Beyond The Purple Cloth

🌿 Reflecting on Easter and the Deeper Truth of Passover 

Growing up, Easter was pure magic for me. I still remember those Sunday morning church services in our sanctuary: the large cross at the front draped in a satin purple cloth, my grandfather Richard Emmons standing in the balcony above, playing his trumpet. The notes would echo through the huge chamber like a heavenly call, and as he played that triumphant tune, the purple cloth would slowly rise and float off the cross, revealing the symbol of resurrection. It was emotional, beautiful, full of wonder.

After service, we’d hunt for brightly colored eggs hidden around the church yard, get huge chocolate bunnies to take home, and discover Easter baskets overflowing with treats left by the “Easter Bunny.” I even remember dreaming as a kid (around 7 or 8 yrs old) about a giant Easter Bunny hopping in our front yard! Those traditions felt joyful and innocent, and I cherish the family memories tied to them.

But as I’ve grown older, now in my 60’s, and spent time really studying the Scriptures, my eyes have opened to something deeper and more profound. 

What we call “Easter” today isn’t exactly what the Bible describes for the resurrection of our Savior, Yahusha/Yahshua/Jesus.

He died during Passover—the biblical feast YAH commanded forever in Exodus 12 (TS2009). A perfect, unblemished lamb was slain, its blood applied so death would pass over obedient homes. That deliverance from Egypt was a shadow pointing to the greater redemption through Messiah.

Yahusha gathered His disciples for the Passover meal (Matthew 26), broke bread and shared wine, saying, “This is My body… This is My blood of the renewed covenant.” Then, as our perfect Passover Lamb, He was sacrificed, right in line with the timing of the Temple lambs; so we could be set free from sin and death.

As 1 Corinthians 5:7 (TS2009) beautifully puts it: “For indeed Messiah, our Pĕsaḥ (Passover), was sacrificed for us.”

Passover isn’t “Jewish”; it’s one of YAH’s Appointed Feasts (moedim), a bridge directly to the resurrection.

One thing that stood out to me is the timing. Scripture says Yahusha would be “three days and three nights in the heart of the earth,” like Jonah in the fish (Matthew 12:40). Yet the common Good Friday to Easter Sunday timeline doesn’t add up to three full days and three full nights. 

Many believers now see His crucifixion aligning more closely with the Passover preparation, leading to resurrection at the end of the weekly Sabbath; fulfilling the sign exactly.

These man-made additions, like colored eggs, the Easter Bunny, and even the name “Easter” itself, have roots in ancient spring festivals and fertility symbols, not in Scripture. They’re traditions of men, and the Word warns us about elevating them above YAH’s commands.

In Mark 7:6-9 (TS2009), Yahusha quotes Isaiah: “This people respect Me with their lips, but their heart is far from Me. And in vain do they worship Me, teaching as teachings the commands of men.” He adds, “For laying aside the command of Elohim, you hold fast the tradition of men… Well do you set aside the command of Elohim, in order to guard your tradition.”

Colossians 2:8 echoes: “See to it that no one makes a prey of you through philosophy and empty deceit, according to the tradition of men… and not according to Messiah.”

I’m not sharing this to judge or take away anyone’s joy, I participated in all those Easter traditions for decades, and they meant a lot in my family. But now I see how much richer it is to focus on what YAH actually appointed: remembering Passover in the name of our Messiah, the Lamb who takes away the sin of the world.

This has also led me to reflect humbly on traditions in Judaism as well. Just as many Christian practices add elements not found in Scripture, rabbinic Judaism includes oral traditions and interpretations (like those in the Talmud) that go beyond the written Torah YAH gave. 

Both Christianity and Judaism, in their organized forms, have layered on man-made customs over time. 

In the end, what we truly need is simply YAH’s Word, His pure instructions as revealed in Scripture and to walk in His ways as best we understand them through the whole counsel of the Bible, led by His Spirit. 

It’s a return to the simple, direct relationship with YAH that Messiah modeled and fulfilled.

YAH desires worship in spirit and in truth (John 4:24). Truth doesn’t need fables or added symbols; it stands strong on its own. 

What’s more important to pass on to our children: man-made stories, or the deep, eternal meaning of YAH’s deliverance through His Son?

This season, I’m humbly choosing to honor the biblical Passover and resurrection as Scripture presents it. It’s been life-changing for me, and I pray it encourages you to search the Word for yourself.

What a beautiful bridge between the Old and Renewed Covenant!

Much love, and may we all grow closer to YAH’s truth. 🌿

🪔🙌🕊️

@Schrauca3094