I grew up looking forward to Easter every year. Not because of the special church service or the day’s deep spiritual meaning, but because Easter meant candy.
I enjoyed my church’s fun songs, bright colors, and leaders who always seemed full of energy. But if you had asked me what Easter was really about, I wouldn’t have been able to tell you much.
It wasn’t until I got older that I learned that Easter was also called Resurrection Sunday and what that day truly meant.
What Is Resurrection Sunday?
Resurrection Sunday is another name for the Christian holiday of Easter. It’s the day we celebrate Jesus Christ’s miraculous resurrection from the dead.
If you’re not familiar with the story, here are the basics. Jesus lived a perfect life and showed people how to live and love in a way that honored God, restored relationships, and made the earth a better place for everyone. But His revolutionary teaching and actions got Him in trouble with just about every religious and political group of the day.
Eventually, He was sentenced to death by crucifixion, a sacrifice that would cover the sins of all of humankind. But the story didn’t end with Jesus’ death. Here’s what happened on Resurrection Sunday, three days after Jesus died.
On the first day of the week, very early in the morning, the women took the spices they had prepared and went to the tomb. They found the stone rolled away from the tomb, but when they entered, they did not find the body of the Lord Jesus. While they were wondering about this, suddenly two men in clothes that gleamed like lightning stood beside them. In their fright the women bowed down with their faces to the ground, but the men said to them, “Why do you look for the living among the dead? He is not here; he has risen! Remember how he told you, while he was still with you in Galilee: ‘The Son of Man must be delivered over to the hands of sinners, be crucified and on the third day be raised again.’” Then they remembered his words. Luke 24:1-8 NIV
Jesus told others during His life and ministry that He would rise from the dead (Matthew 17:22). And the writers of the Old Testament shared hundreds of years before Jesus’ time on earth that it would happen, too. Everything in the Scriptures led to this moment. This is why the church celebrates this special day today.
Why Does the Resurrection Matter?
Resurrection Sunday is the recognition of the world-changing moment when Jesus rose from the grave, proving once and for all that He was who He claimed to be. Who did Jesus say He was? The Son of God in human form, with the power to lead us and save us.
Resurrection Sunday is not only about what Jesus did in the past. It’s also about what His victory means for us today.
Jesus’ resurrection was not just a historical event. It was the completion of the work He came to do. Because of that, Resurrection Sunday is not only about what Jesus did in the past. It’s also about what His victory means for us today.
When Jesus overcame death, that same victory became available to His followers. No matter what we face—whether doubt, fear, grief, or uncertainty—there’s always hope. This is not just a promise for the future. It’s an invitation to experience new life today. When we put our trust in Christ, we step into the fullness of His love and peace right where we are.
How Can You Respond to the Resurrection?
Resurrection Sunday isn’t just a historical event; it’s a personal invitation to trust God’s love, grace, and power. Jesus’ victory over sin and death means that anyone who trusts in Him can experience new life today and forever.
Are you ready to take that step? It begins with a simple act of faith—acknowledging your need for Jesus, believing in what He has done, and choosing to follow Him. You don’t have to have everything figured out. God meets you right where you are.
A Prayer for New Life
If you’d like to begin a relationship with Jesus, you can pray something like this:
Jesus, I believe that you’re the Son of God. I believe You died for me and rose from the dead to give me new life. I know I’ve sinned and need Your grace. Today, I put my trust in You. Forgive me, change me, and help me follow You every day. Thank You for Your love and for making a way for me to be with You forever. Through Your powerful name, Jesus, amen.
If you just prayed that prayer, congratulations! This is the most important decision you will ever make, and all of heaven is celebrating with you. Choosing to follow Jesus is the beginning of a lifelong journey of growing in faith, experiencing His love, and walking in the new life He has for you.
3 Ways to Embrace New Life Today
Whether you just made that decision or you’ve been following Jesus for a long time, it’s always important to reflect on how Resurrection Sunday changes our lives today.
After Jesus overcame the grave, He was seen multiple times by His followers. In these interactions, He shared the Great Commission with them:
Then Jesus came to them and said, “All authority in heaven and on earth has been given to me. Therefore go and make disciples of all nations, baptizing them in the name of the Father and of the Son and of the Holy Spirit, and teaching them to obey everything I have commanded you. And surely I am with you always, to the very end of the age.” Matthew 28:18-20 NIV
You and I get to be a part of the Great Commission! Here are some faith steps that you can take today to make disciples.
1. Invite Someone to Church
Research shows that most people find a church or start attending a church because a friend or family member invited them.
If you attend a physical church location and invite someone to church, invite them to sit next to you! This can help them feel more comfortable with the experience because they know they’ll have someone they trust right next to them. If you attend an online church, invite someone to attend the same service as you or set up a Life.Church Online watch party so you can attend together.
2. Serve in Your Church or Community
There are so many ways to serve within a church community, no matter your personality or skill set. Whether you love being around people, prefer working behind the scenes, or fall somewhere in between, there’s a place for you to make a difference.
Many churches (like mine) offer volunteer opportunities like greeting, worship, tech support, and community outreach.
You can also serve in your local community by partnering with nonprofit organizations making a difference in your neighborhood. Volunteering gives you the chance to meet the needs of others, share the love of Jesus in practical ways, and build meaningful relationships.
3. Join or Lead a Small Group
A small group is simply a group of people supporting one another through life’s ups and downs. At my church, we call small groups “LifeGroups.” They’re a space for people to intentionally share their lives with others, grow spiritually together, and encourage one another through the highs and lows of life. We offer in-person and online LifeGroups.
My pastor, Craig Groeschel, has said, “Show me your friends and I’ll show you your future.” Maybe you need to find that group of people you can support and who can support you right back.
Live for Christ
Jesus shared that He came so that you and I can live life in abundance and to the full extent of His intended joy (John 10:10). So, my challenge to you is to live your life for Christ and for others every day, showing everyone that the power of the resurrection is not just for you, but for them as well.