Shelter in Place - week 3 / The Easter Story (NOT Public Domain, but...)

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I remember my father was a small business owner who followed the principle of two things never discussed beyond the family, Politics and Religion.  Considering the way the United States has become extremely divided to the point where either topic might end a relationship, I can understand his point.  At the same time, I have enjoyed telling stories to Jewish groups, also at the Islamic Center here in Dearborn, and to many groups related to my own Christianity.  I would like to hope that on one of the two days when it is said even non-practicing Christians attend church, I could post the links that take you to the Easter story.  The source is certainly Public Domain, but ...)

At a time like this, Easter Bunnies, Chicks et al seem like stories for another time.  Using the Public Domain Bible would usually mean the very traditional, but less contemporary language of something like the King James version.  There are so many versions and translations.  Back in roughly the final quarter of the 20th century the New International Version was published by the New York Bible Society (now Biblica), bringing together more than one hundred scholars working from the best available Hebrew, Aramaic, and Greek texts to create an English translation that was contemporary.  I want to give thanks to the Grand Rapids, Michigan company, Zondervan and Biblica for permission to offer the N.I.V. version online.  

The story was told originally by four authors, Matthew, Mark, Luke, and John and then continued in the book of Acts.  If you go to that online link for the N.I.V. version online you can search for yourself these chapters and verses (put them in their Search Box, one author at a time, the way I list them for the least amount of confusion or use the links I've provided for each):

Matthew 27:27-66; Matthew 28

Mark 15:16-47; Mark 16 

Luke 23:26-56; Luke 24

John 19:16-42; John 20; John 21

Acts 2:1-41

This Easter is going to be different from any we've ever experienced.  Stay home, stay well, but why not also read what Easter really is all about?

Until next week, or as some of us would say, "God willing", or as it is also said, "Insha Allah"  which reminds me of a Hodja tale, so maybe that viewpoint will be told next week.  We'll see.