Why is Easter Good News? Part 3

Sin is not just a verb

Hello! Can I just start by saying how grateful I am that you’re here? A group of adults willing to nerd out about theology for the sake of kids getting better theology? My heart.

Alright, let’s do it! This is Part 3 in our series looking at the many different ways the Bible talks about Easter as good news. Fair warning, there might come a time as you read when you think, “Wait—what does this have to do with kids?” But read on, until you reach the banner “Wait—what does this have to do with kids?” (Also, next week will help even more!)

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It starts with God’s dream

Anytime we want to talk about what Jesus’ life, death, and resurrection make possible, we have to start at the beginning. We have to start with God’s dream.

Humanity, being made in the image of God, is invited to be like God in the way we live in the world. The dream is a universe full of God’s goodness, justice, joy, abundance, peace, love, and life. Beautiful, right?

But the world that actually exists around us is…often not so beautiful. The reason the Bible gives for that gap, between the jaw-dropping beauty of a world filled with God’s character, and the unspeakable tragedy of a world broken and distorted, is Sin.

Sin is a noun

So often the definition of sin gets narrowed to just a verb–actions we take. But it’s also an adjective, describing how the world is, so far from the dream. And, importantly for today, it’s a noun, a Thing that works against humanity and God. Paul often personifies Sin, such as when he talks about the “power of sin” in Romans.

One reason Easter is good news is that it tells the story of Jesus breaking the power of Sin and setting us free.