The Resurrection

Luke 24(ESV)

On the first day of the week, at early dawn, they went to the tomb, taking the spices they had prepared.
2 And they found the stone rolled away from the tomb, 3 but when they went in they did not find the body
of the Lord Jesus. 4 While they were perplexed about this, behold, two men stood by them in dazzling apparel. 5 And as they were frightened and bowed their faces to the ground, the men said to them, "Why do you seek the living among the dead? 6 He is not here, but has risen. Remember how he told you, while he was still in Galilee, 7 that the Son of Man must be delivered into the hands of sinful men and be crucified
and on the third day rise.

Dear JCS Families,

On this Good Friday, our world is suffering and so many are weary but we must remember that much like the unimaginable pain Jesus endured on the cross that Good Friday so many years ago, it is always darkest just before the dawn. Isaiah prophesied, as recorded in the Old Testament, just what Jesus would go through when he said in Isaiah 53:5,

But he was pierced for our transgressions;
he was crushed for our iniquities;
upon him was the chastisement that brought us peace,
and with his wounds we are healed.

As Christians, we know that even in the face of fear and uncertainty, God is with us, right in the midst of all we are going through, and He will never leave us. There will come a day, soon we pray, when we can all be together again and healing will overcome sickness. It will be a beautiful dawn. Just as in the scripture above, Luke describes that wonderful Easter morning following Good Friday, "at early dawn" when the despair of losing Christ turned into joy to find that in fact He had risen from the dead. After such a dark Friday that week when Jesus was crucified and all seemed to be lost, came Sunday and a glorious dawn.

Our Lower School has a wonderful tradition each year heading into Easter weekend, where our students have the opportunity to learn the meaning of Passover and the amazing message that everything pointed to Jesus. 3rd grade teacher Mrs. Bartz and her husband Pastor Bartz share with the students about the life of Christ and the relevance of the Last Supper and Holy Communion. After learning about the Seder meal, the story is brought to life as students have the opportunity to sample the food traditionally eaten.

As Pastor Bartz shares, the story of Passover is "all about how God rescued and redeemed His people and how He still rescues and redeems us today." This year, Pastor and Mrs. Bartz have brought this experience to us once again through a video presentation that the whole family can share at home. This video is so special in many ways but you will be particularly blessed to see Mrs. Bartz standing on her own as she partners with her husband to share this story. As many of our JCS families know Mrs. Bartz was diagnosed with cancer over a year ago and unable to walk less than 4 months ago. All throughout the healing process, Mrs. Bartz has been an amazing example of a woman of faith who counts her #blessingsintherain. Sharing about Jesus is something she has continued to do even through the challenges she has faced. It is so meaningful as we see her stand and demonstrate the healing power and grace of Jesus Christ. To watch the video with your children, click HERE.

What a blessing to know that the Easter story does not end with a grave but with a Risen Savior who died for us so that we might have eternal life. I pray that you and your family enjoy a peaceful Easter weekend together as we celebrate that hope is alive and our Savior is Risen; He is Risen indeed!

Blessings,