The Meaning of Easter - Pt. 4

 

The next day he [John] saw Jesus coming toward him, and said, “Behold, the Lamb of God, who takes away the sin of the world! This is he of whom I said, ‘After me comes a man who ranks before me, because he was before me.’ I myself did not know him, but for this purpose I came baptizing with water, that he might be revealed to Israel.” And John bore witness: “I saw the Spirit descend from heaven like a dove, and it remained on him. I myself did not know him, but he who sent me to baptize with water said to me, ‘He on whom you see the Spirit descend and remain, this is he who baptizes with the Holy Spirit.’ And I have seen and have borne witness that this is the Son of God.” (John 1:29-34 ESV).

 

Almost all of our holidays have involved the Family Feast. Such a grand family meal has always been a part of celebrating the joyous nature of the Easter holiday. It is true today as Easter remains an occasion for families to gather together and share a meal. But, what’s the story behind the traditional foods that are typically served at such meals?

 

We’ve already discussed eggs and their symbolic connection to the resurrection, so it should be no surprise that eggs have had a place on the Easter table since the days of the early Church. Another original staple of the Easter meal is lamb. Lamb and eggs were both part of the Jewish Passover meal, a precursor to early Easter feasts. Lamb also strongly symbolizes Jesus Christ as the “Lamb of God, who takes away the sin of the world!” (cf. John 1:23). To this day, many people still eat lamb on Easter Sunday.

 

However, the majority of North Americans today celebrate Easter by cooking and enjoying another Easter meat: ham. The tradition of Easter ham arose more out of practicality than symbolism. In Northern Europe, pork was always plentiful and spring was the time to enjoy hams cured over the long winter season. Similarly today, the supply of pork in North America dwarfs that of lamb, keeping this tradition of practicality going strong. Whether lamb or ham is a part of your menu or not, do not miss the truth of our reading today. Jesus is indeed the One who takes away the sin of the world through His sacrificial death. He is also the only One who can give us eternal life through that work of grace and love!