“Joseph of Arimathea, a prominent member of the Council, who was himself waiting for the kingdom of God, went boldly to Pilate and asked for Jesus’ body.”(Mark 15:43 NIV)

“Early on the first day of the week, while it was still dark, Mary of Magdala went to the tomb and saw that the stone had been removed from the entrance. So she came running to Simon Peter and the other disciple, the one Jesus loved, and said, ‘They have taken the Lord out of the tomb, and we don’t know where they have put him!’ So Peter and the other disciple started for the tomb. Both were running, but the other disciple outran Peter and reached the tomb first.” (John 20:1-4 NIV)

Easter egg hunts are popular. My grand-daughters enjoyed several this year. The egg is used at Easter as a symbol of new life and rebirth. Some reports state that this ancient custom became a part of the celebrations in the medieval period. Others attribute it to Martin Luther. Whatever the origins, it is a tradition that has carried on for many years and delights children of all ages as they run to seek and find as many Easter treats as possible.

In an Easter egg hunt you have to be bold, and you have to run. If you don’t get out there quickly others beat you in the race to find the goodies and you lose out.

Joseph of Arimathea, went boldly to Pilate to request the body of Jesus. His greatest concern was that Jesus’ body be treated with loving respect and given a proper burial. Such concern and love motivated him to approach Pilate, not knowing what his own fate might be as he presented his request.

Mary Magdalene went to the tomb. She was motivated to care for Jesus even after His death. When she could not find Him she ran to the disciples and they in turn, upon hearing her news ran, as fast they could to the tomb in search for Jesus.

All of these who loved Jesus were on a hunt. Joseph, to be first to find and receive the body of Jesus. Mary and the disciples compelled to discover where His body had been taken and possibly hidden.

They were all on the hunt for the dead Jesus.

What are we on the hunt for this Easter? A dead figure from the past who did many wonderful things but now really has no living part in our lives? Or the Jesus who revealed Himself, alive and well to Mary as she stood alone, crying at the empty tomb, after the disciples, upon seeing the empty tomb returned to their homes?

The egg is used as a symbol at Easter to represent new life and rebirth. Jesus was raised from the dead into new life and a new body. He was taken up into the heavenly realm and was seated at the right hand of the Father, where He lives and reigns and desires to be a living part of our lives each and every day. For He is not dead. He is alive and the greatest treasure and friend we shall ever find.

Prayer: Father God, how remarkable is the conclusion to the death of Jesus, for He is not dead. He is alive forever more. Alive to shepherd and care for each and everyone who seeks Him, to impart to each one the eternal life which He, Himself possesses. Motivate people, worldwide to boldly hunt for the living Christ this Easter that they may embrace the greatest treasure and friend they could ever find. In Christ’s name we ask. Amen.

Lynne Phipps
Atlin, B.C. Canada