Looking at the Last Supper, the cross, and the empty tomb to see what we might have missed.
Easter doesn’t always get the same attention as Christmas — maybe because the Easter Bunny isn’t quite as cool as Santa, or because of how Christmas fits with other holidays, or let’s be honest: because Christmas has been more commercialized in so many ways.
Whatever the reason, where would we be if Jesus hadn’t died for us, conquering sin on our behalf, and risen again? As the kids say, Easter ate and left no crumbs.
Easter has always been my favorite holiday. I love the slow build of Lent — the way it calls me to remember who I am and who God is. There’s something powerful about looking into the recesses of my heart, examining all the stories I tell myself, and inviting God into those — sometimes dark — places.
But the other reason that it’s my favorite holiday? The beauty of spring.
As flowers begin to bloom, I’m reminded of the new life available in my relationship with God. Easter brings a fresh start, but so much more — a hope and trust that God is doing something in me that I don’t fully comprehend.
What does that mean for this Easter? When we can get accustomed to the same sermon and gospel stories so they lose their power? Lose their ability to put us in awe at our God?
By looking at Scripture a little differently, we can often slow down just enough to catch a new facet and fall in wonder all over again. In our Words & Ways podcast, we have this motto: we dive into Scripture, believing that there’s always more to see, always more to learn, and always more to experience.
Here are three episodes I believe will teach you something new about Jesus, and help you see Easter in a whole new light.
Words & Ways → Episode 19 – Jesus and the Branches
Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/episode/2JSdedgsHl8SYpIkbFZ5gY?si=bDzcOEvGQaS61LNZfc2tWA
Apple: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/e19-jesus-and-the-branches/id1669105910?i=1000628807253
On the night before he was crucified, what was Jesus talking about? It wasn’t a sermon on anything not to do. It wasn’t an in-depth explanation of what his crucifixion and resurrection would mean. Instead, he was talking about wood.
Vines and branches.
But this familiar passage is a riff on a much older story. Jesus was asking his friends to take on a whole new identity. He was saying all the ancient prophecies are coming true — in me.
Listen to this on the Thursday before Good Friday (often called Maundy Thursday), and think about identity, branches, and fruit. After all, that’s what Jesus was thinking about this night!
Words & Ways → Episode 2 – Jesus is Crucified
Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/episode/6PgayCa9CuYwHEDAznLWB3?si=1d777231514840cb
Apple:https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/e2-jesus-is-crucified/id1669105910?i=1000607791885
The cross was certainly a horror. In this episode, you’ll see the honor in it, especially for the people in the story who were around Jesus. You’ll see Simon the Cyrene, the thieves crucified next to Jesus, the Roman centurion, and be able to sit with the cross in ways you probably haven’t in some time — seeing it with new eyes.
Listen to this on Good Friday and ask God to speak to you in fresh ways. He has a way of surprising us when we slow down and look.
Words & Ways → Episode 3 – Jesus Breathes Life
Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/episode/06QWFCKAYvp4PB3CIg58Xm?si=da35335b97784811
Apple: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/e3-jesus-breathes-life/id1669105910?i=1000608929288
We often miss the connection between Jesus’ resurrection and the Holy Spirit — but it’s there. Yet, when we miss it, the resurrection becomes ONLY about forgiveness, when it’s actually about much more. It’s about new life, a resurrection life, that we’re invited to join. You might see places you’re living in a “Saturday world,” not yet knowing the incredible hope that arrives with Jesus.
Listen on Saturday or Easter Sunday, and ask God to show you who in your life (including you!) might be living in that Saturday space. Remind them of Sunday!
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May this Easter draw you back to the simple and life-changing truth: Jesus died and rose again, defeating death so that through him, we can be reunited with God.
P.S. As we’re still in the Lenten season, it’s not too late to jump in. Check out some of our resources we highlighted last month HERE.
