Easter Sunday, our day to celebrate Jesus’ resurrection and the promise of heaven to those who believe.
We honor this day because it brings hope – hope for eternity without suffering or pain. It also signifies the truth of the gospel that culminated in one beautiful moment. The tomb was empty. Our Savior rose from the grave.
Jesus confirmed God’s plan when he spoke these words, “And if I go and prepare a place for you, I will come back and take you to be with me that you also may be where I am,” (John 14:3). Not only that, but He also showed us a living example during a conversation with a thief on a cross.
“Then he said, ‘Jesus, remember me when you come into your kingdom. Jesus answered him, ‘Truly I tell you, today you will be with me in paradise,” (Luke 23:42-43).
This promise of everlasting life is more than we deserve. Spending eternity in heaven with our Savior? Rejoicing with the saints? As Christians, we long for that day. But that’s not all Jesus gave us on Easter.
Looking at the events surrounding Resurrection Day reveals five other gifts Jesus freely gave. These gifts are not just for eternity. They are for us to accept and enjoy in this life, as well. Here are five gifts Jesus gave us on Easter. Discovering these gifts will give us even more reason to celebrate.
1. Peace
Jesus spent His final hours with the disciples before the soldiers arrested Him. He shared wisdom, encouraged them, and ministered to them. During their time together, Jesus gave away something valuable many of us take for granted. Jesus gave His peace.
“Peace I leave with you; my peace I give you. I do not give to you as the world gives. Do not let your hearts be troubled and do not be afraid,” (John 14:27).
He exuded peace in the most excruciating times. He demonstrated the power of peace while facing one challenge after another. So if we have the same peace that carried Jesus, why do we carry fear, anxiety, and stress?
We have that peace with us right now, guarding our hearts, minds, and spirits. And if peace could bring calm to the treacherous situations Jesus faced, imagine what it can do in our lives today.
2. The Holy Spirit
Advocate, Counselor, Spirit of truth, Helper – He came to fill a void in our spirits and guide us on our journey. However, the Holy Spirit could only come when Jesus went to be with the Father.
Jesus didn’t want to leave us alone. He said, “I will not leave you as orphans…” (John 14:18). He knew we would need help because the “prince of the world” was coming. So after He gave His peace, Jesus promised us the Holy Spirit.
“And I will ask the Father, and he will give you another advocate to help you and be with you forever – the Spirit of truth,” (John 14:16-17a).
3. Joy
Loss rips at our hearts and tears away our strength. When we experience grief, it’s hard to find the joy to face another day. I can’t fully comprehend what it was like for Jesus’ followers, standing there watching the sinless Son of God receive such punishment. Yet knowing what was coming, Jesus wanted to prepare His disciples for the grief they would feel when they saw Him on the cross.
“Very truly I tell you, you will weep and mourn while the world rejoices. You will grieve, but your grief will turn to joy… Now is your time of grief, but I will see you again and you will rejoice, and no one will take away your joy,” (John 16:20, 22).
What an amazing gift! Jesus turned our “weeping into dancing” and our grief into joy. Yes, we will experience loss. Grief will come. But it doesn’t have to stay, because Jesus promised to replace it with everlasting joy.
4. Forgiveness
I mess up so often. Mistakes seem to be my constant companion. Self-condemnation creeps in and causes me to question. How can God forgive someone like me?
Jesus knew I would have these doubts. We all will. And because of that, He made a way for us to release the burden of condemnation to our loving God. While being ridiculed with a crown of thorns and enduring pain beyond belief, Jesus spoke.
“Father, forgive them, for they do not know what they are doing,” (Luke 23:34).
And with that one simple sentence, Jesus gave me the freedom to take my sins to the Father and ask for forgiveness. Regardless of what we’ve done, Jesus bore the punishment for our sins.
5. His Presence
Mary ran back to the 12 to share the news. She found the tomb empty. What Jesus said was true, but some didn’t believe her. Still, Jesus did not give up on them. He never gives up on us.
He appeared to them several times in the following days. And with this final charge, Jesus gave one more gift, the gift of His presence.
“…And surely I am with you always, to the very end of the age,” (Matthew 28:20b).
The disciples had no reason to fear the coming days. They would be tested and accused, experience loss and heartbreak. But Jesus gave them all they would need. He gave them Himself.
As we celebrate Easter, let’s not forget Jesus’ gifts of peace, the Holy Spirit, joy, forgiveness, and His presence. Let’s worship our Savior by receiving these gifts from Him. When we embrace all Jesus gave, we honor Him with our lives. Not just on Easter, but every day of the year.
An Easter Prayer
Heavenly Father, thank you for the gift of your son Jesus Christ. Through Him, our lives are made new. Thank you for the gifts He gave during His final days on this earth. May we embrace these gifts as we celebrate His goodness this Easter. In Jesus’ name, Amen.
Kristine Brown is a communicator at heart who teaches about God’s powerful, relatable Word. She is the author of Over It. Conquering Comparison to Live Out God’s Plan and founder of the non-profit organization, More Than Yourself, Inc. Kristine writes about her God-story and helps others discover their own at www.kristinebrown.net.
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