Honoring Jesus at Easter
#15 in the Restoring Faith Series
This is an addendum and conclusion to the Restoring Faith Series. It was saved to publish at the appropriate time as an Easter greeting and an important reminder.
In Chapter One, Bobby’s mother introduces him to the truth that the Bible helps us to know who Jesus was. The chapter concludes with this statement: “When people today read what Jesus did and said long ago, they find the very answers they need to their own questions about how to live today. It seems as though he is talking right to them.” It makes sense to me that I grew up believing that the Bible was about Jesus and that I should live my life following his example.
#1: What Does It Mean to Be Like Jesus?
#2: What I Believed About Being Brave
#5: Jesus Goes about Doing Good
#7: Jesus is Glad (Happy and Friendly)
#9: Jesus Helps People Be Good
#10: Some People Will Not Listen
#11: Jesus and Unfriendly People
#12: Jesus Trusts and Prays to God
#13 Jesus Asks God to Help Unfriendly People
#14 Remembering Jesus’ Birthday
Honoring Jesus at Easter
This final chapter begins with Bobby peeking into the sanctuary of his church.
“The sun was shining through the picture window. There were flowers everywhere. And the organ was playing lovely music. Bobby stood very still, as some bells began to ring, high up in the church tower.”
Bobby quietly closed the door and walked to the children’s room, where he spent the morning. Upon arriving home, he told his mother about peeking in the door. His mother was glad he had peeked in. “I think the flowers and the music were more beautiful today than on any Easter that I can remember.”
When Bobby asked why there were flowers and music on Easter, his mother responded, “The people who love Jesus want to show how glad they are on Easter.” To which Bobby asked, “Why are they glad on Easter?”
“You remember, dear, that some people did not love Jesus. They wanted to stop him from helping people.”
“They hurt him,” Bobby remembered.
“Yes, dear. They thought they had stopped him. They thought he was dead forever.”
“But Jesus could not be dead,” Bobby said.
“That is just what Easter tells us, Bobby. “It reminds us that the unfriendly people did not stop him. Jesus was doing what God planned for him to do. He was showing people that God loved them. He was showing them how they could live as God wanted them to live. And so nothing in all the world could stop him. On Easter, Jesus came back to his friends. He showed them he would always be with them.”
Bobby’s mother then reads the story of Easter from the Bible and concludes with Jesus speaking to the disciples. “All power is given unto me in heaven and in earth. Go ye therefore and teach all nations, and lo, I am with you always, even unto the end of the world.”
The book concludes with Bobby reflecting on the story and then saying. “I am glad Jesus came back to his friends. I am glad he went on helping them. I think God planned it so Jesus would always help people.”
Throughout the book, the plan was always about loving Jesus and loving others. This thought is present in every chapter. How was the power vested in Jesus intended to help his followers? To love one another. Why would Jesus be with them always? To love one another. What did Jesus demonstrate throughout his ministry? How to love one another. What were the disciples instructed to teach others? How to love one another. What was the Good News? That God loved us so much that he sent Jesus to show us how to love one another. Why was Jesus willing to die? To demonstrate his love.
“A new command I give you: Love one another. As I have loved you, so you must love one another. By this everyone will know that you are my disciples, if you love one another.”
—Jesus—
The Book’s Author: Mary Alice Jones
It was not easy to find information about the author of the book, Tell Me About Jesus, but I wanted to honor her lifetime devoted to doing the best she knew for children. She did a remarkable job. Every author knows there are moments in books where we could have done better. Thank you, ChatGPT, for helping me out once again!
Mary Alice Jones was an accomplished author and educator, known for her significant contributions to children's religious literature. She wrote numerous books that focused on Bible stories, Christian values, and moral lessons, making complex religious concepts accessible to young readers. Jones held a Bachelor's degree from the University of Texas, a Master's degree from Northwestern University, and a Doctorate in Religious Education from Yale University. Her extensive education and deep commitment to religious education were reflected in her prolific writing and her role as a religious educator.
In her professional career, Jones served as the editor for children's publications under the Methodist church's publishing board and as the Director of Children's Work for the General Board of Education of the Methodist Church. Additionally, she worked as a staff consultant for the Council of Churches, where she contributed her expertise to developing educational programs and materials. Through these roles, Mary Alice Jones had a lasting impact on the religious education of children, helping to shape the materials and programs used to teach young congregants within the Methodist church and beyond.