OPINION:
Jesus’ life, death and resurrection have captivated billions of people for more than two millennia, with the story of his redemptive sacrifice serving as the centerpiece of the Christian narrative.
The belief that Jesus perished for the sins of the world and overcame death — and that human beings are given eternal life when they acknowledge this reality and put their faith in him — has transformed individual lives, impacted cultures and even brought down entire nations.
To say that the Easter story has been transformational is an understatement, as it remains not only the greatest story ever told, but also one of the most well-known.
Many people know the Gospel narrative well, with key moments such as the Last Supper, Jesus’ march toward his crucifixion and the empty tomb standing out as mainstays in the Easter story.
But as it turns out, there are some shocking and overlooked details surrounding Christ’s death and resurrection that are worthy of a second look this Easter season — events and happenings that often aren’t discussed but that carry profound meaning.
First and foremost, most people know that Judas, one of Jesus’ original 12 disciples, infamously turned on Christ after going to the religious leaders and asking, “What are you willing to give me if I deliver him over to you?”
So, for 30 pieces of silver, Judas began plotting ways to hand Christ over to the authorities.
Some might assume Judas was motivated by mere greed, as John 12:6 reveals that he was a thief who helped himself to the ministry’s money bag.
But we learn something else about Judas as we read the Gospel accounts. His motivation for turning on Jesus was prompted by evil itself. John 13:2 recounts the notion that “the devil had already prompted Judas, the son of Simon Iscariot, to betray Jesus.”
So, rather than Judas merely wanting money, the devil had a foothold over him. And during the Last Supper, when Jesus confirms that he knew Judas’ vindictive and horrific plans, we’re given an even clearer picture surrounding how Judas allowed Satan to overtake his heart and mind.
When Jesus announces to the disciples that one of them will betray him and indicates it’s Judas, John 13:27 proclaims, “Satan entered into [Judas].” From there, Judas left and carried out his plans to hand Christ over, showcasing how easy it is to allow evil to misguide us.
The second event involves the resurrection of “many bodies of the saints who had fallen asleep.” What does this mean, exactly? Matthew 27:51–53 describes a stunning moment after Jesus’ death that is quite often glossed over.
After Jesus cried out on the cross and “gave up his spirit,” the temple curtain was torn in two from top to bottom and a massive earthquake unfolded, but that’s not all.
“The earth shook, the rocks split and the tombs broke open. The bodies of many holy people who had died were raised to life,” Matthew 27:51-52 (NIV) reads, with verse 53 continuing: “They came out of the tombs after Jesus’ resurrection and went into the holy city and appeared to many people.”
The imagery here is quite incredible as long-dead people resurrecting, reemerging from their tombs and making their way into the city to speak with the living seems otherworldly.
There are various ideas surrounding why these individuals came back to life and began appearing, though many see it as a significant moment that underscores Jesus’ ability to overcome death in the most incredible of ways.
Thus, their resurrection points to what would soon happen when Christ, too, exited his tomb.
Finally, the third moment often overlooked in the Easter narrative is the fact that the risen Jesus first appeared to women. This is a remarkable reality considering that females’ testimonies were widely undervalued and overlooked during biblical times.
In fact, John 20 tells us that Mary Magdalene went to Christ’s tomb and noticed the stone was rolled away. She then ran to Peter and others to tell them that Jesus’ body was missing. At first, she seemed to think people had stolen Christ’s remains — but then Jesus appeared to her.
It all unfolds in a beautiful series of events. When two angels at the tomb asked Mary why she was in tears, she responded, “They have taken my Lord away, and I don’t know where they have put him” (John 20:13, NIV).
And that’s when Christ appeared and, in Matthew 28:10 (NIV), instructed Mary and the other woman with her to “go and tell my brothers.” Mary then fled to tell the disciples and recounted what had happened, simultaneously delivering some important instructions from Jesus.
People will speculate about why Jesus chose women to be the first to see him, though it seems clear that Christ saw value in all people. And it’s deeply significant for many social, cultural and theological reasons.
Women served primary roles in his life and ministry — and the aforementioned accounts, especially considering gender roles at the time, add credence and corroboration to the Gospel narrative surrounding the resurrection.
As we celebrate the Easter season, it’s worth exploring some of these unknown elements. While there’s certainly some mystery, each provides either a cautionary warning or a powerful corroborative piece that helps us draw closer to God.
• Billy Hallowell is a digital TV host and interviewer for Faithwire and CBN News and the co-host of CBN’s “Quick Start Podcast.” Mr. Hallowell is the author of four books.
Please read our comment policy before commenting.