The Easter story isn’t just about what Jesus did 2,000 years ago. It’s about what he’s trying to do in your life today. You are a part of the Easter story.

“Go into that village over there,” [Jesus] told them. “As you enter it, you will see a young donkey tied there that no one has ever ridden. Untie it and bring it here.

[Luke 19:30]

Jesus wants to bring peace to your heart.

When he reached the place where the road started down the Mount of Olives, all of his followers began to shout and sing as they walked along, praising God for all the wonderful miracles they had seen. “Blessings on the King who comes in the name of the Lord! Peace in heaven, and glory in highest heaven!” But some of the Pharisees among the crowd said, “Teacher, rebuke your followers for saying things like that!”

[Luke 19:37-39]

But as he came closer to Jerusalem and saw the city ahead, he began to weep. “How I wish today that you of all people would understand the way to peace.

[Luke 19:41-42a]

At noon, darkness fell across the whole land until three o’clock. At about three o’clock, (6 hours later on the cross) Jesus called out with a loud voice, “Eli, Eli, lema sabachthani?” which means “My God, my God,
why have you abandoned me?”

[Matthew 27:45-46]

My God, my God, why have you abandoned me? Why are you so far away when I groan for help? Every day I call to you, my God, but you do not answer. Every night I lift my voice, but I find no relief. Yet you are holy, enthroned on the praises of Israel. Our ancestors trusted in you, and you rescued them. They cried out to you and were saved. They trusted in you and were never disgraced.

[Psalm 22:1-5]

Yet you brought me safely from my mother’s womb and led me to trust you at my mother’s breast. I was thrust into your arms at my birth. You have been my God from the moment I was born. Do not stay so far from me, for trouble
is near, and no one else can help me.

[Psalm 22:9-11]

Your pain can either push you towards God or away from him.

One of the twelve disciples, Thomas (nicknamed the Twin), was not with the others when Jesus came. They told him, “We have seen the Lord!” But he replied, “I won’t believe it
unless I see the nail wounds in his hands, put my fingers into them, and place my hand into the wound in his side.” Eight days later the disciples were together again, and this time Thomas was with them. The doors were locked; but suddenly, as before, Jesus was standing among them. “Peace be with you,” he said. Then he said to Thomas, “Put your finger here, and look at my hands. Put your hand into the wound in my side. Don’t be faithless any longer. Believe!”

[John 20:24-27]

“My Lord and my God!” Thomas exclaimed. Then Jesus told him, “You believe because you have seen me. Blessed are those who believe without seeing me.”

[John 20:28-29]
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