Knowing of Mary’s reputation of witnessing to everyone, one nurse did all she could to avoid Mary. Upon hearing that Mary was dying she asked herself why Mary was so happy and she was so sad and empty. The nurse went into Mary’s room. “Mary, why haven’t you asked me if I believe in Easter?” Mary said, “Do you believe in Easter?” “I want to,” the nurse said, “Will you help me?” Mary prayed with the nurse to invite the living Jesus into her heart as Savior and Lord. The nurse smiled, “Mary, I believe in Easter.” Shortly after that Mary went home to be with Jesus – she believed in Easter.

Do you believe in Easter? I don’t mean do you celebrate Easter in some way – have you invited the Jesus of Easter into your heart and life? He died on the cross for the sins of the world and arose victorious on the third day to live in the hearts of His children.

Why should you believe in Easter?

First – Easter is a HISTORICAL EVENT. The tomb is empty. After his resurrection, Jesus appeared to his followers for over 40 days. Many were so convinced that they laid down their lives as martyrs for Christ.

Second – Easter is a HOLY EXPERIENCE. When you meet the living Christ, you are on holy ground. When Jesus appeared to his followers he showed them his nailed scarred hands and feet and his spear pierced side. They worshipped him and doubting Thomas exclaimed, “My Lord and my God!” (John 20:24-28)

Third – Easter is a HAPPENING OF EARTHQUAKE PROPORTIONS. When Jesus died on the cross there was a mighty earthquake and when He arose from the dead there was an earthquake. An angel rolled the stone away from the entrance to the tomb. Not to let Christ out but so we could see in. (Matthew28:1-9) John looked in, “He saw and believed” (John 20:7-8). Easter began a movement of earthquake proportions. (Acts 16:25-34) When Paul, a religious zealot who hated Christians, encountered the living Christ on the Damascus road, his life was turned around. Why? He believed in Easter.

Fourth – Easter is a HOLY SPIRIT ENCOUNTER. When you believe and receive the Christ of Easter, He comes to live in your heart. (Revelation 3:20) The Holy Spirit comes to indwell and work through you. (Romans 5:5) We have the promise that, “If the Spirit that raised Jesus from the dead dwells in you, He who raised Christ from the dead will also give life to your mortal bodies through His Spirit who dwells in you” (Romans 8:9-11).

Fifth – Easter is a HOPE ENCOURAGER. After Jesus’ crucifixion, the disciples gathered behind locked doors in fear and hopelessness. But on the third day the resurrected Christ Jesus appeared before them and said, “Peace be unto you” (John 20:19). Easter brought hope out of death and darkness. “I AM the resurrection and the life. He who believes in me, though he may die, shall live” (John 11:25).

Do you believe in Easter? “That if you confess with your mouth the Lord Jesus and believe in your heart that God has raised him from the dead, you will be saved” (Romans 10:9-10).