"The Promise of Easter"

“He isn’t here! He is risen from the dead! Remember what he told you back in Galilee, that the Son of Man must be betrayed into the hands of sinful men and be crucified, and that he would rise again on the third day.”(Luke 24:6-7, NLT) 

The time between Jesus’s crucifixion and resurrection saw many believers and followers of his succumb to uncertainty despite his prophecies. Upon searching his tomb the morning after his burial, they found it empty! A pair of angels appeared to them and spoke the words found in this passage from Luke, reminding them of the prophecy regarding Jesus’s resurrection.

Ever since the Garden of Eden, God had a plan to rescue and redeem his people. That plan came through the earthly life, ministry and sacrifice of Jesus Christ his son (see John 3:16). He lived a perfectly righteous life, then took upon himself the consequences of our sin: punishment and separation from God the Heavenly Father. This sacrifice satisfied God so that when we sin, we have the opportunity to approach him without shame. Thus, we can start anew and live righteously as the Father intended. 

Every day begins with a sunrise. Although it’s sometimes shrouded by clouds, the sun always rises. Similarly, there was darkness (literally and spiritually) between the crucifixion and resurrection. Like the rising sun, Jesus overcame the darkness with his light as promised. That promise holds true today. Whatever darkness we are facing is no match for the light of God, which was demonstrated through Christ’s resurrection.

Daniel Smutek — Notch 8 Photography

Picture & Scripture Vol. 1

April 20, 2025