Disney World's Easter Bunny and Beyond

Soft, fuzzy and very cute. The Easter Bunny is everything a little kid could want, bringing chocolate and small gifts to all who anxiously wait for his arrival. It's even more fun to see him at Disneyland or Walt Disney World's Magic Kingdom. It's a great parade!

But do you want something far better? Look no further than the original Easter present, Jesus Christ. His only parade came days before he was killed. Instead of riding on a magnificent war horse, he came riding through town on a donkey- a symbol of humility and coming in peace. But make no mistake, Jesus is still the King of Kings!

The Son of God come in the flesh- the very one who will return to earth one day to establish his eternal kingdom. He’ll come to judge the living and the dead- but His gifts are better than chocolate. He alone gives eternal life, the best gift of all.

But who exactly is Jesus? Or more specifically, "Who is Jesus Christ to you?" This very question will be asked of all of us on earth one day. If you don't understand, read ahead and you'll discover the greatest love story ever told.

His death was brutal, but his blood had to be shed.

In 2023, today is special. It's called Good Friday for we who believe in Jesus and what He came on earth to accomplish. His crucifixion on the cross to pay for the sin of mankind is honored this day. But it's not the end of the story. That's what Easter is all about. Easter Sunday is the joyful celebration of His Resurrection from the dead back to life. 

Just think about this: The very measurement of time changed because of this event!

Jesus is controversial- and His story timeless. Magazines still devote cover stories to Him, books continue to be written, songs composed, and films made. Each piece brings to the forefront Jesus' own question to his disciple Peter, and again, it is one we all must answer: "Who do you say I am?" 

He was not a victim! Jesus was victorious over death and chose to die on our behalf.

Yes, it's true. Just for you and me and the whole earth - from the beginning of time. Jesus chose to lay down his life to redeem us from Hell. The Hell we deserve for our sin. Ever lie? Cheat? Slander? Hold hate in your heart- even hate for yourself? Then, his sacrifice via the cross was a gift just for you. It's a gift that cost him so much pain and sorrow. If you receive this gift of eternal life by choosing and following Him, it's not only a fresh start for you, it's also a gift back to Him. One that will bless him. Yes, it really is something very, very special.

Hung on the cross between two men who deserved to die. 

One chose to believe in Him. One didn't what will you choose?

God is very gracious and loving by making it crystal clear and easy to understand: Jesus Himself says He is the Only Way, the Only Truth, the Only Life and that no one would be able to come to an eternity with God the Father except by receiving Him. (Read the Book of John in the New Testament, Chapter 14). God could have made it difficult to discover, but He did not. It's not from hate or prejudice, it's from love He said what He said and did what He did.

It was His same great love for the people He created- that includes you and me- that caused Him to sacrifice Jesus in our place. And it's His same love that draws you to Him. Can you feel the call to Him in your heart? Does your spirit leap at the sound of His name?

If not, it's time to ask yourself why. 

At the end of time, known as the Final Judgment in the Bible, (See the last book of the Bible. It's called "Revelation"), Jesus has returned to earth as the Triumphant King that He is. Mankind, one person at a time, must give an account for how they have lived their life. Those who have placed their faith in Jesus Christ and have lived to please Him all their days will proceed to an eternal glory free from pain and suffering.

Unfortunately, not all will believe. He gave men free will to choose. To those who have turned away from Jesus, rejected Him even though He was God's gift to pay for our sins, they will be sent to Hell, the place of fire and torment forever. Hell was designed for Satan and his demonic angels, but those that deny Jesus as Messiah (Christ) and follow their own path, end up in that place as well. It's their choice, not God's.

Jesus is not in his tomb.

It was truly a very Good Friday! His story is told to this day all over the world- and in spite of any opposition, it has never been able to be stopped.

You see, at just the right time, when we were still powerless, Christ died for the ungodly. Very rarely will anyone die for a righteous person, though for a good person someone might possibly dare to die. 

But God demonstrates his own love for us in this: While we were still sinners, Christ died for us. (from the Bible's book to the church in Rome, chapter 5, verses 6-8)

So, Jesus' question remains: Who do you say that I am?