Lent is a season of reflection and renewal — a 40-day period in the liturgical calendar, from Ash Wednesday through Holy Saturday, when Lutherans focus on the life and ministry of Jesus. Throughout his time on earth, Jesus embodied humble service, showing us what it means to love through action. In this seven-week series (from the first Monday in Lent through Easter Monday), we have explored the ways Jesus served others and how we are called to follow his example.
The resurrection was the ultimate act of love and renewal. As we conclude this series and step into the Easter season, we are reminded that our service is not in vain—every act of kindness is part of God’s greater story of hope. We are reflecting on how we can serve with joy and hope in a world that longs for both.
Scripture
“Blessed be the God and Father of our Lord Jesus Christ! By his great mercy he has given us a new birth into a living hope through the resurrection of Jesus Christ from the dead” (1 Peter 1:3).
Pastoral insight with Drew Tucker
It’s no accident that we celebrate Easter in springtime. Ecologically speaking, things are beginning to bud, blossom and bloom. Trees that appeared dead now have leaves. The once-dry grasses verdantly shoot from the ground. Soil once apparently empty is now full of daffodils, tulips, lilies and more. Of course, the date of Easter is historically tied to Passover, another festival, and it’s no accident that this holiday occurs in the spring either. Passover celebrates that, amid death, God gave life to the children of the Israelites. Similarly Easter shows God’s power over death but in a different way: even after death, God can bring abundant life into being.
But let’s be clear: the reality of God’s work in Easter is different from the springtime cycles. What comes alive in the spring only appeared to be dead. These plants were alive but lay dormant, awaiting a new season that supported their life. By the end of Good Friday, Jesus was really dead. By sunrise on Easter morning, Jesus was really alive. This isn’t the natural cycle of life; it’s a miracle beyond explanation! What we celebrate on Easter is a renewal that is impossible without God and the promise that, even in the face of death, God will love us into life. Christ is risen! Because of that, we shall arise.
Small act of service
Put together a simple care package or small gift—such as baked goods, a potted plant or a handwritten blessing—and give it to someone who could use a reminder of hope. This could be a neighbor, a health care worker or a church member who wasn’t able to attend the Easter service in person.
Closing prayer
God of abundant life, we thank you for doing the impossible on our behalf. The life you give is abundant beyond compare. Inspire us with your presence to share the only love that brings people back to life: the love of God through Jesus Christ, our resurrected Lord. Amen.
Easter blessing
In this Easter season, remember this: “Neither death, nor life, nor angels, nor rulers, nor things present, nor things to come, nor powers, nor height, nor depth, nor anything else in all creation will be able to separate us from the love of God in Christ Jesus our Lord” (Romans 8:38-39). We know this because neither the depth of the tomb nor the height of heaven, neither the rule of Rome nor the laws of nature, could keep Jesus in the grave. As you go forth, carry the Easter confidence that nothing can stop God’s love!
