The Cross and the Resurrection

Welcome to the final day of the Discovering Jesus devotional! You’ve journeyed through stories that reveal Jesus healing, welcoming outcasts, challenging norms, and demonstrating humble love. Today, we’ll focus on the central moments of His mission: His death and resurrection—the ultimate display of who He is and what He’s like.

Reminder: Take time to read today’s passage on your own or with a friend. Then, when you catch up this week—whether in person or on a call—share what stood out, reflect on your insights, and discuss how it connects to your life. Keep the conversation going!

Today’s readings tie together everything you’ve explored so far. They show the climax of Jesus’ mission and the depth of His love. As you read Philippians 2:5-11, John 19:16-22, 28-30, and Luke 24:1-8, pay attention to the language. What do these passages reveal about Jesus’ character, mission, and how it all fits into a larger story?

In John 19, we see Jesus enduring the humiliation and agony of the cross. As He nears His final moments, He declares, “It is finished,” a statement that might sound like defeat, but in reality, it is a declaration of triumph. Jesus had a mission—to restore humanity’s relationship with God—and this moment marked the completion of that work. For those witnessing this event, it would have seemed like the end, but in reality, it marked a new beginning, offering hope and renewal to all who believe.

In Luke 24, we find the women at the empty tomb, told by the angels, “Why do you look for the living among the dead? He is not here; He has risen!” This powerful message confirms that Jesus’ death wasn’t the end. It opened the door to a new kind of life—one where death and despair are not the final word. This is a message of hope, especially in moments of grief or loss.

Philippians 2 reflects on these events, showing Jesus’ incredible humility and obedience. Though fully God, He “humbled Himself by becoming obedient to death—even death on a cross!” Jesus’ willingness to endure this suffering, even though He had the power to stop it, shows the depth of His commitment to His mission and to the people He came to save. It challenges us to think about what it means to sacrifice for the greater good and to love others selflessly, even when it comes at a personal cost. How might we, in our own lives, respond to the needs of others when it requires giving up something of ourselves?

In these moments—on the cross, at the tomb, and in His humble obedience—Jesus shows us what true love and leadership look like. His actions are not just about theology or doctrine; they are about a profound commitment to humanity and a demonstration of His power and His love. Jesus doesn’t just teach us with words—He shows us with His actions what it means to love, to serve, and to forgive. These events reveal a God of love that surpasses human understanding, a willingness to face suffering for the sake of others, and an invitation to find new life in the most unexpected places. How do these actions speak to your own experiences of love, sacrifice, and hope? What might it look like to embody this kind of love in your own life?

Reflection Questions

1. What do these passages reveal about Jesus, and how has your understanding of Him changed?
2. If someone asked, “What is Jesus like?” how would you answer now?
3. How do Jesus’ actions impact you personally, and what will you do with this understanding?

As we come to the end of this short devotional, we realise you may have lingering questions about Jesus. You may be curious about what He actually did and why it's relevant today. Or perhaps you're wondering why Jesus matters today or who He truly was.

If you're curious to explore more, yesHEis is here to support you further. Feel free to explore more of our devotionals, as they’re designed to help you navigate these questions as you seek to understand and connect with Jesus on a deeper level.