THE EASTER CHRONICLE

It's not about the bunny, it's about the lamb

I was 30 years old before I learned that Christians celebrate Jesus’ resurrection on Easter.

Does that seem strange to you?

I grew up thinking Easter was all about jelly beans, marshmallow chicks, and chocolate bunnies.

Then I began searching.

As I approached my 30th birthday, I began searching for the answers to the most profound philosophical questions:

  • Where did I come from?
  • Why am I here?
  • Is there hope for my future?

That’s when I learned…

It’s not about the bunny; it’s about The Lamb.

Slow to Believe

When I finally learned about Good Friday and Jesus’ resurrection, I was still a “Doubting Thomas.”

It took nine long months of prayer, study, exploration (and small miracles) before I decided to place my trust in Jesus.

Stories to Tell

God is so patient and gracious.

There are so many stories I could tell of how Jesus met me in the midst of my search ….

Someday, I will share them.

But right now, I want to give you a little fictional piece I wrote about the first Easter weekend.

You can get a FREE download below of the story and the Easter Lamb graphic.

I hope you enjoy it!

It's not about the bunny


the sky grew dark

3 P.M. FRIDAY

From the foot of the cross, you look up into the battered face of the man you left everything to follow. He cries out a final prayer; His body goes limp.

A Roman soldier raises his sword and plunges it into your Leader’s side—blood and fluid pour out.

The sky grows black and the earth beneath you trembles.

Your chest aches. Suddenly it’s hard to breathe.

Go back to fishing

6 P.M. FRIDAY

A finely dressed man arrives.

He speaks with the soldier’s captain—and the order is given to take your Leader’s lifeless form down from the cross.

The rich man carries His body away for a proper burial. You observe from a safe distance.

How could the Son of God be put to death?

Surely Jesus was different from all the religious leaders before Him.

You were absolutely certain that He was the true Messiah! But, right before your eyes, He is laid in a tomb.

Not only was Jesus your friend—you were counting on Him to be your Savior.

Now what will you do? Go back to fishing?

Is this really how it all ends?

The tomb is empty.

NOON SUNDAY

Three women chatter excitedly about angels and an empty tomb. “Jesus said He’d raise His temple again in three days. Now we understand what He meant!”

Can these rumors be true?

Jesus…alive?

You run to the tomb; it’s empty.

Amazed, puzzled, and more than a little frightened, you return home.

Fish for Jesus.

6 P.M. SUNDAY

Two men burst into the mourning room.

“The women were telling the truth! We saw Him!”

As the men tell you and His other followers about their encounter, Jesus suddenly appears.

“Peace be with you.”

You recognize that voice!

“Why are you troubled? Why do you doubt? Look at my hands….”

He reaches out nail pierced hands, hands responsible for so much tenderness and healing.

He slips off his sandals.

“Look at my feet.”

The marks are undeniable.

“It’s really me. Go ahead and touch me; a ghost doesn’t have flesh and bones like this.”

Your hand trembles as you touch Him. His flesh is warm and substantial.

He laughs kindly as you simply stare. 

“Do you have anything here to eat?”

Awestruck, you serve the King of Creation a piece of broiled fish.

♦♦♦

It's not about the bunny

8 thoughts on “THE EASTER CHRONICLE”

  1. I realize it is a fictional piece, but the timeline is not accurate. Jesus was in the tomb for three days and three nights…
    This timeline follows the standard church timeline taught and followed by tradition, but puts him in the tomb for only 1 1/2 days. Just food for thought…

    1. Yes, D.B. It is a fictional piece, but you make a great point! I’ve read a bit on the timeline, too. What are your conclusions?

      1. The Jews marked days starting in the evening, at sun down. They also had to get Him in the tomb before the Passover sacrifice if they hoped to be able to participate in that year’s extended Passover feast. (Not that I think that was a high level priority for His followers that buried Him, but just a consideration kind of thing). So, He was in the tomb on Friday, all day Saturday, and a sizable chunk of Sunday. Since they also counted a part of a day as a full day, yes, He was in the tomb for three days. I’m not intending this as an argument, nor am I trying to be insensitive in any way.

        1. Thanks, Beth Ann. Your comment is received in the spirit in which is it given. Thanks for sharing!

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