From the Cross to the Empty Tomb

Today we’re walking through the most powerful weekend in history—from sorrow to celebration. It starts with a cross and ends with an empty tomb. It's a story of love, hope, and a Savior who didn’t stay buried. So, grab your coffee and your chocolate bunnies (yes, that’s allowed this weekend), and let’s dive in.

Our verse today is John 11:25 (NLT): “Jesus told her, ‘I am the resurrection and the life. Anyone who believes in me will live, even after dying.’”

This weekend changed everything. Let’s talk about why!

You ever notice how Good Friday feels heavy, even when you know Sunday’s coming?

It’s like we’re caught in the tension of sadness and hope at the same time. It’s okay to sit in that tension for a minute. Jesus' death wasn’t the end of the story, but it was a very real part of it. Today we’re going to walk through the moments that led to the greatest miracle the world has ever seen.

Before the cross, there was a table. Jesus sat down with His friends and shared a meal, knowing full well what was coming. He washed their feet. He broke the bread. He poured the wine. He showed them love even when betrayal was just around the corner. Sometimes love looks like serving people who don’t always deserve it. And that's a little piece of Good Friday right there.

Gethsemane: Wrestling and Surrender

In the garden, Jesus prayed so hard He sweat drops of blood. He asked if there was another way—but then He said, “Not my will, but Yours be done.”

Facing something hard and wishing you could skip it? Jesus understands that feeling. Gethsemane teaches us that faith isn’t the absence of fear—it’s choosing obedience even when you’re afraid.

After praying in Gethsemane, Jesus went. He carried the cross. He took the nails. And with His final breath, He said, “It is finished.” Not “I am finished”—but “It is finished.” The debt was paid. Sin lost its grip. Death lost its sting. Good Friday isn’t good because of what happened; it’s good because of what it accomplished. Love won, even in the darkest moment.

You know, it’s funny how Easter sneaks up on us. One minute it’s January, and the next minute we’re hunting eggs and ironing pastel clothes we only wear once a year. But Easter is way more than candy and family brunches—it’s a celebration of the greatest comeback ever. Good Friday shows us the depth of God’s love, and Easter Sunday shows us the height of His power. Let’s slow down and really feel it today.

Good Friday reminds us that love isn’t always wrapped in pretty packages.

Sometimes it looks like sacrifice.

Jesus could have walked away. He could have said, “No thanks, not doing this.” But He stayed. For you. For me. For that neighbor who lets their dog bark at 5 a.m. (yes, even them).

The cross was brutal, but it was love in action—pure, stubborn, unstoppable love.

When you wonder if you’re worth it, remember: the cross says you are.

John 11:25 (NLT): “Jesus told her, ‘I am the resurrection and the life. Anyone who believes in me will live, even after dying.’”

We don’t talk about Saturday much, do we? It’s the weird in-between day. Jesus had died. The tomb was sealed. And the disciples were just… waiting. Confused. Hurting. Wondering if they got it all wrong. Maybe you’re in a Saturday season right now—where nothing makes sense and God feels silent. Just remember: silence doesn’t mean absence. God was still working. He always is. Even when you can’t see it yet.

Then, early Sunday morning, when most people were still sleeping, something amazing happened. The stone rolled away, and Jesus walked out of the grave like a boss.

Can you imagine being the guards? One minute you’re doing your job, the next minute an angel shows up and the whole ground shakes.

Easter reminds us that no stone is too heavy for God to move—not even the ones we think are permanent.

We’ve traveled from the cross to the tomb already, and now we’re living in the afterglow. Easter is more than a one-time event—it’s a lifestyle. Every day, every moment, is touched by the power of the resurrection.

So, let’s talk about how we live it out when the chocolate bunnies are gone, and the Easter lilies start wilting.

Living Easter every day isn’t about putting on your best clothes or baking the perfect ham. It’s about waking up on a random Tuesday and remembering: “I am loved. I am free. I am alive in Christ.” 

It’s singing when you don't feel like it, forgiving when it’s hard, and hoping even when the odds look bad. The tomb is still empty, friend. And that means hope is still alive!

Maybe you’re reading this and thinking, “Okay, Rachel, Easter is nice and all, but my problems didn’t disappear when the sun rose on Sunday.” I hear you. Life can still feel heavy even after Easter.

The disciples still had to face a tough world, and so do we.

Reflect on this: What does it mean to you that Jesus paid the price for your sins, and how does that sacrificial love really influence your life and thought process as you walk through difficult times?

Know this: the resurrection power isn’t just a one-day boost. It’s steady. It’s strong. And it’s yours. The same Spirit that raised Jesus from the dead lives in you.

One of the best ways to celebrate Easter is to share the joy. You don’t have to preach a sermon. Just be kind. Invite someone over for coffee. Send a text that says, “I’m praying for you.” Little things open big doors.

The world needs hope, and guess what? You carry it. You don’t have to have all the answers—you just have to show up with love and let God do the rest. So be the hands and feet of Jesus and share His love and joy with all you can.

Know that whether you're headed to a sunrise service, a family brunch, or just staying home soaking it all in this weekend, remember this: love wins, hope lives, and Jesus is alive. Our verse today says it best:

“I am the resurrection and the life. Anyone who believes in me will live, even after dying.” (John 11:25, NLT)

Walk into the rest of this season knowing that the same power that raised Jesus from the grave is alive in you.

Because He lives, you can face tomorrow—and the next day—and the next.