In Chinese the term Easter literally translates as “Risen Day” or “Resurrection Day”. Yet most students from China have never celebrated this religious holiday. Most don’t understand the significant meaning of Easter. Explaining Easter to your Chinese friend can be difficult. Where do you begin?
Stories can build a bridge to understanding – especially when told in a person’s native language. The Jesus Film App offers many stories – in multiple languages – about Jesus. For Chinese students, we recommend showing the Mandarin version of the short-film My Last Day. This anime video provides a touching and thought-provoking look at Jesus, and how He affects our lives. There are also questions for reflection and discussion which can open doors to sharing the Gospel.
There are various tracts – in Chinese – you can use to explain the message of God’s love and forgiveness. It is important that the Gospel is clearly communicated so it can be understood and received. Because they lack spiritual knowledge and background, the following foundational points should be addressed:
1) They can be loved by God – Those who have never heard of unconditional love may believe their prior actions have made them unlovable to other people – even to God.
2) They have sinned – In Chinese the word ‘sin’ is translated as ‘crime.’ Some students will not grasp their sinfulness because they have not broken the laws of their society. They may consider themselves to be “good” and not in need of being saved from anything.
3) They can be forgiven – With no clear concept of sin or atonement, the student may have no authentic basis for understanding their need for forgiveness. Their lack of clarity about “sin” may prevent them from dealing with guilt and shame in their lives as well as recognizing how they have been hurt by others.
4) They can trust Christ – Without affirmation of the Bible’s historicity and veracity, some students will consider Jesus as a mythological figure. They fail to understand his purpose or plan. They often believe that they can only trust in themselves, it is challenging for them to consider trusting Christ and it is in opposition to what they have been taught growing up.
5) They can have hope after this life – Most Chinese students fear death; for them, it is the end of all existence. As a result, they focus on present goals and generally avoid even thinking of death or the hereafter. The present world is what matters to them.
When we see Jesus for who He really is, we savor Him. We delight in Him as true and beautiful and satisfying.
As you enter into the spiritual journey of Chinese students, may God use you to not only inform, but transform. May they experience the death and resurrection of Jesus in their lives.
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