Got Questions About Easter?

WHAT IS EASTER?

Easter offers the kind of reset many of us are craving—especially in a city like Sydney, where life often feels full-on. Between the rising cost of living, constant busyness, and the pressures of work, parenting, and relationships, it's no wonder we look forward to the Easter long weekend! It’s a chance to slow down, maybe get away, enjoy time with family, and just breathe for a moment.

But as great as that break can be, we all know the feeling—once the weekend ends, real life comes rushing back. The emails, the routines, the responsibilities. And for many of us, the peace and rest we found over the break quickly fade. Chocolates, hot cross buns, and family time during the long weekend are good things, but often fall short in fixing the deeper weariness we carry.

This is where the true meaning of Easter comes in—not just as a holiday, but as a story of real and lasting hope and peace.

At the heart of the Easter story is the person of Jesus—someone who stepped into the mess and pain of real life. He stood with the hurting, lifted up the broken, and ultimately gave his life out of love. His death and resurrection aren’t just symbolic—they’re a powerful reminder that pain, injustice, and even death don’t have to have the final word. Easter points to something deeper: real hope. A kind of peace and renewal that lasts longer than a few days off work.

This is what sits at the centre of the Christian faith. It’s not about trying harder or ticking more spiritual boxes to get closer to God. This is what makes Easter different from the way many people think about religion—where it’s all about what we do to reach God. The Easter story flips that on its head: it’s not about us climbing our way to God, but about God coming to us. He meets us not when we’ve got it all together, but right in the middle of our tiredness and weakness. He demonstrates love for us not based on our performance or our own goodness but based on the goodness of His Son Jesus who demonstrated His love for you on the cross.

Easter acknowledges that life can be overwhelming, and that things aren’t the way they should be—but it also promises they won’t stay that way forever. In a world where so many people feel the pressure to hold it all together, Easter gently reminds us that we don’t have to. We’re invited into something new—a fresh start, a deeper peace, and a life shaped by forgiveness and love available to us through Jesus.

That’s the kind of hope Easter offers—not just for people who call themselves Christians, but for anyone open to discovering something deeper.

WHY IS EASTER SO IMPORTANT TO CHRISTIANS?

Tim Keller once wrote that “If Jesus rose from the dead, then we must accept all that He said; if He didn’t rise from the dead, then there’s no reason to worry about any of what He said.” Easter is the cornerstone of the Christian faith because it confirms Jesus' identity and His promise of new life—for both now and forever.

The resurrection marks the beginning of God's new creation, and this isn’t just what happens after death; but a present reality that empowers our everyday lives. It’s God’s way of declaring that evil and death do not win, and that death, sin and brokenness do not have the final word. Through Jesus, anyone can step into a life marked by forgiveness, healing, and purpose.

WANT TO DIVE DEEPER?

Here are some great reads about Easter and Jesus' life and death:

• Passion Week Course An in-depth exploration of the last week of Jesus' earthly life, providing context and insights into the events leading up to Easter. You can find it here: Passion Week Course

• Article: Why Did Jesus Have To Die? This piece unpacks the complexities of Jesus' death, exploring its multifaceted significance within the biblical narrative.

• Reading Plans: Holy Week & Easter A curated reading plan that guides readers through Scripture during the Easter season, enhancing understanding and reflection.

These are some listening resources (great for the Easter Holiday car ride!):

• Podcast: The Crocus Flower and the Empty Tomb This episode reflects on the significance of Easter, discussing how Jesus' resurrection offers a new history for the world.

• Video: Easter Success Sam Chan discusses the concept of success in the context of Easter, challenging conventional notions and highlighting the deeper meaning of the resurrection.

• Talk: The Scandal of Easter an exploration of the surprising and countercultural aspects of Easter, examining why the resurrection is both shocking and transformative.

If you’d like to find out more or have any questions, please email ministrymp@acc.edu.au