Does anyone know what today is?
This story was first published on Perspective in April, 2020. It’s repeated here as the kind of story to read to your children or grandchildren. Laugh together at its humor, then discuss the true story of Palm Sunday[1] and Easter[2] and what it means to us all, of every age.
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A wonderful story is told about a group of four-year-olds meeting together in a Chattanooga, Tennessee, Sunday school class. Their enthusiastic teacher asked this question: “Does anyone know what today is?”
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A little girl held up her finger and said, “Yes, today is Palm Sunday.”
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“That's fantastic,” the teacher exclaimed. “Now does anyone know what next Sunday is?”
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The same little girl held up her finger.
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“Yes,” she replied. “Next Sunday is Easter Sunday.”
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Once again an elated, freshly inspired Sunday school teacher said, “Wonderful. Now, does anyone know what makes next Sunday Easter?"
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Silence in the class.
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Then, once again, the same little girl responded.
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“Yes, next Sunday is Easter because Jesus rose from the grave.”
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And before the teacher could congratulate her on her answer, she kept on talking.
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“But, if he sees his shadow … he has to go back in for seven more weeks!”
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Don't you love that story? I think it's wonderful.
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It also says something to us all.
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It's important to get the story straight.
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Is the Resurrection legend? Or life?
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It's life. There’s not a shadow of doubt. Eternal life!
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So let's celebrate!
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After all, it’s really our hope. Our story. Our party. And the Guest of Honor who makes it all possible … is JESUS.
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Begin your Easter with a smile. With laughter. With joy!
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Christ is risen!
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He is risen indeed!
[1] Matthew 21:1-11; Mark 11:1-11; Luke 19:28-44; John 12:12-19 — Jesus’ triumphal entry is traditionally celebrated by Christians on the Sunday before Easter
[2] Matthew 28; Mark 16; Luke 24; John 20 — resurrection of Jesus