Why Do We Say He Is Risen Indeed? The Easter Cheer Explained

Hey there, carpooling with Jesus crew. Happy Easter weekend. I'm Pastor Justin and we're doing some special episodes as we enjoy the greatness of Easter. Maybe you've heard grownups say this on Easter before, he is risen, and then everyone says he is risen indeed. But what does that actually mean? Why do we say it and why does it matter? I had those same questions when I was a kid, so I asked my mom and she told me all about it. So today we are unlocking the meaning behind one of the coolest Easter traditions of all time. Here's the one thing I want you to remember. When you hear he is risen, our reply is he is risen indeed, which means we believe the best news ever. Jesus is alive. After Jesus rose from the dead, his friends couldn't stop talking about it. Can you blame them? At first, they were confused and scared, even a little unsure. But then they saw him, they talked to him, he ate with them. He was really truly alive again. So early Christians started greeting each other like this. One would say he is risen and the other would shout back. He is risen indeed. It wasn't just a greeting. It was a celebration, a cheer, a reminder, Jesus beat death. Jesus is alive forever and we believe it's true. So let's break this down together a little more because you will hear it at church this weekend and you can take part in it, knowing what it means. Someone says he is risen and that's a truth. Jesus isn't in the tomb anymore, he's alive. Then in reply you say, he is risen indeed. That's a response of faith. It means, yes, I believe it too, that Jesus is alive. Let's try it real quick. Ready? He is risen. I hope you said it wherever you are. It is kind of like shouting we won after your team scores a goal. Except this time the win was over sin and death, and it's for everyone. One Easter when I was at church with my mom, the pastor said he is risen and there was this little kid somewhere in the crowd who yelled back. Totally. It made everyone laugh. So here's what you can do this weekend. When you are at church, when you hear someone say he is risen, you can stand tall, smile wide, and reply, he is risen indeed. Maybe it will be the pastor. Maybe it will be the worship leader or maybe the person who's greeting you as you're walking in the door. If they say he is risen, you can reply, he is risen indeed. Hey parents. Help us out. Want to help your kids remember this powerful Easter truth. Try greeting each other with the resurrection cheer throughout the day. It's fun. It's faith filled. It's easy to remember. And also if this episode was helpful to you, send it to some parent friends, because every parent wants their kid to know what it means to celebrate the resurrection of Jesus. Remember, no matter where you are or how you're listening, God loves you. Instead of a question today, take some time together and practice. Say he is risen and reply, he is risen indeed. So when you get to church, you are ready to go. I'll catch you tomorrow on the special Easter episode of Carpooling with Jesus. Don't forget, he is risen. I think I heard that through the speakers.