What is Palm Sunday?

Answer: The Sunday before Easter Sunday is called Palm Sunday.

In the Bible, the book of Matthew (21:1-11), explains how Jesus approached Jerusalem riding on a donkey and some of the people in the crowd spread their cloaks on the floor while others cut palm branches and spread them on the road. They were all shouting “Hosanna to the Son of David”, “Blessed is he who comes in the name of the Lord!’ “Hosanna in the highest”.

This is why the Sunday before Easter Sunday is called Palm Sunday.

What is good Friday?

Answer: The Easter Friday is called good Friday because it reminds us of the day Jesus took our sins on the cross and died for mankind.

Why do Christians celebrate Easter Sunday?

Answer: Easter Sunday is when Jesus conquered death. It is a celebration of Jesus Christ rising bodily from the grave. After he rose, he ascended into heaven and sat at the right hand of God the Father, where he is now looking down on each one of us and interceding for us.

Why do Christians generally forbid unlawful killing but celebrate the killing of Jesus Christ?

Answer: It is true that the Bible forbids murder (see Exodus 20:13; Deuteronomy 5:17) but Christians celebrate the death of Jesus Christ on the cross because he willingly took our punishment on him on the cross. This is reflected in the severity of the punishment that he received including nails being punched into his hands and feet and his long lingering death. This is as bad as any punishment we would have had to endure if God punished each of us for breaking his commandments. Because of Jesus Christ’s selfless act on the Cross, Romans 10:9 states that if you confess with your mouth that Jesus is Lord and believe in your heart that God raised him from the dead, you will be saved.”

If Jesus Christ is the son of God, why didn’t he stop himself being murdered?

Answer: Jesus had power to stop his own death but he chose not to use his supernatural powers as Son of God, because of his love for humanity. He knew that the only way that humankind could be reconciled with God the father was for him, Jesus, to willingly die as punishment for our transgressions of God’s law.

How can God be a good father and still allow his son to be killed when he had the power to stop the killing?

Answer: The Bible tells us in John 3:16 that “God so loved the world, that he gave his only Son, that whoever believes in him should not perish but have eternal life”.

How can Jesus Christ save me from my sins when he could not save himself from death?

Answer: Jesus Christ could have saved himself from death but chose not to do so because he wanted humankind to be reconciled to God the Father. Humankind had driven a wedge in their relationship between God the Father and themselves when they broke his commandments about how to live. God the Father also laid down punishments for those who broke his law and because he created the world, he could dictate the laws. Humankind’s only chance of being forgiven for their sins and reconciling their relationship with God was if someone took the punishment for humankind’s sin so Jesus Christ did exactly that.

How can the death of someone over 2000 years ago, affect my life today when I have never met him?

Answer: The Bible answers it in this manner - see John 16:33, “ I have told you these things, so that in me you may have peace. In this world, you will have trouble. But take heart! I have overcome the world!”

When you accept Jesus Christ as your saviour, you are changed from deep inside your inner man because you gain an ally in the form of the Holy Spirit who comes to live in your spirit and guides you through life. This is a direct result of Jesus Christ dying so many years ago for humankind.

Did Jesus Christ rise metaphorically from the dead or for real?

Answer: He rose bodily for real and the Bible tells us that many people saw him, ate and drunk with him and also touched him, after he rose from the dead.

If Jesus Christ took my sins on him on the cross then why doesn’t he stop me from sinning today?

Answer: God has given each one a choice to follow or to reject him. He will not impose his will on mankind but offers the means to overcome temptation from sin. It is up to us if we take up that offer.

Which one is more important, Easter or Christmas?

Answer: Although these dates are not the actual dates the events occurred, they are both equally important as they celebrate different aspects of Jesus Christ’s life. Christmas celebrates the birth of Jesus and Easter celebrates his death, resurrection and ascension into heaven.

Why not join our Fruitful Life weekly meetings where we discuss these and other fascinating Bible stories and topics in an informal environment. It is a chance for you to make friends as well. Due to the pandemic, we now meet on Zoom on Tuesdays 7.30pm-8.45pm; Wednesdays 6pm-7pm and Thursdays 7.30pm-8.30pm. Zoom Meeting ID 820 941 4079 or call 0203 051 2874 or send contact us via our contact page on this website.