The Bible is all about personal and spiritual transformation. Both the Hebrew Scriptures and the New Testament contain many stories in which people and situations were transformed from a state of hopelessness to triumph. The Easter and Passover traditions are excellent examples of this important Biblical theme.
Easter, the festival commemorating Jesus' resurrection from the dead, is perhaps the most poignant Biblical example of how God's power lifted up Jesus, and in this way transformed the world. According to the New Testament's four Gospels, Jesus was crucified on the eve of the Jewish Sabbath — the last day of the week, or on Friday. He rose from the grave "early the first day of the week," Mark 16:9. or on Sunday, and was reunited with his followers.
As some investigation into the background of the Gospels shows, early Christians learned to articulate the full significance this remarkable event gradually. The Gospel of Mark, which many scholars believe to be the first gospel account written, probably originally concluded with the empty tomb — that is, with verse eight of chapter 16. John's Gospel, written last, offers the most fully developed narrative of meetings between the risen Saviour and his disciples.
