Throughout the Gospels, Jesus repeatedly told His disciples about the suffering that was to come. He would be handed over, beaten, and crucified. But He didn’t stop there—He always pointed to the resurrection. “On the third day, I will rise again.” Jesus knew the cross was coming, but He never lost sight of the victory.

In the story of the Last Supper, we see Jesus celebrating with His friends—even knowing betrayal was at the table. He faced evil head-on without losing joy. Jesus didn’t ignore the darkness, but He never let it dim the light.

We also heard the powerful story of Dashrath Manjhi, a man who, after losing his wife due to the inaccessibility of a nearby hospital, spent 22 years carving a road through a mountain with just a hammer and chisel. His grief fueled a relentless determination to bring hope to others. That same spirit reflects the heart of Jesus—who bore the weight of the world, sweat drops of blood, and still pressed on with fierce love.

Jesus wasn’t a doctor, but He healed the sick. He wasn’t a soldier, but kings feared Him. He had no palace, but people called Him Lord. He committed no crime, but they crucified Him. And though He died, He rose again.

Easter is our reminder: no matter what the enemy throws at us—shame, regret, anxiety, grief—Jesus has overcome it all. Look on the bright side. He’s alive.

Matthew 20:18-19
18 “We are going up to Jerusalem, and the Son of Man will be delivered over to the chief priests and the teachers of the law. They will condemn him to death 19 and will hand him over to the Gentiles to be mocked and flogged and crucified. On the third day he will be raised to life!”