What is Easter and Why is it a Big Deal?

Often people see Easter as just another fun holiday that's for kids, with candy-filled plastic eggs and chocolate bunnies. But Easter is so much more than that. It's the cornerstone of every Christ follower's faith. From the streets of Jerusalem to the empty tomb, we are reminded of the greatest news and hope the world has ever known. If you are a believer in the Gospel, that Christ rose from the grave, conquering sin and death, then sharing the story of Easter with other's is crucial in building the kingdom. If you aren't a Christ follower, but landed here because you're intrigued about the "hype" around Easter and what it means, keep reading because below we are going to take a closer look.

So, what is Easter and why is it important?

Before diving in, how are you? Have you been feeling discouraged by the way your life is going? Do you go day-to-day chasing after a bigger purpose for yourself but you just can’t figure it out? First, let us tell you, you’re not alone and we can relate in more ways than one. Second, this may come as a surprise, but Easter is actually FOR you.

Easter is the celebration of Jesus’s resurrection. The day He took victory over sin by raising from the dead. Defeating guilt, insecurities, hopelessness… everything Satan held over us.

Easter is the celebration of the Gospel in action. Jesus died on the Cross for us, FOR YOU, so that you could experience a full life of purpose here on Earth AND in Heaven. It is through Jesus’ life that a way was created for us to experience forgiveness, freedom, and most importantly, an eternal life in Heaven… what we were made for.

Wait, what is the Gospel?

The Gospel is THE Good News, which is told through the first 4 books of the New Testament (Matthew, Mark, Luke, and John).

In short, God created us to be in relationship with Him, but sin separated us from that connection. Out of unconditional love, God sent Jesus, His only Son, to live the perfect life we couldn’t, and then pay the ultimate sacrifice with that life. How powerful is that? To know that before we were even born, Jesus died on a cross for US. His new life made way for us to believe in and accept our new life that lasts forever. No longer having to carry the weight of sin, shame, or emptiness anymore… SO GOOD RIGHT?

Why is Easter 3 days long and what is the difference between Good Friday and Easter Sunday?

Easter spans three days, beginning with Good Friday and ending on Easter Sunday.

• Day 1: Good Friday marks the day Jesus was crucified and gave His life for the sins of the world. (Matthew 27:32–56)

• Day 2: Holy Saturday was when Jesus was buried in the tomb, His disciples experienced grief and the Pharisees were insecure. (Matthew 27:62-66)

• Day 3: Easter Sunday is the day the tomb was found empty. Jesus declared His victory over sin and death by raising from the dead. HE IS RISEN! (Matthew 28:1–10)

We know, it all sounds wild and overwhelming. But if it’s true, and we believe it is, it changes EVERYTHING.

How does the Resurrection change everything?

Without the resurrection, the weight of sin, shame, and death would define our lives. We would be stuck in a cycle of brokenness, constantly trying to earn forgiveness or find joy in things that will never fully satisfy. Our focus would be on what is has gone wrong. Our failures, fears, and the darkness that comes from a separation from God. But because of Jesus, everything changes.

His resurrection didn’t just defeat death, it redefined our future. A declaration that sin no longer has the final say. Because He lives, we’re not just forgiven, we’re FREE. We can now live with our eyes fixed not on our past, but on our faith, knowing we have a Savior who walks with us today and every day. A Savior who has secured a bright, eternal future for us. The resurrection shifts our focus from despair to hope, from darkness to light.

Still on the fence about Easter?

If you’re tired, discouraged, questioning your worth, or just curious, we invite you to grab a friend and join us for Easter Sunday 2025 on April 20th. You’ll get to hear and see first-hand why Easter is for YOU. Not because you’ve got it all together, but because Jesus meets us right where we are.

If you’re not in the Greater Pittsburgh Area, don’t worry, we aren’t the only ones celebrating Jesus that weekend! You can easily find a local church via Google search or maps.

Remember, Easter isn’t just about Jesus coming back to life, it’s about you being invited into a new kind of life… one filled with purpose and overflowing with hope… the kind of life you long for day-to-day