April 5 (Easter Morning)
The Living Priest
Scripture Reading: Matthew 28:5–6; Hebrews 7:25
But the angel said to the women, “Do not be afraid, for I know that you seek Jesus who was crucified. He is not here, for he has risen, as he said. Come, see the place where he lay.”(Matthew 28:5–6)
Consequently, he is able to save to the uttermost those who draw near to God through him, since he always lives to make intercession for them.(Hebrews 7:25)
Morning Reflection
Easter morning starts off in a hush.
A few women make their way to a tomb, not with thoughts of resurrection in their hearts, but with a heavy sense of loss. They’re there to mourn, to care for a body, to pay tribute to someone they cherished and have now lost. The first words they hear aren’t ones of joy.
“Do not be afraid.”
This sentiment resonates deeply, especially after the events of Good Friday. Fear still hangs in the air—fear that death has the upper hand, fear that suffering holds the final say, fear that what was accomplished on the cross might not be enough to guide us onward.
The angel speaks directly into that fear. “He is not here. He has risen.” Those words don’t erase the pain of the cross; instead, they affirm it. The resurrection isn’t about God reversing Friday’s events; it’s about God proclaiming that Friday was a triumph. Jesus didn’t sidestep death; He faced it head-on and emerged transformed.
Matthew encourages us to take a closer look. “Come, see the place where he lay.” The tomb stands empty—not just as a metaphor, but as a profound reality. Something significant has shifted in the world.
Hebrews sheds light on what Easter signifies for us today. Jesus is not merely alive; He is actively engaged. “He always lives to make intercession.” This means the risen Jesus isn’t a distant figure or a mere memory. He’s not just a past victory we commemorate once a year; He’s here with us, speaking, interceding, and presenting us before the Father.
This is the foundation of our Easter hope. Jesus doesn’t rise and retreat; He rises and continues His mission. Not by sacrificing Himself again—His sacrifice is already complete—but by guiding us forward, representing us, and saving us “to the uttermost.”
“To the uttermost” means fully, completely, all the way through. It’s not just about forgiveness for what’s behind us, but also about support for our present struggles. It’s not merely hope for the afterlife, but grace for our everyday lives.
If you’re feeling weary this morning, Easter meets you there. If you’re grappling with uncertainty, Easter meets you there. If you’re filled with hope but feel fragile, Easter meets you there. You don’t have to force joy. Resurrection joy unfolds gradually, like the break of dawn.
Easter doesn’t say that suffering doesn’t exist; it reminds us that suffering doesn’t have the final say. The cross remains a powerful symbol. The tomb is still empty. And Jesus is very much alive. So today, come closer. Not because you feel invincible. Not because everything is perfectly in place. But because He lives—and He’s extending an invitation to you. That’s the true gift of Easter. Christ is risen. Christ is here with us.
And Christ will guide us all the way home.
Reflection inspired by Herman Bavinck, Reformed Dogmatics — on Christ’s ongoing priesthood; Fleming Rutledge, The Crucifixion — on resurrection as God’s vindication of the cross
Songs
Modern: Living Hope
Easter Prayer
Living Savior,
You have conquered death.
You have opened the grave.
Because You live, I have a better hope.
Meet me in the life I live today.
Lead me into your newness of life.
Amen.
Adapted fromThe Valley of Vision, “Resurrection”
OUTRO — STEPPING INTO EASTER TOGETHER
Brothers and Sisters, while Holy Week may be coming to a close, the story of Jesus is far from over. The Jesus you’ve seen journeying to the cross, resting in the tomb, and triumphantly rising is not just a figure from the past.
He is very much alive and right here with us, continually bringing His people together.
You’re invited to join us in person this Easter Sunday as we come together to celebrate the resurrection. There’s something truly grounding about singing, praying, and sharing the good news with others—especially after a week like this one.
FIC Easter services are at 9:00 AM and 10:30 AM.
Easter isn’t just for those who have everything figured out; it’s for anyone who longs for a taste of resurrection life.
Join us at Family in Christ Community Church, located at 11355 Sheridan Blvd, Westminster CO 80020.