And at His entering into Jerusalem, the entire city is aquake, saying, "Who is this?" Yet the throngs said, "This prophet Jesus, from Nazareth of Galilee."
Matthews Account 21: 10-11, Concordant New Testament
This is Easter week for many across the world. Both believers and non believers at least have some degree of knowing the significance of the events of this week in history. As I began to think of what to write this weekend, I wondered just what Jesus and the Easter bunny had in common. Then it hit me, tradition! Growing up, it was all too common to wake up to easter treats on Easter morning. As I grew older and wiser to the traditions of the Easter bunny, it became more about the Easter Sunday morning service at church. Of course, even here in the Lords house, I could not escape from the rabbit. All too often, the children's Sunday school classes were laced with the traditions of that Easter bunny. I can recall hunting for Easter eggs as well as the traditional Easter treats in Sunday school. Eventually I grew enough to began to wonder of the source of these Easter traditions which we follow. Surprisingly, the scriptures do not mention any egg hunts or treats for the local children in Matthews account of the entry of Jesus into Jerusalem that day. What we are told is that there were many celebrating the arrival of Jesus as His journey to the cross neared its conclusion {Matthews Account 21: 1-11}. Some began taking palm boughs and spreading them across the road as Jesus approached {Matthews Account 21: 8}. At least we can began to see the origins of what we now know as palm Sunday, which commemorates Jesus' triumphal entry into Jerusalem. Many worshipped Him as He arrived {Matthews Account 21: 9}. Was it tradition to treat every person entering into Jerusalem in this way? No, but this was obviously no ordinary man. At this point in His life, many were well aware of the activities of this man Jesus. Days before, Jesus had once again given warning to His disciples of what they should expect once they arrived in Jerusalem {Matthews Account 20: 17-19}. There, He would be handed over to the local Jewish religious authorities (Who were very keen on following traditions) and persecuted and ultimately put to death. Interestingly, the entry of Jesus into Jerusalem coincided with yet another well followed tradition, that of the religious feast of the Passover, which celebrated the Lords deliverance of His people from the torment of the Egyptians. Of course, it was yet to be seen that the next few days would present the Lords deliverance for eternity. Not just for His people, but for all of His creation.
And it occurred, at their being perplexed concerning this, Lo! two men stand by them in flashing attire. Now at their becoming affrighted and inclining their faces to the earth, they say to them, "Why are you seeking the living with the dead?"
Lukes Account 24: 5, Concordant New Testament
I understand that following the long held traditions of men is important to people. Much of what we know as our yearly calendar is dedicated to those days and holidays which we have celebrated for so many years. But the question remains, is it more important to celebrate Easter Sunday or that true meaning of the events of that day? I would say that we have been blindsided by those who pushed upon us such traditions. Certainly the mainstream church has been guilty of paying more attention to days on a calendar than to He who gave His life for all. Not missing a beat, merchandisers have always found ways to pounce on the observing of traditions as well. At the end of the day, this Sunday is less about observing the significance of the day and more about the Man who brought it about. For it is Jesus who became sin on our behalf {Paul To The Corinthians(2) 5:21}. Remembering to observe Easter Sunday will do us little benefit without knowing Jesus whom is at the center of this man made tradition. As the angels proclaimed that wonderful morning, "Why are you seeking the living with the dead?"
~Scott~
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