Evangelical Churches and most western Christian churches celebrate Jesus’ resurrection with Easter.
Orthodox Churches and some other Christian churches in the east celebrate the same Easter.
Often on two different Sundays.
Which is right?
What does the Bible say?
Answer: Nothing.
Nowhere is there any instruction to celebrate Jesus’ resurrection. Jesus said nothing about it when he was here. And there’s nothing anywhere else in the Bible about it either.
Instead, Jesus told his disciples to remember his death on the cross.
The night before his death, Jesus “took bread, and when he had given thanks, he broke it and gave it to [his disciples], saying, “This is my body, which is given for you. Do this in remembrance of me.”
And likewise the cup after they had eaten, saying, “This cup that is poured out for you is the new covenant in my blood” (Luke 22:19-20).
After Jesus had died, rose from the dead and ascended into heaven, he instructed the Apostle “…as often as you eat this bread and drink the cup, you proclaim the Lord’s death until he comes” (1 Corinthians 11:26).
Jesus’ death is to be remembered.
If you think about it, this makes perfect sense.
Jesus, the Son of God, the Author of life, could not stay in a grave for long. It’s really no surprise that he would come back from the dead…just like he said he would.
But that Jesus, the Son of God, would become the Son of Man and die for the sins of his people, is amazing.
Thus Jesus said, “Let not your hearts be troubled. Believe in God; believe also in me” (John 14:1). And “Do this in remembrance of me” (Luke 22:19).
The Easter holiday date is set by calendar calculations. Historically, the Eastern and Western calendars are slightly different. Thus the day for Easter may also be different.
The difference is of no great consequence. Easter is a good tradition. But it’s just a tradition.
The Bible instructs believers to remember Jesus’ death with bread and wine in the communion service.
Jesus’ death is the central point. For he thus paid in full the punishment for all sins of those who trust him alone for their salvation.
“Through Him everyone who believes is justified” (Acts 13:39).
And all who are justified should remember Jesus’ death for them.
Amen