3 Life Lessons I’m Reflecting on This Easter

There’s so much in the Easter story.

This foundation of the Christian faith is so simple. And yet, there’s infinite revelation we can draw from the death, resurrection and ascension of Jesus Christ.

Above all, there is the revelation of the love of God. When we receive it by faith, by His grace and mercy, we also receive the greatest gift ever known – salvation through Jesus.

And once we receive that gift, there is more.

There’s always more in God. That’s why each Easter, as I reflect on Jesus’ perfect sacrifice, I also ask God to show me more. To reveal more of His heart, His will and His ways.

This Easter, he revealed these three key life lessons from the three days from death to resurrection. I pray these revelations bless you as much as they blessed me.

Good Friday: sweet surrender

“After going a little farther, He fell to the ground [distressed by the weight of His spiritual burden] and began to pray that if it were possible [in the Father’s will], the hour [of suffering and death for the sins of mankind] might pass from Him. He was saying, “Abba, Father! All things are possible for You; take this cup [of judgment] away from Me; but not what I will, but what You will.””
Mark 14:35-36 AMP

Jesus was fully surrendered to the Father’s will. Even though it brought deep grief, pain and suffering.

He did it so we could receive complete redemption, healing and wholeness.

Imagine if Jesus had given in to His flesh and His own will – where would we be today?

The way Jesus lived His life on earth is an example for how we’re also to do life. That includes complete surrender to God.

Jesus laid His life down for us. The least we could do is live our lives for Him.

I pray this Easter season that the Lord gives us fresh revelation of the death, resurrection and ascension of Jesus Christ. That He takes us deeper in surrender, where we experience the complete satisfaction and joy that only He can give.

Holy Saturday: waiting well

On Easter weekend, Saturday feels a bit like a blank space between Good Friday and Resurrection Sunday. 

It’s the space that represents the waiting. 

I can only imagine how the disciples, the women who walked with Jesus and all who hoped He was the Messiah must have been feeling. 

Disappointed. Discouraged. Defeated. 

Their dreams of a new beginning for their people weren’t fulfilled…yet.

What if that day of blank space was for a purpose?

On this day, God’s people rested in Him, waiting for the new day. 

Maybe you’re also in the waiting. And your season feels like God has stopped writing words in the pages of your story. 

 Consider how He might want to partner with you in the waiting – what does He want to do in your heart and life to prepare you for the next thing?

The followers of Jesus didn’t know Sunday was coming. 

But we do. 

Let’s ask the Lord to help us find joy in the waiting.

“That is why waiting does not diminish us, any more than waiting diminishes a pregnant mother. We are enlarged in the waiting. We, of course, don’t see what is enlarging us. But the longer we wait, the larger we become, and the more joyful our expectancy.”

Romans 8:24-25 MSG

Resurrection Sunday: walk in victory

Jesus’ death and resurrection gave us more than our salvation. 

Salvation is just the beginning!

Jesus paid the price to give us new life. Both eternal life and abundant life here on earth. 

In the blood that Jesus shed, there is life, healing, freedom and victory! And when He ascended to the right hand of the Father, He gave us victory over the enemy. We reign in life because Jesus gave His life. 

“I have given you authority to trample on snakes and scorpions and to overcome all the power of the enemy; nothing will harm you.”

Luke 10:19 NIV

I say all this to remind you (and me) that not only is Jesus alive, but if you’ve received His gift of salvation, you too are alive in Him! 

We’re called to live a life of victory – so claim it in the name of Jesus! 

“For if, by the trespass of the one man, death reigned through that one man, how much more will those who receive God’s abundant provision of grace and of the gift of righteousness reign in life through the one man, Jesus Christ!”

Romans 5:17 NIV

I pray you experience the fullness of the resurrection power of Jesus Christ this Easter and all the days of your life.