What does Easter Sunday mean?

Easter Sunday is the day when Jesus rose again. In the Gospel of Matthew, we read that after Christ died, the earth shook, there was darkness, and many people rose from the dead. Then, after his resurrection graves opened up and released their dead, and many of them walked about in Jerusalem and were seen by many people there.

All Passion Plays point to Easter Sunday because when Jesus died it was with the intention of defeating death. When we watch the Passion we are reminded of the intense suffering – both physical and spiritual – that Jesus went through on our behalf, and we are also reminded of the power that raised him from the dead. He was completely innocent so death had no power over him. He was the only innocent person to lay down his life for others and live again because he was the only person who had power over life and death.

Acts 2:24 But God raised him up, having freed him from death, because it was impossible for him to be held in its power.

John 11:25-26  Jesus said to her, “I am the resurrection and the life. Whoever believes in me, though he die, yet shall he live, and everyone who lives and believes in me shall never die.

1 Corinthians 15:3 For I delivered to you as of first importance what I also received: that Christ died for our sins in accordance with the Scriptures.

Romans 6:5 For if we have been united with him in a death like his, we shall certainly be united with him in a resurrection like his.

Philippians 2:8 And being found in human form, he humbled himself by becoming obedient to the point of death, even death on a cross.

John 3:5 Jesus answered, “Truly, truly, I say to you, unless one is born of water and the Spirit, he cannot enter the kingdom of God.

The Passion Plays that take place in free performances every year tell the story of Easter. If you would like to experience the story of Easter Sunday for yourself, you can watch one of the free passion plays performed live throughout Holy Week across the UK. Or you can watch clips and full performances on our YouTube channel here.