ALPHA MAAMA (A.M.)

 Resurrection Sunday (Sapate Toetu‘u)

 Sapate ‘Epeleli 4, 2021 

“He is Risen! He is risen indeed”

Kuo Toetu ‘u ‘a e ‘Eiki. Kuo Toetu‘u mo‘oni!

 

Saame 4, 5, 6 (Psalms 4, 5, 6)

What is Easter? Without a doubt one of the most important celebrations in the Christian calendar, Easter is a holiday that celebrates the Resurrection of our Lord Jesus Christ. After his crucifixion, death, and burial, three days later, he arose from the grave. In doing so, he conquered death and redeemed us from sin if we believe in Him.

The resurrection of Jesus Christ from the dead is the core of the Christian gospel. Saint Paul says that if Christ is not raised from the dead, then our preaching and hope are in vain (1 Cor. 15:14). Certainly, without the resurrection, there would be no Christian preaching or faith. The apostles of Christ would have continued as the disheartened group which the Gospel of John depicts being in hiding for fear of the Jews. They were in total despair until they met the risen Christ (John 20:19). Then they touched Christ's wounds of the nails and the spear; they ate and drank with Him. The resurrection became the foundation of everything they said and did (Acts 2-4): “...for a spirit has not flesh and bones as you see that I have” (Luke 24:39).

The resurrection affirms Jesus of Nazareth as not only the prophesied Messiah of Israel but as the King and Lord of a new Jerusalem: a new heaven and a new earth.

 

Events on Sunday

Some women discover the empty tomb and are instructed by angels (Matt. 28:1-7; Mark 16:1-7; Luke 24:1-7; John 20:1).

The women, fearful and joyful, leave the garden and tell the disciples (Matt. 28:8-10; Luke 24:8-11; John 20:2).

Peter and John rush to the tomb based upon Mary Magdalene's report and discover it empty (Luke 24:12; John 20:3-10).

Mary returns to the tomb and encounters Jesus (John 20:11-18).

Jesus appears to Cleopas and a friend on the road to Emmaus (Luke 24:13-35).

That evening Jesus appears to the Eleven (minus Thomas) in a house in Jerusalem (Luke 24:36-43; John 20:19-23).