This is Easter!
It was time for the Israelites to celebrate Passover, a time for all of Israel to celebrate their freedom from slavery to the Egyptians, the freedom that was given to them by God in some of the most miraculous ways.
Jesus and his followers went to Jerusalem for the celebration. He arrived riding on a donkey, which fullfilled an Old Testament prophesy about a Messiah, a Savior, King. Crowds gathered to welcome him, waving palm fronds and shouting "Hosanna! Hosanna! Blessed be the one who comes in the name of the Lord! Blessed be the King of Israel!"
The religious leaders of Israel had other plans for Jesus, which didn't include him becoming Israel's King. They plotted to have him killed before that could ever happen. They didn't like what he had been teaching in their synagogues. His teachings made them look like fools. 
They had Jesus arrested, hoping to have him convicted as an insurrectionist. The reigning governor gave in to the desires of the religious leaders in order to maintain good relations. Although he did wash his hands from the "guilt" that the religious leaders had placed on Jesus. While questioning Jesus, he did not confirm or deny being "The King of The Jews", which constituted heresy and insurrection. The governor decided to sentence Jesus to death.
Jesus was hung on a cross...nails pounded into his hands and feet. But not before he was beaten to a bloody pulp. Almost unrecognizable... Stabbed through the ribs with a spear... This is the crusifixion of Jesus Christ... the one and only Son of God... the Perfect Lamb of God... the Sacrifice of God... the Sacrifice that saves all who believe. 
Once he had died, Jesus was removed from the cross and placed in a borrowed tomb. Three days went by. Followers of Jesus went to the tomb to anoint the body with oils and perfumes. When they arrived, the tomb was empty. An angel met the followers and said to them, "He is not here! He is risen, just as he said!"
For many days after Jesus' resurrection, he visited his followers. He showed doubters his scars. Before he ascended to heaven to rule heaven and earth at his Father's side, he told his followers, "All authority in heaven and on earth has been given to me. Therefore go and make disciples of all nations, baptizing them in the name of the Father and of the Son and of the Holy Spirit, and teaching them to obey everything I have commanded you. And surely I am with you always, to the very end of the age."
Then Jesus ascended to heaven. But, he has promised to return. There will be a "New Heaven" and a "New Earth" which Jesus will rule. Come, Jesus! Come!
Why is this called Easter? Or Resurrection Day? Because without Jesus' sacrifice, without his resurrection from the dead, we would all be lost. Condemned to die a sinners death, when our souls will spend eternity in the fires of hell.
Thank you, Lord God, for sending your one and only Son to bare our sins, to suffer and die that we might live! Our sins are forgiven! He who believes will receive eternal life! Sins forgiven! Righteousness given!
This is Easter!