I love food. And at Easter time there are three great items on the menu. Roast lamb, chocolate in the form of Easter eggs, and my favourite – hot cross buns.
Many stories highlight the origin of the hot cross bun.
But what I especially like about the hot cross bun – apart from the taste of course – is that the different components each tell part of the Easter story.
The bread reminds us of Jesus’ last meal with his disciples and how they broke bread together.
Luke 22:19 (NIV)
And he took bread, gave thanks and broke it, and gave it to them, saying, “This is my body given for you; do this in remembrance of me.”
The raisins are dried grapes and can be a reminder of the cup of wine Jesus and his disciples also shared at the Last Supper.
Luke 22:20 (ESV)
And likewise, the cup after they had eaten, saying, “this is the new covenant in my blood, which is poured out for you… Remember me”
The cross on the top is a reminder of Jesus’ death on a cross
Philippians 2:8 ESV
And being found in appearance as a man, he humbled himself by becoming obedient to the point of death, even death on a cross.
The spices used in the dough recall the spices the women brought to the tomb, with which they planned to anoint Jesus’ body.
Mark 16:1
Luke 24 (NIV)
On the first day of the week, very early in the morning, the women took the spices they had prepared and went to the tomb.
The buns are round and remind us of the stone that was rolled away from the tomb.
2 They found the stone rolled away from the tomb, 3 but when they entered, they did not find the body of the Lord Jesus.
And if you’ve ever made hot cross buns, you’ll know that the yeast makes the dough rise – just as Jesus rose from the dead
Verse 6 He is not here; he has risen!
So many elements of the story of Easter – in this one food item.
But here’s one that I would add.
These hot cross buns are yummy. And they remind me of Psalm 34 verse 8 that says
“Taste and see that the Lord is good; blessed is the one who takes refuge in him.”
The Easter message – in one Hot Cross Bun. Happy Easter everyone. He is risen indeed.
