A missed opportunity: Barack Obama omits Jesus Christ from Easter messages

Article By Rebecca Johnson // Matters of Faith // EEW Magazine

Former president Barack Obama campaigned on his Christian faith—heavily name-dropping Jesus Christ—back in 2008 and 2012. But he didn’t mention the son of God at all on Easter Sunday in 2019. Why not?

In two separate tweets on Resurrection Day, the first African-American Commander-In-Chief mentioned Easter, but omitted any mention of the Messiah, the very reason believers celebrate.

In an April 21 tweet, the 57-year-old Democratic leader said, “The attacks on tourists and Easter worshippers in Sri Lanka are an attack on humanity”—addressing the horrendous coordinated terrorist attacks aimed at Christians on the most holy day of the year, killing more than 200.

Obama continued, “On a day devoted to love, redemption, and renewal, we pray for the victims and stand with the people of Sri Lanka.”

Easter, for Christians, is not only devoted to “love, redemption, and renewal.” It is, in fact, devoted to commemorating the life, death, and resurrection of Jesus Christ—God’s greatest gift to all of humankind. Also, calling Christians “Easter worshipers”—something Obama and Democratic politician Hillary Clinton both tweeted— offended Christians globally. In fact, the #Easterworshippers hashtag began trending on Twitter.

While it was kindhearted and appropriate of Obama to offer prayers and love to victims and families, he missed an opportunity to remind his global following of why Christians—including those who died in this latest attack by religious extremists—celebrate Easter.

Obama shares a throwback family photo on Twitter as part of his 2019 Easter greeting where he omits Jesus Christ (Credit: Barack Obama Twitter)

In a second tweet, the well-loved, respected, and globally revered politician and author wrote, “To all who celebrate today, happy Easter from our family to yours!” The message was posted with an attached photograph of himself, his wife Michelle, his two daughters Sasha and Malia, and the family dogs, Sunny and Bo.

Obama continued, “On this day of rebirth and renewal, let’s recommit to love and serve our brothers and sisters, especially those in need, in every way we can. Have a great day, everybody.”

When did Easter become simply a day of “rebirth and renewal?” Such a blatant omission of Jesus Christ is offensive to our Christian faith.

This Easter day (and every day for Christians for that matter), is about the only begotten son of God, who sacrificed Himself to save humanity from sin, and was raised from the dead with all power. Christ’s resurrection is the single most important event in Christian history. Such is not merely a notion for believers; it is biblical fact. Our faith hinges on the resurrection.

1 Corinthians 15:17 ESV plainly expresses this truth, saying, “And if Christ has not been raised, your faith is futile and you are still in your sins.”

Whether you are the former president of the United States, or an average Joe or Jane, it is never okay to be neutral about your Christian faith—and especially not on a day when helpless and innocent people were murdered for choosing to be disciples of the Risen Savior.

Every chance you get, say His name: Jesus.

RELATED: Women’s ministry leader, Dianna Hobbs, on attacks in Sri Lanka