The time popularly known as “Easter” is best known in New Zealand as an extra-long holiday weekend. For Christians, this is a time of commemorating the death of Jesus Christ on “Good Friday” and celebrating his return to life on “Resurrection Sunday”.
In Christianity the death and resurrection of Jesus is held to be the central event of world history and the axis upon which the fate of every human turns. That is why the cross has been the defining symbol of Christianity since ancient times.
Hot cross buns became a Christian tradition hundreds of years ago. They were baked to be eaten on Good Friday, after an extended time of fasting had ended. The spices in the bread were added to remind of the embalming spices used to prepare Jesus’ body for burial. The cross mark on the bun represents the manner of Jesus’ death—crucified as a guilty criminal on a Roman cross.
Three Things Jesus Said About His Death, from the Gospel of Matthew
On the Road: Matthew 20:28 – Responding to some of his followers who thought Jesus would give them power and prestige, Jesus said that the reason he came was “not to be served but to serve others and to give his life as a ransom for many.”
At the Table: Matthew 26:28 – Jesus spoke to his closest friends during his final meal before he was arrested and condemned to death. He raised a cup of wine and said: “this is my blood, which confirms the new covenant between God and his people. It is poured out as a sacrifice to forgive the sins of many.” Jesus here began the practice of taking the bread and wine at church to commemorate his death and look forward to his eventual return.
In the Orchard: Matthew 26:39 – In an olive grove called Gethsemane Jesus prayed intensely as he struggled to prepare himself for his impending death and the spiritual trauma it would involve. “He went on a little farther and bowed with his face to the ground, praying, ‘My Father! If it is possible, let this cup of suffering be taken away from me. Yet I want your will to be done, not mine.’”
Good Friday is remembered as the day of Jesus’ death, when he made peace with God for all his people. But that is not the whole story of Easter. The Sunday is remembered as the day that Jesus was brought back to life. Jesus’ resurrection is important too: it showed that he was vindicated by God, that his sacrifice was approved, and that he has victory over death.
Do you have questions about the meaning of Good Friday or Easter Sunday? Or would you like to know more about Christian faith and practice? Or do you need prayer for something? Get in touch through the contact form below!
*TakeAnotherLook is a church-based ministry in Henderson West Auckland, aiming to bring the message about Jesus to people’s attention and to clarify misunderstandings about Christian faith.
“Take Another Look” is a West Auckland-based ministry that aims to commend Jesus to people’s hearts and minds, and promote the way of life that the good news of Jesus invites us into. If you would like to discover the widely-held beliefs and practices and aspirations for good-character among Christians, please visit and explore www.TakeAnotherLook.nz. Or, if you have questions you would like discussed, please get in touch through the contact page.
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