LETS CELEBRATE CHURCH, IT IS A PARTY FOR THE LORD

LETS CELEBRATE SUNDAY , IT IS THE LORD’S PARTY    Matthew 16:18

THE HISTORY OF EASTER CELEBRATION

People all over the universe celebrated Easter. Many planned trips to be with family to remember the death and resurrection of our Lord and Savior Jesus Christ.  His resurrection changed the world forever

At first glance, you would think that this day called Easter began with our Savior resurrection.  I did some Bible research and discovered that the

Easter celebration began the night before Moses led the Israelites our

Slavery in Egypt to freedom in the desert.

Ex 12:26-27

 Then your children will ask, 'What does this ceremony mean?' 27 And you will reply, 'It is the Passover sacrifice to the Lord, for he passed over the houses of the Israelites in Egypt. And though he struck the Egyptians, he spared our families.'" When Moses had finished speaking, all the people bowed down to the ground and worshiped. The Hebrew word for Passover is pecach, It was a victim celebration

 

When Jesus said as often as you  eat the bread and drink the wine.;That is to celebrate the passover. The Greek word for passover is pascha translated into English is Easter.  It is a victory celebration

To understand the Jewish names of the days of the week in Scripture, consider the pattern of days established by the Father during creation in Genesis.  In Greek the names are as follows 

• Sunday - Yom Rishon (First Day)

• Monday - Yom Sheni (Second Day)

• Tuesday - Yom Shlishi (Third Day)

• Wednesday - Yom Revi'i (Fourth Day)

• Thursday - Yom Chamishi (Fifth Day)

• Friday - Yom Shishi (Sixth Day)

• Saturday - Yom Shabbat (Sabbath Day, Day seven)

This is important because the Jews under the law celebrate the seventh day as their Holy Day. Christians celebrate the first day of the as our Holy Day

Gen 2:2 And on the seventh day God finished his work which he had made; and he rested  from all his work which he had made. 3 And God blessed the seventh day, and hallowed it;  because that in it he rested from all his work which God had created and made.

The first day God separated light from darkness. The light he called day

Gen 1:5 And God called the light Day, and the darkness he called Night. And there was evening and there was morning, one day.

In Hebrew day oue is Yom echad

A PRELUDE TO JESUS MISSION  

On Friday the day of Jesus trial, the crowd was given a choice to 

Release Jesus or Barabbas. Jesus was found incident by Pilot

The Roman ruler.  Barabbas was  guilty of the crime of murder

The crowd chose to release Barabbas. A prelude to Jesus mission

1. Barabbas was a notorious prisoner, known for insurrection and murder.

2.  The choice to release Barabbas over Jesus highlights the crowd's rejection of Jesus.

3. This event fulfills the prophecy of the Messiah's suffering and sacrifice.

4.  It symbolizes the concept of substitutionary atonement—Jesus takes the place of sinners.

5.  The decision reflects the political pressures of the Jewish religious leaders faced by Pilate in maintaining order.

6.  Barabbas' release serves as a powerful contrast to Jesus' innocence and ultimate sacrifice.

THIS IS WHAT  JESUS DID FOR YOU AND ME

HE TO OUR PLACE

SIGNIFICANCE OF HOLY SATURDAY

Jesus was crucified on Friday Yom Shishi (Sixth Day). His body laid in the grave all day Saturday - Yom Shabbat (Sabbath Day), now called Holy Saturday.

1. Fulfillment of Prophecy: Psalm 16:10 declares, “For You will not abandon my soul to Sheol; nor will You let Your Holy One see decay.” Interpreted through the New Testament lens (Acts 2:27; 13:35), this passage is seen as fulfilled in Jesus, who truly died yet did not remain in the grave Holy  Saturday underscores His true death and the waiting period before His resurrection powerfully demonstrates the triumph over the corruption of death.

2. A Day of Rest and Waiting: The observance of the Sabbath rest, described explicitly in Luke 23:56, highlights a profound moment of stillness within salvation history. This day of seeming inactivity-Jesus’s body lying in silence-emphasizes that redemptive work was entirely accomplished by divine intervention, rather than human effort.

3. Hope in the Silence: Holy Saturday exemplifies the tension between despair and hope. Even though Jesus had clearly foretold that He would rise again (Mark 9:31), His followers struggled with confusion and sorrow. This moment reminds many that God is at work even when circumstances appear bleak, foreshadowing the vindication of Jesus on Resurrection morning.

THE RESURRECTION CHANGED THE HOLY WEEK

Gen 1:24 And on the seventh day God finished his work which he had made; and he rested on the seventh day from all his work which he had made. Day seven  in Hebrew is Shebiy’iy yown  or Sabbath

After the death of Jesus day one is the day Jesus rested from His work on earth. It is day one that changed the world forever. It is the day Jesus was resurrected from the dead.

Day one of Creation is the day God created light 

Day one  is the day Jesus  arose from the grave which is the day Christian’s celebrate.  We call day one Sunday

The greek word for passover is pascha  in English is Easter,  It is the fulfillment of Old Testament  prophecies 

Ps 16:10-11  HIS RESURRECTION

10 For you will not leave my soul among the dead or allow your holy one to rot in the grave. 11 You will show me the way of life, granting me the joy of your presence and the pleasures of living with you forever. 

Jesus established the significance of the Passover (Easter) celebration

Matt 26:18 And he(Jesus) said, Go into the city to such a man, and say unto him, The Teacher saith, My time is at hand; I keep the passover at thy house with my disciples.    The correct English translation; Jesus said I will keep Easter with my disciples.

The name Sunday has a Latin origin around 700 AD,  dies soilis, day of the Sun, The week order was changed from Saturday as the holy day to Sunday for believers.  From day 7 to day 1 

THE ESTABLISH CHURCH

The word church was assigned by Jesus as the name for the Christian assembly.  

Matt 16:18 And I also say unto thee, that thou art Peter, and upon this rock I will build my church; and the gates of Hades shall not prevail against it.

The Greek word for church is ekklesia (assemble of believers)

This was the fulfilment of Old Testament prophecies 

Ps 118:22 22 The stone which the builders rejected is become the head of the corner. 23 This is Jehovah's doing; it is marvellous in our eyes.

24 This is the day which Jehovah hath made; we will rejoice and be glad in it.

The  church celebrates day one of creation in honor of Jesus resurrection

On Sunday the tomb was open  not for us to go in but to look in and see it was empty. The proof of Jesus’s resurrection  

Jesus resurrection is the true passover or Easter for all believers which the

Church celebrates on Sunday. It is the day believers change from death to eternal life.  However  every Sunday is an Easter celebration 

GOD USES THE FLESHLY MIND OF MAN TO REMIND US OF EASTER

The celebration continued with Jesus disciples through evil intent of the Romans leader, 

Acts 12:4 And when he had taken him (Peter), he put him in prison, and delivered him to four quaternions of soldiers to guard him; intending      after the Passover (pascha, Easter) to bring him forth to the people.

Even the ungodly celebrate Easter for reasons that have nothing to do with Jesus. The shopping centers remind us of Easter. Multi  media  ads remind us of Easter.  Those who sell  candy remind us of Easter.

CHRISTIANS MUST SET THE EXAMPLE OF THE TRUE CELEBRATION

The Apostles set the example of celebrating Easter wherever they proclaim the Gospel. 

Acts 20:7 And upon the first day of the week, when we were gathered together to break bread, Paul discoursed with them, intending to depart on the morrow; and prolonged his speech until midnight.

REASON WHY SUNDAY IS A DAY OF CELEBRATION

• JESUS BECAME THE CORNER STONE

Ps 118:22 The stone which the builders rejected is become the head of the corner. 23 This is Jehovah's doing; it is marvellous in our eyes.

• IT IS AN EASTER (PASSOVER) CELEBRATION WITH JESUS 

1 Cor 11:26 For as often as ye eat this bread, and drink the cup, ye proclaim the Lord's death till he come.

 

• IT IS A CELEBRATION OF THE NEW COVENANT

1 Cor 11:25 "This cup is the new covenant between God and his people—an agreement confirmed with my blood

• IT IS THE CELEBRATION OF THE CHURCH AS A BUILDING OF FAITH

Matt 16:18 And I also say unto thee, that thou art Peter, and upon this rock I will build my church; and the gates of Hades shall not prevail against it.

• JESUS STANDS BESIDE YOU

John 20:19 When therefore it was evening, on that day, the first (day) of the week, and when the doors were shut where the disciples were, for fear of the Jews, Jesus came and stood in the midst, and saith unto them, Peace (be) unto you.

• YOU HAVE RECEIVED POWER

Acts 2:1 And when the day of Pentecost was now come, they were all together in one place. Acts 2:4 And they were all filled with the Holy Spirit, and began to speak with other tongues, as the Spirit gave them utterance.

• IT IS A TIME OF PRAYER

 Acts 2:42 And they continued stedfastly in the apostles' teaching and fellowship, in the breaking of bread and the prayers.

• IT A TIME OF RENEWAL IN THE SPIRIT

Eph 4:23  and that ye be renewed in the spirit of your mind, 

24 and put on the new man, that after God hath been created in righteousness and holiness of truth.

• IT IS A TIME TO BE REMINDED OF JESUS JOY

         John 15:11 These things have I spoken unto you, that my joy may be    

          in you, and (that) your joy may be made full.

• IT IS A TIME TO REMEMBER THE PEACE OF JESUS

Phil 4:7 And the peace of God, which passeth all understanding, shall guard your hearts and your thoughts in Christ Jesus.

• IT IS A TIME TO COMMIT TO GOOD WORKS

Matt 5:16 Even so let your light shine before men; that they may see your good works, and glorify your Father who is in heaven.

• ITS A TIME TO WORSHIP THE LORD

1 Cor 14:25 the secrets of his heart are made manifest; and so he will fall down on his face and worship God, declaring that God is among you indeed.

• IT IS A TIME TO CELEBRATE OUR LIFE WITH JESUS

John 3:16 For God so loved the world, that he gave his only begotten Son, that whosoever believeth on him should not perish, but have eternal life.

SUNDAY IS PARTY FOR THE LORD

 

A MESSAGE FROM THE CROSS, Matthew 26:36. Luke 22:19

 MESSAGE FROM THE CROSS 

Matthew 26:36, Luke 22:19

REMEMBER ME

Jesus spent the week before his death teaching in the temple. On Thursday He celebrated the passover meal with His disciples. Jesus established the first ordinance of the church, the passover celebration.

Luke 22:19 And he took bread, and when he had given thanks, he brake it, and gave to them, saying, This is my body which is given for you: this do in remembrance of me. 20 And the cup in like manner after supper, saying, This cup is the new covenant in my blood, (even) that which is poured out for you.

 After the meal He went to the garden of Gethsemane to pray.

PRAYER BEFORE ANY ACTIVITY

Matt 26:36

36 Then cometh Jesus with them unto a place called Gethsemane, and saith unto his disciples, Sit ye here, while I go yonder and pray.

Matt 26:

39 And he went forward a little, and fell on his face, and prayed, saying, My Father, if it be possible, let this cup pass away from me: nevertheless, not as I will, but as thou wilt.

Before any major decision Jesus set the example of Prayer. Communication with Father in Heaven ought to be our first desire. He planned to die on the cross for the sins of the World. This choice that Jesus made changed the world forever. It was His eternal plan, but He trusted the Father to carry Him through it. 

There will be some things God will require of us that may not be to our liking. The passion weekend would be a horrible time for Jesus' disciples. They would see Him taken into custody, tried by the religious leaders, lied upon and wrongly sentenced to death. Jesus stepped down out of heaven for this reason.  But to endure the pain of it He called on the Father. He accepted what He knew He had to endure for our sake. Not my will He said but your will my Father, 

Mahelia Jackson said this in song; Don’t move the mountain but give me the strength to climb it .   Often we do our will and askGod to bless the results. It should be God’s will first then what we do will be blessed.

The seven last statements Jesus spoke from the cross speaks volumes to His mission and purpose for us

1. Luke 23:34, “Father, forgive them; for they do not know what they are doing.”

Forgiveness is a key reason to Jesus’s sacrificial death.  When Adam and Eve sinned in the Garden of Eden the plan of redemption was set into motion.   God had to make a way for mankind to return to fellowship with Him. It required a perfect sinless sacrifice. Jesus volunteered for the job. Jesus took the sins of the world upon Himself.

Forgiveness is an element in God’s grace and mercy. Without forgiveness there is no redemption.  With God’s forgiveness. your sins are separated from you as far as the east is from the west. 

God excuses our ignorance. Who were the ignorant. The religious leaders knew the scriptures concerning the coming Messiah. They were the ones who had access to the written Word.  They studied and taught the Word of God. They had copies of the Old Testament Scrolls. 

It was the common everyday working Jews who were misled by the religious leaders. They were required to study and memorize the Word, but never given the spiritual truths of the Word. The Religious leaders substituted their tradition as authority over the Word of God

Matt 15:6 . And ye have made void the word of God because of your tradition.

Jesus knew in advance what the religious leaders were planning concerning His death. Yet, He still asked the Father to forgive them. Jesus had the power to forgive sins, but ask the Father to forgive

2. Luke 23:43, “Truly I tell you, today you will be with me in Paradise.”

It was their lucky day. Two thieves were selected to die on the cross with Jesus. The thief on the cross to the right of Jesus confessed his sins and asked Jesus to remember Him. He was  judged for what he had done, humbled himself before Jesus and asked in his way for forgiveness.

Notice the thief's forgiveness was immediate upon asking. He did not have a chance to do any good work. His repentance gained automatic forgiveness. Jesus said today you will be with me in paradise. 

Notice the message is it is never too late to come to Jesus. Don’t ever give up on anyone. Before their last breath they can ask for forgiveness and it will be granted.

The thief on the left of Jesus had the same opportunity for forgiveness. But he chose to deny Jesus as Lord and Savior.

I would suggest that the thief on the left of Jesus had the same information. He chose to ridicule Jesus' position and authority as useless. He chose hell rather than the heaven he was looking at.

If we are looking at percentages, 50% of the people in the world will reject Jesus as Lord and Savior.  50% will choose heaven. We are not given this information to make any judgement.  We are given this information to have compassion on the lost. Our job is to the plant the seed of salvation with words from the Lord.

3. Mark 15:34; Matthew 27:46, “My God, my God, why have you forsaken me?”

Some say this was a complaint to the Fathers, others say it was a cry for help.  I believe it was a question for you and I to consider. In the BEGINNING was Word and the Word was God and the Word was with God.  

Jesus is the author and the finisher of the Word.  He planned this event. He planned every detail of His death. This was not a surprise , but a fulfillment of an Old Testament prophecy, Psalm 22:1 It was a fulfilment of His planned suffering. 

You and I have the answer to this important question. 

This  was for our sake, for our salvation, for our way back to God. Why did God abandon Jesus? He had to allow Jesus to carry the weight of sin for all times.

 Had the Father stepped in, there would be no salvation. 

Had the Father stepped in there would be no perfect sacrifice.

 Had the Father stepped in there would be no atonement for sin. 

Had the Father stepped in there would be no Grace and mercy covering our lives  

I have heard it said often that God turned away from Jesus because He could not look at sin. If that is the case, why did God invite Satan to a meeting with all the angels (see the story ofJob)? Why did God allow Satan into the Garden of Eden to deceive Eve?  If that is the case why did God have conversion with Satan in the Garden of Eden?

Jesus who is one with the Father dealt with Satan and His demons throughout His ministry. After His baptism by John, He was led by the Holy Spirit who is one with the Father to be tempted by Satan, the origin and master mind of sin.

I believe it is a misinterpretation of Habahhuk 1:13 

Hab 1:13 But you are pure and cannot stand the sight of evil. Will you wink at their treachery? Should you be silent while the wicked swallow up people more righteous than they?  NLT

I believe that there are some questions God wants us to meditate and research before He leads us to the answer.

What we do know is Jesus will never leave us or forsake us. He resides in our hearts as long as we abide in Him

4. John 19:26-27, “Woman, here is your son… Here is your mother.”

Jesus looked down from the cross and saw John and Mary huddling together in agony and grief watching this horrible injustice. Jesus had other brothers and sisters who were not there at the cross. Jesus made sure that His mother was taken care of according to the commands of scripture (Exodus 22:22-24).

Ex 22:22  Ye shall not afflict any widow, or fatherless child. 23 If thou afflict them at all, and they cry at all unto me, I will surely hear their cry;

John 19:26  And from that hour the disciple took her unto his own (home).

We cannot be sure that Mary’s other sons would not have provided for her. James the Lord’s half brother became a disciple and a preacher/teacher. Yet Jesus, knowing this,  did not assign the job of taking care of Mary to him. Jesus was the eldest son, so the job of taking care of His mothers was His. 

We do not see any objection from Mary. God knows best for us when the future is uncertain. This does point out to us that we are responsible for our mothers when the father dies or deserts the Wife when she is a widower indeed. The blessing is clear, honor your mother and your father that your days may be long.

5. John 19:28, “I am thirsty."

Jesus having been nailed to the cross from early in the morning until the afternoon would have thirst for water.  I do not believe Jesus was thirsty for water but for other reasons. 

John 4:14 but whosoever drinketh of the water that I shall give him shall never thirst; but the water that I shall give him shall become in him a well of water springing up unto eternal life.

I believe Jesus' thirst was for lost. He said those that the Father gives me I lose none.  In plain view of Jesus were His people who were lost.

I believe Jesus thirst that the Father be glorified 

I believed that Jesus thirst for the fulfillment of the prophecies 

I believe Jesus thirst to be back on the throne to make intercessions for all believers

I believe Jesus thirst for the opportunity to answer our prayers

I believe Jesus thirst for the opportunity to give us peace and Joy

I believe Jesus thirst for the testimonies that believers would give to encourage others in the goodness of the Lord

6. John 19:30, “It is finished.”

Jesus finished the work that the Father gave Him

Jesus became the author and finisher of our faith

Jesus fulfilled all the prophecies concerning Him 

Jesus fulfilled all of His commandments (some say 613) 

Jesus open the door for all who believe to enter heaven’

Jesus is the atonement for all sins, past, presence and future. 

Jesus finished the foundation of His Church

Jesus is our one and only High Priest

7. Luke 23:46, “Father, into your hands I commend my spirit.”

Jesus’s spirit exited the fleshly body He took on to live on earth

And returned to the Father

Jesus took on mortality to become man,  but returned to immortality

All power over heaven and earth was given to Him 

I don’t know where the spirit of Jesus went after it left his earthly body before His resurrection. It was three days of activities as time is never waisted. 

     He may have visited the place of the dead who died in faith and   

     proclaimed victory over death.

1 Peter 3:18 Because Christ also suffered for sins once, the righteous for the unrighteous, that he might bring us to God; being put to death in the flesh, but made alive in the spirit; 19 in which also he went and preached unto the spirits in prison.

Jesus set the example of Hope for all believers

2 Cor 5:8 we are of good courage, I say, and are willing rather to be absent from the body, and to be at home with the Lord.

Man is composed of a body, a spirit and a soul. The body will rot in a grave, but the spirit in some way floats to another place

Eccl 12:7 and the dust returneth to the earth as it was, and the spirit returneth unto God who gave it.

God is the keeper of our spirits which He will judge. Some will be judged for heaven and some judged for the eternal hell

2 Cor 5:10 For we must all be made manifest before the judgment-seat of Christ; that each one may receive the things (done) in the body, according to what he hath done, whether (it be) good or bad.

THANK YOU JESUS FOR THE MESSAGE YOU GAVE FROM THE CROSS