The Characters of Easter

The Characters of Easter is the latest book by pastor and author, Daniel Darling. This is a really neat book that explores the background of the Easter story and opens readers’ eyes wider to the cultural and historical contexts of the gospels. I really enjoyed reading about the various individuals and groups that were present during the trial, crucifixion, and resurrection of Jesus. Upon reading The Characters of Easter I found myself learning details of the Easter story that had previously skipped my notice. I had never observed the many paradoxes between Jesus and Barabbas. I didn’t know that while many can relate to Thomas and his doubts, he is mentioned so little in the Bible.

I love that a chapter is dedicated to the women who adored Jesus and that Darling uses that chapter to remind believers that women are valuable to the Lord and necessary allies in fulfilling The Great Commission. It was fascinating to learn that their inclusion in the Easter story is especially demonstrative of their worth to God because, in the time in which the gospels were written, a woman’s testimony wasn’t considered to be valid evidence in court.

Most fascinating, naturally is to see Jesus juxtaposed to sinners of all sorts and to see how His death and resurrection made a way for image-bearers of all tribes, tongues, and nations to be reconciled to God through Him. It was so encouraging to be reminded that, “Easter is the sign that a new world is coming, that one day God will take rotted dust particles, ravaged by disease and decay, and will reconstitute them into real, physical bodies fit for eternity. This cycle of pain and sadness, viruses and death has an expiration date,” (pg. 13). Read my full review here.