen without having to “bring something to the table.” The church is one of the few places in the world where other people want to know you and not just what you’re going to contribute, so jump in and let someone say “hi.”
If you’re a follower of Jesus, please remember that the aforementioned kinds of people are the kinds of people who may show up at your church gathering at Easter or on any other Sunday. Let’s have our hearts and hands be ready to receive and care as we worship the risen Jesus.
He really has risen. You really are invited to celebrate His resurrection.
