Peter, who denied Jesus despite earlier protestations of undying friendship (Matt. 26:33), meets his risen Lord for breakfast and experiences God’s overwhelming blessing (John 21:6). What were Peter’s emotions ahead of this reconciliation? Jesus presses Peter once again on the depth of his love.

God’s Easter promise is that He’s always with us. We so often struggle to find Him, just like these two downcast disciples. Leaving Jerusalem, they carry deep disappointment, and unknowingly begin to walk away from God. Yet, Jesus doesn’t let them slip away that easily. Accompanying them, He shares from God’s Word, even though they struggle to understand what He says. Like us, these truths can prove senseless whilst caught up in life’s demands, especially when it battles to pass through the filters of our confused emotions.

Christ is risen! Happy Easter, as we celebrate together the remarkable story of a man who died and rose again. Whilst there are stories of resuscitation in Scripture, such as that of Lazarus (John 11:43), this is the only resurrection. Jesus will never die again and offers us the confidence to believe His promise of eternal life. We live both for today and an unseen future.

Mortality is a daily reminder that death awaits us, a reminder that whoever we are will disappear when we die. What is it that

Father regardless of the consequences. This gave meaning to His life and ministry. Indeed, He taught that we, like Him, are to lay up treasure in heaven, and not false deposits of hope on earth (Matt. 6:19–21).

Whilst familiar, the crucifixion never loses its power. Even Jesus’ critics recognise His teachings as good, and there’s

no evidence that He was a subversive seeking to overthrow authority. He pointed to a kingdom not of this world (John 18:36) and refused violence, leaving no firebrand speeches on record criticising His accusers. Indeed, His final words included forgiveness for all the perpetrators of His death (Luke 23:34).

Today is Maundy Thursday. ‘Maundy’ is a Latin word for ‘command’ that reminds us of the commands Jesus gave His disciples; most especially, ‘Love one another as I have loved you’ (John 13:34).

During His Last Supper with His disciples, Jesus acknowledged His betrayal by a dinner guest (Judas) and also introduced the tradition of communion. This is the way in which we are to celebrate both the gift of salvation and also remind ourselves of our commitment to love each other. Perhaps the critical point is to recognise both the authority of Jesus and His leadership style.

Some view Christianity as complex. As a new Christian I was intimidated when I first got hold of a Bible. This was one thick book! However, Jesus boiled it down to its critical essence; love God, love neighbour, and love self. This remains the greatest commandment to this day. Love is best demonstrated through the actions of Jesus in Holy Week, culminating in His death and resurrection. Love knows no limits in serving the object of its commitment. Love demands expression through action.

The extremes God went to in recovering His friendship with humanity suggests a significant disconnect between this world’s kingdom and God’s. Finding Him is no guarantee we’ll live in His kingdom. Discerning His kingdom’s partial reality within our time–space world demands our full attention, and our deliberate choice. I can enter into an enriching relationship with a partner, yet deliberately disregard learning anything about their family.

Our faith is born as a consequence of changing our mind. We choose to invest our confidence in God’s promises. Jerusalem’s townsfolk quickly changed their minds about Jesus, sealing His fate. The consequences of our decisions are often far greater than we originally anticipate. Therefore, we must reflect before making any decision. Too often, we are prisoners to our surrounding culture.

Gustav Mahler, the composer, said, ‘The point is not to take the world’s opinion as a guiding star but to go one’s way in life and working unerringly, neither depressed by failure nor seduced by applause’.* Here Jesus, entering Jerusalem, is greeted with the applause of a rapturous crowd. Applause suggests acceptance and success, yet is only ever momentary.