A poll back in 2014 found that 1 in 3 children did not know the meaning of 'Good Friday', whilst 1 in 4 did not know why we celebrate Easter Sunday. 

Here in 2018, these children are now teenagers and we are welcoming in a generation who are less informed about Easter than ever. 

It may be tempting to look at these statistics and blame children for not knowing or parents, teachers, church leaders, or the wider church for not sharing... but the greater challenge comes when we think about how we personally are sharing the gospel this Easter. How are we personally speaking up (all year round!) about our Risen Saviour! 

I have a neighbour called Becca who is not a Christian, but when I shared about my job and how we worked with churches, she asked questions about Christianity. This coming Friday, our church has many Easter events and my own personal challenge is how/when to go and invite Becca along to one of our services. 

Reflecting upon this, I was struck by the Mary Magdalene's response to seeing Jesus in the Garden. "Mary Magdalene went to the disciples with the news: "I have seen the Lord!" And she told them that he had said these things to her."

It is such a simple statement yet it captures everything about our faith. We are simply people who have seen the real Jesus and understand who He is, and what He has done for us. Whilst there may be many Easter services, outreach activities, kids activities and the like, we have such a simple message.

So, why should people know the real meaning of Easter if we do not share?! Let us be bold in sharing the simple, life changing message we have.

Sources:

https://www.premier.org.uk/News/UK/Poll-finds-children-are-bewildered-by-Easter