Messages of Hope
Real stories. Real hope.
‘Some people find it hard to understand what is so good about ‘Good Friday’ with this ugly story of an innocent man dying on a cross – but it is this completed work of the Christ and his cross that make this a good day – good for us – that we would know peace with God.’
Bishop Paul Smith shares an Easter reflection on who Jesus really is and how he can offer us redemption and peace.
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Key takeaways from this episode
‘It is finished’ means the job is done.
On the cross, Jesus completed the work of taking away sin—no extra effort or worthiness required. Peace with God was secured through His death.Good Friday is good because it brings us hope.
Though it tells a hard story of suffering, Good Friday marks the moment Jesus made restoration with God possible for all people.The resurrection confirms the victory.
Jesus didn’t just die—He rose. His appearance to the disciples on the road to Emmaus showed that death was defeated, and His promises were true.The Emmaus story reveals the power of God’s Word.
Jesus opened the Scriptures to the disciples, helping them see how His death and resurrection fulfilled God’s plan—a revelation that changed their grief into joy.Recognising Jesus brings clarity and purpose.
When He broke bread with the disciples, their eyes were opened. Filled with hope, they immediately returned to Jerusalem to share the good news.Easter is our invitation to live with hope.
Like the disciples, we’re invited to embrace the truth of the risen Lord, knowing the job is done—and that gives us reason to rejoice and share the message.
Episode transcript
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Related booklet
On Easter Sunday, Christians often celebrate by saying responsively ‘Christ is risen!’ ‘He is risen indeed!’
However, the very first followers of Jesus struggled with this confession of faith. Although Jesus had predicted his death and resurrection numerous times, his early followers did not expect the events that unfolded on that first Easter.
