Symbols in the Bible - EASTER

The Cross/ Crucifixion is the symbol of Jesus’ death & resurrection.  But in Roman times it was considered a most shameful and disgraceful way to die.  It symbolized an execution.  It was also a humiliation, by making the condemned as vulnerable as possible.  The length of time required to reach death could range from hours to days depending on the method, the victim's health, and the environment.

Crucifixion (or impalement), in one form or another, was also used by Persians, Carthaginians, and Macedonians.  Notorious mass crucifixions followed the Third Servile War in 73–71 BC (the slave rebellion under Spartacus), and other Roman civil wars in the 2nd and 1st centuries BC.

Many Christians today believe that we should do away with the symbols of our modern celebration of Easter.  They say that these symbols are non-Christian in origin.  And, yes, some of those symbols are too much of a stretch to associate with this Holy Day; but not all of them.  Even so, when you see a lamb, Easter baskets & bunnies, and the cross at Easter-time, people do think of Easter.  This can lead them to at least think of Jesus.  And this can lead to a Christian’s opportunity to witness to those in need of the Gospel.

Many are saying we should not associate any of these symbols with the Death and Resurrection of Christ, that they are pagan in origin.  So, since the cross was originally a symbol of execution (non-Christian), is it also wrong to think, & display, it as the symbol of Christ?

I say, NO!  Think of all the parables of Jesus, who used “symbols” in the Bible.  Jesus used ordinary things - non-religious stuff - to illustrate Biblical truths:  new & old cloth, new & old wineskins, lamp on a stand,  fig tree, seeds in the ground , weeds, mustard seed, yeast, pearl of great price, sheep, sheep gate, lost sheep, lost (prodigal) son, lost coin, rich man & Lazarus, Pharisee and tax collector, wicked tenants, wedding banquet, and more.

Jesus used whatever he needed for the group to whom he was ministering to get His point across.   So why can’t we?

I took these pictures in 2010 at The Holy Land Experience in Orlando, Florida.