Welcome to New Day Christian Church of Las Vegas, enjoy this message from our Sunday School leader this Easter Morning.

Greetings, brothers and sisters in Christ and children of God,

What are your plans this Sunday? Will you be attending church from home or going in person? Will you have easter egg hunts for the children? What will your meal consist of, and how will you celebrate this special day? How many feasts will your celebration have?

It had been a long week for the disciples. They celebrated with the people and were amazed at what they saw as they entered Jerusalem. They were witnesses to the teachings of Jesus and engaged in deep discussions of things that were to come; some soon and some later. They celebrated their Passover holiday, which was the first of seven feasts (Leviticus 23:5). Their second feast, Unleavened Bread, began the next day (Leviticus 23:6-8), and then their third feast, Firstfruits, was the next day after that (Leviticus 23:9-14). Three feasts would take place at this time. However, this year would be different and difficult to celebrate.  

The disciples witnessed the brutal beating of their friend, who was whipped horrifically. The Jewish Law is no more than 40 (Deuteronomy 25:3), and John himself was whipped 40 minus 1 to make sure the law was not broken (2 Corinthians 11:24), therefore, Jesus was likely whipped 39 lashes before he carried his cross to Golgotha and was hanged to die.

The disciples, after witnessing the beating and the hanging of Jesus and some even the death, scattered away. So many symbolic transformations happened during his hanging on the cross and his death. The disciples and anyone close to Jesus were deeply saddened by his death. For most, it was a loss of hope for the Jews. Jesus was supposed to come and save them from Roman oppression. It had been a long week for the disciples.

The third day was to be a celebration of the feast of First fruits, but instead, they were all mourning the death of a friend, Jesus. As two of the women approached the tomb, they discovered the stone had been rolled away, and they witnessed an angel who said to them, “He has risen.” (Matthew 28:6). Christ was our first fruit into heaven on the day of Firstfruit.

Christ died, not for the Jews to be saved from Roman oppression, but for all mankind to receive restoration with a relationship with God, the Creator and Life of all things. However, it was not the death of Christ, but the resurrection of Christ that restores that relationship. The disciples finally understood that it was not a time of mourning but a time of rejoicing, as we too should rejoice, for He has risen!!

Celebrate as you wish, but remember that it was the resurrection of Christ who brings you salvation, and we are to celebrate the First Fruit on this Resurrection Sunday. 

Last week, the little lambs learned about Palm Sunday and Jesus Christ’s triumphal entry into Jerusalem. This week, we will discuss the empty tomb and Christ Jesus’ resurrection.

I look forward to celebrating this Resurrection Sunday with you with songs of praise and dancing before the Lord our God, the Son Christ Jesus, and the Holy Spirit who dances with us. If for some reason I do not see you, may the Lord bless you with joy, peace, and a cup overflowing with love and happiness, and may He comfort you, heal you, and lead you when you are in need.

God bless you

Your brother in Christ,

Michael (Mr. Michael)