What Does the Bible Say About Easter?
By Price Wright II, Raytown Campus Pastor
Easter has always been a special holiday for many people. As a child, I looked forward to Easter egg hunts, dressing up, enjoying family gatherings, and eating delicious food. However, as I grew older, I came to understand that Easter is about much more than fun traditions. It is significant because of what it represents—the resurrection of Jesus Christ. This truth has changed my life and is the reason I celebrate Easter with true joy and purpose.
Christians celebrate Easter, also called Resurrection Sunday, because Jesus Christ rose from the dead. After being crucified on a Roman cross as an innocent man, Jesus was buried and then rose from the grave three days later. He appeared to many people for over 40 days, proving He was alive and continuing to teach His followers. This moment in history didn’t just shape the Christian faith—it has personally changed my entire outlook on life.
Interestingly, the word “Easter” does not actually appear in the Bible. However, the Bible is full of the truth behind what Easter celebrates: the resurrection of Jesus. From the very beginning, early Christians celebrated the resurrection during the Jewish Passover season. This connection is no coincidence. In Exodus 12, God told His people to observe the Passover on the 14th day of the Hebrew month of Nisan, which always falls near a full moon. That full moon symbolized light and deliverance in the midst of darkness.
Jesus was crucified during Passover week. He even shared the Passover meal—now known as the Last Supper—with His disciples before His death. The Apostle Paul referred to Jesus as our “Passover lamb” in 1 Corinthians 5:7, connecting His sacrifice to the lamb whose blood protected the Israelites during the original Passover. Just as the lamb’s blood saved the people of Israel, Jesus’ blood saves all who believe in Him. His resurrection brings new life and the hope of eternal victory over death.
You may have noticed that Easter falls on a different date each year. That’s because it’s based on the lunar calendar. Easter is celebrated on the first Sunday after the first full moon following the spring equinox. Even the timing of Easter reflects the beauty and order of God’s design.
The word “Easter” likely comes from “Eostre,” a name for a springtime goddess mentioned by an English monk in the 8th century. While that name stayed in the English language, the meaning of the celebration shifted completely to focus on Jesus’ resurrection. In most other languages, Easter is called “Pascha,” a word rooted in “Pesach,” the Hebrew term for Passover.
In the end, while the Bible doesn’t use the word “Easter,” it proclaims the resurrection of Jesus Christ. This truth is the foundation of the Christian faith and the source of lasting hope. For me, Easter is not just a seasonal event—it’s a daily reminder that Jesus is alive. And because of that, everything has changed.
“He is not here; He has risen!” – Matthew 28:6
Join New City on Sunday, April 20 at all locations as we celebrate the unbelievable story of our rescue and our savior’s resurrection! Find a location near you and service times online here.