Easter is mentioned only one time in the Bible specifically using the word Easter.  This reference is found in Acts 12:4. However, the word is most often translated as Passover.  Easter is the celebration of Christ’s resurrection from the grave.  It is the greatest story ever told because it defines the love of Christ for mankind; it reveals the extent of Christ’s sufferings to provide a plan of redemption so that man might not perish, but have everlasting life.  The story of Easter is also a story of victory. 

The love of Christ cannot be measured.  Throughout His ministry, this love is revealed.  In Matthew 24:23,, Christ weeps over the city of Jerusalem and says “Jerusalem, Jerusalem, thou that killeth the prophets and stonest them which are sent unto thee, how often would I have gathered thy children together, even as a hen gathereth her chickens under her wings, and ye would not.”  As Christ hung on the cross this everlasting love is shown as He hears and answers the prayer of the thief.  Such love never grows old and is never outdated.  Christ invites all to “come unto me.”

Physically, Christ suffers from being beaten with a whip, having a crown of thorns crushed into His head, suffering severe pain at the least movement of His body, having a sponge of vinegar placed in His mouth and a spear thrust into His side. 

The emotional agony included seeing His mother having to witness the scene, being mocked by a sign which read, “The King of the Jews,” and the forsaking of most of His disciples.  Perhaps, during the five hours on the cross, Christ took note that He was betrayed by His own creation. 

Following the death of Christ on the cross there was, however, victory in the morning on the third day.  As the women came to anoint the body of Christ, they found the stone rolled away, and an angel declared: “He is not here, but is risen.” (Luke 24:5-6)  The Easter story ends in victory, and we can now ask, “O, death where is thy sting? O, grave where is thy victory?” (I Corinthians 15:55)  It is sweet to know as we onward go that the way of the cross leads home.