Did Jesus or the Apostles Ordain Easter?
Easter is one of the most celebrated Christian holidays, but have you ever wondered if Jesus or His apostles established it? Many assume Easter was a tradition handed down by the early church. However, a closer look at history and Scripture tells a different story.
Where Did Easter Come From?
The Bible never mentions Easter as a holiday commanded by Jesus or His apostles. Instead, Jesus instituted the Lord’s Supper (Luke 22:19-20) as a way to remember His sacrifice. The apostles continued this practice, focusing on Jesus’ death and resurrection but never calling it “Easter.”
So, if Easter wasn’t ordained by Jesus or the apostles, where did it originate?
The Pagan Roots of Easter
The name “Easter” is believed to come from Eostre, an Anglo-Saxon fertility goddess. Many Easter traditions, like eggs and bunnies, have ties to fertility rituals rather than biblical teachings.
During the early centuries of Christianity, Rome attempted to merge pagan practices with Christian beliefs to make the faith more acceptable to new converts. This blending led to the adoption of springtime festivals into what is now called Easter.
How Easter Became a Christian Holiday
The resurrection of Jesus is central to the Christian faith, and early Christians commemorated it. However, the way they did so was different from modern Easter celebrations. The early church observed Passover, as Jesus Himself did (Matthew 26:17-19). Over time, church leaders shifted the focus away from Passover and toward a new celebration—what we now call Easter.
By 325 AD, the Council of Nicaea officially set the date of Easter separate from Passover, aligning it with the first Sunday after the full moon following the spring equinox.
What is Ash Wednesday and Good Friday?
Easter begins with Ash Wednesday, which marks the start of Lent, a 40-day period of fasting and repentance leading up to Easter Sunday. The tradition is not found in the Bible, but it became a part of Christian customs over time.
Good Friday is the day traditionally recognized as the crucifixion of Jesus. However, this presents a major timing issue. Jesus Himself said, “For as Jonah was three days and three nights in the belly of the great fish, so will the Son of Man be three days and three nights in the heart of the earth” (Matthew 12:40).
If Jesus was crucified on Friday and rose on Sunday morning, that is not three full days and three nights. From Friday evening to Sunday morning only accounts for one full day and two nights, which does not align with Jesus’ prophecy. This discrepancy raises questions about whether Good Friday is the actual day of the crucifixion or if tradition has altered the timeline.
What is the Lord’s Supper?
Before His crucifixion, Jesus gathered with His disciples for what is known as the Lord’s Supper or Communion (Luke 22:19-20). He broke bread, representing His body, and shared wine, symbolizing His blood. Jesus commanded His followers to do this in remembrance of Him.
How is the Lord’s Supper Done in Churches?
Different churches observe the Lord’s Supper in various ways:
- Frequency: Some churches take Communion weekly, while others do it monthly or on special occasions.
- Elements Used: Most churches use unleavened bread and grape juice or wine.
- Participation: Some churches allow all believers to partake, while others restrict it to baptized members.
- Setting: Some churches pass trays to congregants, while others have people come forward to receive the elements.
The Lord’s Supper remains a core practice in Christianity, keeping the focus on Jesus’ sacrifice rather than traditions with questionable origins.
Does Easter Line Up with the Bible?
Many Christians celebrate Easter to honor Jesus’ resurrection. However, should believers observe a holiday with pagan influences? Let’s break it down:
- The Bible commands believers to remember Jesus’ death (1 Corinthians 11:23-26), not Easter.
- Passover, which Jesus observed, aligns with biblical history, unlike Easter traditions.
- Early Christians didn’t call the resurrection celebration “Easter” or use eggs and bunnies.
- The traditional Good Friday to Easter Sunday timeline does not match Jesus’ statement about being in the tomb for three days and three nights.
If Easter has roots outside the Bible, does that mean celebrating it is wrong? That depends on your perspective. Many Christians focus solely on Christ’s resurrection during Easter, while others reject it due to its history.
What Should Christians Do?
If Easter is not a biblical mandate, should Christians celebrate it? Here are a few things to consider:
- Pray and seek wisdom. Ask God for guidance on how to observe Jesus’ resurrection.
- Focus on biblical truth. Whether or not you celebrate Easter, keep Jesus’ death and resurrection at the center.
- Educate yourself. Know the history behind traditions so you can make informed decisions.
Interactive Section
Poll: Do you celebrate Easter?
- Yes, to honor Jesus’ resurrection.
- No, because of its pagan origins.
- I’m unsure, but I want to learn more.
Quiz: How well do you know the history of Easter? (Multiple-choice questions on its origins, biblical references, and traditions.)
Survey: Should Christians continue to celebrate Easter? Share your thoughts!
Final Thoughts
Easter has become a key Christian holiday, but its origins reveal a mix of biblical truths and non-biblical traditions. While Jesus never commanded Easter, He did command us to remember His sacrifice through the Lord’s Supper. The decision to celebrate Easter is personal, but every believer should seek God’s wisdom and focus on the true meaning of Jesus’ resurrection.
What do you think? Should Christians celebrate Easter? Let’s discuss in the comments!
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