Easter Sunday - Hope Week 2025

"I know that my redeemer lives, and that in the end he will
stand on the earth. 26 And after my skin has been destroyed,
yet in my flesh I will see God; 27 I myself will see him with
my own eyes —I, and not another. How my heart yearns
within me! - Job 19:25-27

Growing up, I eagerly looked forward to Easter Sunday. It was a special time in our family. I vividly remember waking up, looking for Easter baskets, putting on our Sunday best for church, then celebrating afterwards with a much anticipated Easter lunch.

Those fond memories bring a smile to my face, but can you imagine the stories told each Easter by the women whom the angel greeted at the tomb with the good news, “Jesus is Risen!”?

We can still share the story of that Good News today! I absolutely know that my redemption, victory, and hope are found in an empty tomb. It is the hope that echoes from the other side of the cross and the empty tomb: My Redeemer lives! I am reminded of the hymn:

Because He lives, I can face tomorrow,
Because He lives, all fear is gone;
Because I know He holds the future,
And life is worth the living, Just because He lives!

How true those words are. Because my Redeemer lives, I can face tomorrow—He holds my future in His hand. Because the tomb is empty, I can walk in victory and hope today and forevermore!

1. What can we learn and take from the faith and urgency of the women who first shared the news of the resurrection?

2. The hymn "Because He Lives" speaks about living with hope because of Jesus’ resurrection. How can we carry this hope into our daily lives, even when we’re facing difficult times?

3. When you reflect on the resurrection, what part of God’s character stands out to you most? Why?