Jesus Yeshua was crucified on “PASSOVER”! He is our “Passover Lamb”
This Sunday, March 31, 2024, marks the collective celebration of the Resurrection of Jesus Yeshua across the Christian world. However, a sad undertone exists within this joyous occasion—a mingling of the sacred and the profane. It is poignant that the ancient “pagan” Easter festivities, intertwined initially with the veneration of the springtime goddess Eostre in eighth-century England, have become entangled with the profound significance of our Lord and Savior’s Resurrection.
The Jewish Passover this year is on April 22, 2024. Moreover, Jesus was crucified on Passover as our Passover Lamb and His Resurrection was three days after His Crucifixion.
Matthew 12:40 For as Jonas was three days and three nights in the whale’s belly; so shall the Son of man be three days and three nights in the heart of the earth.
The three days and nights in the belly of the whale are the only references to the time that Jesus gave us when he would rise from the dead. What more do we need than Jesus’s own words? As humanity becomes more ingrained in this world order that has been taking over planet Earth since the fall(sin) of Adam and Eve in the Garden of Eden, humanity is becoming more resistant to the truths found in the Bible. The attitude of “go with the flow” and “do not rock the boat” are becoming predominant in our thinking.
Though historically rooted, this fusion bears the weight of centuries-old traditions deviating from Christian doctrine’s purity. As we reflect on the origins of these observances, we unveil a narrative that blends beliefs and rituals, challenging the essence of our faith.
In delving into history, we confront the unsettling truth that the resonance of pagan rites still echoes within our modern celebrations. It beckons us to reevaluate our participation, to scrutinize the rituals we engage in, and to discern the authenticity of our worship. We’ve incorporated pagan rituals from around the world in the name of evangelism. As we share Jesus Yeshua, we’ve been more concerned about feeding the body than feeding the soul, so we say oh, it’s okay to continue in your pagan customs; as long as you believe, it doesn’t matter.
However! It DOES MATTER! It doesn’t make sense for Christians to evangelize the world and then tell people it’s okay for them to continue in their pagan ways. The fundamental principle of evangelism in Christianity is to share the Gospel and the teachings of Jesus Christ and invite others to follow Him. Evangelism involves encouraging people to turn away from practices contrary to Christian beliefs, including pagan rituals or customs. So, enabling individuals to continue in pagan practices contradicts the core message of Christianity, which emphasizes repentance (change of mind), transformation, and adherence to the teachings of Jesus
This knowledge should make us rethink how we participate and examine the traditions we follow. Easter is one of these pagan traditions. Then, we must consider whether our worship is truly genuine. This discovery encourages us to embark on a profound journey, urging us to reconsider our role in these ancient echoes, carefully examine our traditions, and find the true spirit of our faith. In understanding the past, we illuminate the path to a more profound and authentic expression of our devotion to the risen Christ.
The King James Version of the Bible was translated in 1611; by then, the idea of Easter used in the translation was already ingrained into people’s minds. However, we must correct this, as we’re all shown illumination the more we study the Scriptures. Although many say it is perfectly okay to combine Easter with the Resurrection, I reiterate that, in my opinion, this practice is wrong! I will not tell you that you will lose your salvation because if you “BELIEVE” and “TRUST” in Jesus Yeshua as the Son of God as He says He is, you are saved! However, it could deeply wound your relationship with God, creating an urgent need for reconciliation and healing between you and Him.
Once more, I’d like to express my viewpoint: When we journey alongside the Lord, immerse ourselves in His teachings, and gain enlightenment, we naturally shed remnants of paganism. It’s widely recognized that the work of Satan influences pagan practices and their associated celebrations.
Let’s not forget that Jesus Yeshua was Jewish, and the “Old Testament (Tanakh)” the WORD, points us toward Him. Additionally, Jesus has either fulfilled or will fulfill all the Feasts outlined in Leviticus by Moses. Jesus Yeshua fulfilled over 300 prophecies from the books of Moses and the Old Testament. So, why do we presume to have the authority to change the day of Jesus’s Resurrection?
John 1:1 In the beginning was the Word, and the Word was with God, and the Word was God.
John 1:14 And the Word was made flesh, and dwelt among us, (and we beheld his glory, the glory as of the only begotten of the Father,) full of grace and truth.
I recognize that the following verse in Daniel pertains to the times of the “Tribulation,” and the people (saints) referenced are the Jewish people, but it does give us insight we can use into the workings of Satan. As long as he is the “prince of this world,” he will do all he can to take our eyes off of the truth, and that, in part, is why I am writing this blog. Here is the TRUTH: when we celebrate fertility with eggs, bunnies, and the spring equinox, we are NOT celebrating the Resurrection of our Lord and Savior, Jesus Yeshua!
Daniel 7:25 (KJV) And he shall speak great words against the most High, and shall wear out the saints of the most High, and think to change times and laws: and they shall be given into his hand until a time and times and the dividing of time
Irenaeus recounts that Polycarp, born between 69 and 70 AD to Christian parents, supposedly learned about Jesus directly from the Apostles and became a disciple of St. John the Evangelist. He later assumed the role of Bishop of the church in Smyrna. Polycarp actively worked to discourage Christians from participating in the Pagan Rome Celebrations, facing numerous challenges. Many of these pagan traditions, which continue to influence our Christian practices, are deemed falsehoods perpetuated by Satan.
Revelation 2:8-11 And unto the angel of the church in Smyrna write; These things saith the first and the last, which was dead, and is alive; 9 I know thy works, and tribulation, and poverty, (but thou art rich) and I know the blasphemy of them which say they are Jews, and are not, but are the synagogue of Satan.10 Fear none of those things which thou shalt suffer: behold, the devil shall cast some of you into prison, that ye may be tried; and ye shall have tribulation ten days: be thou faithful unto death, and I will give thee a crown of life.11 He that hath an ear, let him hear what the Spirit saith unto the churches; He that overcometh shall not be hurt of the second death.
Modern theologians suggest that because the word “angel” in the Bible translates to “messenger,” Jesus’s references to angels in the Book of Revelation in His letters to the churches may allude to the bishops or ministers of the congregations in these regions. Therefore, the fact that Polycarp was doing his best to “change the minds” of these Christians should wake us up to the fact that Satan has his claws in our church and our traditions.
In navigating the intricate relationship between Christianity and pagan influences, the concept of discernment emerges as a guiding principle for believers. Discernment, rooted in scriptural wisdom, empowers Christians to distinguish between what aligns with Christ’s teachings and what deviates from His truth.
Scripture exhorts believers to exercise discernment in all aspects of life, particularly in matters of faith and worship.
Hebrews 5:14 But strong meat belongeth to them that are of full age, even those who by reason of use have their senses exercised to discern both good and evil.
This verse underscores the necessity for spiritual maturity cultivated through discernment, enabling Christians to recognize and reject falsehoods that seek to infiltrate their beliefs.
Proverbs 3:5-6 Trust in the Lord with all thine heart; and lean not unto thine own understanding.6 In all thy ways acknowledge him, and he shall direct thy paths.
These verses urges believers to trust in the Lord with all their hearts and lean not on their own understanding, but to acknowledge Him in all their ways. This acknowledgment encompasses the application of discernment, seeking God’s guidance and wisdom to discern truth from deception.
1 Thessalonians 5:21-22 21 Prove all things; hold fast that which is good.22 Abstain from all appearance of evil.
Paul instructs believers to “test everything; hold fast what is good. Abstain from every form of evil.” Here, Paul emphasizes the imperative of discernment, urging Christians to scrutinize every belief and practice against the standard of God’s word, holding fast to that which is righteous and rejecting that which is contrary to His truth.
James 1:5 If any of you lack wisdom, let him ask of God, that giveth to all men liberally, and upbraideth not; and it shall be given him.
James assures believers that if they lack wisdom, they need only ask God, who gives generously to all without finding fault. This divine wisdom enables believers to navigate the world’s complexities with clarity and insight, distinguishing between the sacred and the profane.
In light of these scriptural cautions, Christians are called to approach their faith with discerning hearts and minds, diligently scrutinizing the traditions and practices they uphold. By grounding themselves in the truth of God’s word and seeking His wisdom through prayer, believers can safeguard against the infiltration of pagan influences into their worship and maintain the purity of their devotion to Christ.
Therefore, in the context of Easter celebrations and the encroachment of pagan customs, Christians must exercise discernment, carefully evaluating the origins and implications of their observances. By aligning their practices with the timeless truths of Scripture and relying on the guidance of the Holy Spirit, believers can uphold the sanctity of their faith and honor the resurrection of Jesus Christ without compromise.
For more information, please read these blogs:
God means what He says and says what He means! My hermeneutics are “literal.” Take the initiative to study the scriptures yourself and make your own decisions! Pray for the guidance of the Holy Spirit.
Jesus ~ Amazing Grace! 