The Cross, the Empty Tomb, and the Redemption of Work

What do the cross and the empty tomb have to do with your business plans, meetings, or daily commute?

Everything!

From the beginning, work was God’s idea. In Genesis, God created a good world and placed humanity in the garden—not just to enjoy it, but to work it and take care of it (Genesis 2:15). Work was designed to be purposeful, joyful, and creative—an act of worship and co-labouring with God.

But sin distorted that design. Work became difficult and often frustrating. Many of us experience this: burnout, toxic culture, or a deep sense that what we do from Monday to Friday doesn’t really matter to God.

But then came the cross.

Jesus didn’t just die to save our souls—He came to restore all things (Colossians 1:19 20). That includes your work. When Jesus declared, “It is finished,” He completed the work of salvation, but He also began the restoration of creation—including the renewal of how and why we work.

And when He rose again, He ushered in a new creation. The empty tomb isn’t just about eternal life after death—it’s about resurrection power breaking into this life, right now. That power touches every part of our lives, including our jobs, our teams, and our everyday tasks.

Through the gospel, we’re not just saved from something—we’re saved for something.
Ephesians 2:10 says we are God’s handiwork—His poiēma, His masterpiece—created in Christ Jesus to do good works that God prepared in advance. These “good works” include more than religious activities. They encompass your daily labour: managing teams, working on blockchain, raising kids, designing, building, healing, teaching, and even replying to emails with grace.

Because of the cross, your work is no longer a means to earn worth—it’s an expression of your identity in Christ.

Because of the resurrection, your labour is no longer in vain—it’s part of God’s redeeming mission (1 Corinthians 15:58).

Even the ordinary becomes sacred.

This doesn’t mean every moment at work will feel fulfilling. But it does mean that when you work in Christ, your efforts carry eternal significance. Your presence in the workplace—marked by integrity, love, and hope—is a powerful witness to a world that often equates value with performance and worth with results.

The world needs to see this kind of work: not just excellence, but excellence with compassion. Not just success, but servant-heartedness. Not just ambition, but redemptive purpose.

So tomorrow morning, when you open your laptop, clock in, or sip your first cup of tea or coffee, remember: you're part of a bigger story. A resurrection story. You’re not just earning a living. You’re joining Jesus in the renewal of all things.

Prayer
Risen Lord, thank You for redeeming not only my soul but also my story, including my work. Help me see my daily labour through the lens of Your cross and resurrection. Let my tasks become worship, and my efforts reflect Your grace. May I work in hope, knowing nothing done in Your name is ever wasted. Amen.