Dear Church Family,
As we have journeyed through this season of Lent, we have spent the past five weeks reflecting on “People Around the Cross.” We walked alongside Peter, who failed yet was restored; we met Simon of Cyrene, who was compelled to carry the cross; and we stood with Mary Magdalene, who remained there to the very end.
We also remember one man who stood beneath the cross, the Roman centurion. He was not a follower of Jesus. Rather, he was the one responsible for carrying out the crucifixion. He had witnessed many executions, yet the death of Jesus led him to a completely new confession. In that moment, he declared, “Surely this man was the Son of God.” (Mark 15:39)
The cross is not merely a place of suffering, but a place where the true identity of Jesus is revealed. Each person stood there in a different way. Some stood in fear, some found themselves there unwillingly, some remained out of love, and some came to confess faith for the very first time. Like the two criminals beside the cross, even in the same place, one hardened his heart while the other entrusted himself to Jesus in his final moment. Yet all of them were drawn into the scene of what God was accomplishing. The cross is not the end of the story. Easter reminds us that what seemed like a defeat was, in truth, the beginning of new life. The resurrection is not only the news of an empty tomb, but God’s declaration that a new beginning is possible even in our own lives.
It is the evidence of God’s love, offering restoration to the broken, courage to the fearful, strength to the weary, and an open door to those who hesitate to return.
I pray that the life of the resurrection will renew your lives. May peace and joy fill your homes and daily lives, and may reconciliation take place wherever there is conflict.
Wherever you may be, the good news of Easter is clear. Christ is risen, and He meets us right where we are. In this Easter season, I pray that you may deeply encounter the living Lord. May your burdens be lifted, your faith renewed, and your confession of Christ become ever clearer.
Christ is risen! He is risen indeed!
“He is not here; he has risen!” (Luke 24:6)
In the joy of the risen Christ,
Pastor Hyuntae Kim, Ph.D