Now Jesus did many other signs in the presence of his disciples, which are not written in this book. But these are written so that you may come to believe that Jesus is the Messiah, the Son of God, and that through believing you may have life in his name. –John, 20:30-31

At last, the full meaning of Jesus’ mission on earth has been revealed! Throughout each of the Gospel stories, the disciples hear Jesus speak about things that they fail to fully comprehend until Jesus has died on the cross and risen from the grave. Jesus heals the sick and teaches about God’s kingdom in his ministry, but he is not just a miracle worker or prophet. Jesus is the Son of God sent into the world so that we might have an abundant life.

How does knowing Jesus and receiving his gift of forgiveness and grace transform our lives and make them abundant?

During this Easter season, we will hear about a series of images that reveal the identity of Jesus and how he is at work in us and the church. Jesus is revealed as our savior, teacher, shepherd, vine, friend, and intercessor. Jesus lifts us up, fills us with wonder, guides us home, connects us to God, loves us deeply, and prays on our behalf.

Easter is a time of revelation and discovery. We see with fresh perspective the wonder of Jesus’ death and resurrection and experience again the greatness of this gift that God has given to us in his Son. It is a time when our belief and trust in God can be renewed and deepened.

We also hear stories in this season of how, after Jesus ascended and was no longer present in the flesh, a fledgling group of followers form and become the seeds of what will become the church. The struggles of the early church to be relevant in a diverse world and welcome the stranger echo the struggles that the church faces today.

May this Easter be a time of rediscovering how Jesus continues to bring us life: as individuals and as the community of God.

In Christ, Pastor Kat