What we know in modern times as Easter is the holiest time of year for Christians. Forget, for a moment, all the modern additions that have merged into it as people around the world have brought their own traditions. The essence of Thursday through Sunday is the Biblical prophesy fulfillment of a Savior dying for the salvation of mankind, as the "sacrificial Lamb". This single weekend from nearly 2000 years ago brought with it the Communion, the Passion/Crucifixation, and the Resurrection.

During the 2-3 years that Jesus preached, he said some awesome things that were so insightful that they are expressions still in use today. I have taken what we hear today from his direct quotes and enlarged them for emphasis. (Note that there are many more but that this was from 2 hours of research and includes just a small collection.)

But I tell you, do not resist an evil person. If someone strikes you on the right cheek, turn to him the other also.. (Matthew 5:39)

From this comes "turn the other cheek", referring to not fighting if it is better to avoid it.

"So in everything, do unto others what you would have them do unto you." (Matthew 7:12)

We know this today as the Golden Rule.

"“Beware of false prophets, which come to you in sheep's clothing, but inwardly they are ravening wolves." (Matthew 7:15)

From this comes the term "wolf in sheep's clothing".

"Every kingdom divided against itself is brought to desolation; and every city or house divided against itself cannot stand: And if Satan cast out Satan, he is divided against himself; how shall then his kingdom stand?" (Matthew 12:25)

Americans may think this is attributed to Abraham Lincoln during the time of the Civil War for his "A house divided against itself cannot stand." Lincoln read the Bible every day, by the way.

"If a blind man leads a blind man, both will fall into a pit." (Matthew 15:14)

We generally hear this as an utterance one's breath.

"Render therefore unto Caesar the things which are Caesar's; and unto God the things that are God's." (Matthew 22:21)

This refers to paying what is owed to who is owed.

"So you must be careful to do everything they tell you. But do not do what they do, for they do not practice what they preach." (Matthew 23:3)

This still has the same meaning today of hypocrisy. The specific quote refers to the Pharisees, who were political leaders of Judaism in that time period.

"And ye shall hear of wars and rumours of wars: see that ye be not troubled: for all these things must come to pass, but the end is not yet. (Matthew 24:6)

This can be interpreted in many ways, including an impending future.

"Put up your sword, for those who live by the sword, die by the sword.. (Matthew 26:52)

This is commonly used by politicians against their opponents.

"But a certain Samaritan, as he journeyed, came where he was: and when he saw him, he had compassion on him, And went to him, and bound up his wounds, pouring in oil and wine, and set him on his own beast, and brought him to an inn, and took care of him. (Luke 10:31-37)

This parable of the "Good Samaritan" is the basis for laws in many areas of the United States that protect someone trying help another from being sued, if something does not go as intended during the help.

"'And I'll say to myself, "You have plenty of good things laid up for many years. Take life easy; eat, drink and be merry."'" (Luke 12:19)

This is actually OPPOSITE of what the use is today. In this parable of the farmer, it showed how greed over charity was dangerous.

“It is easier for a camel to pass through the eye of a needle than for a rich man to enter the Kingdom of Heaven.” (Luke 18:25)

This refers to the ancient fortification of Jerusalem, where the walls had small openings for bringing supplies. These openings were called the "eyes of the needle" and would have just enough room for a baby camel with supplies on its back. The verse refers to child-like innocence being a virtue.

Father, forgive them, for they know not what they do. (Luke 23:34)

Humans are bone-headed at times.

"Let he who is without sin cast the first stone." (John 8:7)

This comes from Jesus stopping the villagers from killing the prostitute. It alludes to the inherent hypocrisy in all people.

"You shall know the truth, and the truth will set you free." (John 8:32)

This referred to the bindings of a sinful life vs. a righteous life. Today, it refers to the power of knowledge.

"It is more blessed to give than to receive." (Acts 20:35)

This is said today as "It is better to give than to receive."

"I am Alpha and Omega, the beginning and the end, the first and the last." (Revelation 22:13, attributed by John)