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Easter Sunday 2026
Sermon Summary
Sandy shares the Easter message as she asks, "Who is Jesus on Easter Sunday?" She celebrates Jesus as the risen Lamb of God who conquered death, fulfilling God's eternal promise of redemption and inviting us into a life of love, forgiveness, and hope as we await His return.
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Easter arrives as a clear proclamation: Jesus rose from the grave, and this event anchors the cycle of Christian holy days that point to God’s redemptive work. The narrative traces the ancient rhythms of Passover and Atonement, showing how sacrificial lambs and ritual memory foreshadow the greater lamb whose death and life reframe covenant and rescue. Scripture presents that lamb as central to an eternal plan of love—God’s self-giving purpose existed before creation and intended restoration from the start. Human creation aimed for flourishing, stewardship, and communion with God, but a rebellion introduced death and distortion; the promised human seed would break that power and restore the good life.
The resurrection of Jesus stands as the decisive earthly triumph over death: death could not hold the author of life, and the sting of death lost power in the rising. Yet resurrection on one Sunday does not finish the story; His ascension and the sending of the Spirit extend the victory into life now, while the final renewal of creation still awaits. Revelation supplies a vision that widens perspective: John sees a brilliant throne room, the worship of the Creator, and a sealed scroll containing God’s comprehensive purposes. No power in heaven or earth can open that scroll until the One both lion and lamb appears.
That appearance surprises expectation. The One worthy to enact God’s final purposes combines paradoxes of royalty and suffering: the root of David and the Lion of Judah stand revealed as a Lamb that looks slain yet stands enthroned. This slain-yet-living Lamb opens the scroll, exercises authority, and calls humanity back into reconciliation. The crucified Lamb’s forgiveness and exaltation frame an invitation: return to the intended life of abundance, accept God’s mercy, and respond to the One who humbled Himself and now reigns. Jesus, the risen, reigning Lamb remains present through the Spirit and promises a consummation when God completes the new creation.
Key Takeaways
1. Resurrection is triumph, not endpoint:
Resurrection conquers death’s power and inaugurates a renewed economy of God’s rule, yet it propels a trajectory rather than a terminus. The risen life issues in ascension and the sending of the Spirit, which enable present participation in God’s reign, while the ultimate renewal still lies ahead. This keeps hope both immediate and forward-facing: believers live by the reality of resurrection now and await its consummation in the new creation.
2. The Lamb embodies paradoxical Kingship:
God’s chosen Saviour appears as both lion and lamb—sovereign authority expressed through suffering and service. This paradox rejects simplistic power and reframes victory as humble obedience that defeats evil without replicating its brutality. Worship in the throne room centres on a ruler who wins by laying down life, demanding a response that values humility over domination.
3. Redemption precedes creation itself:
Divine love planned and provided redemption before time began; the lamb appears “slain from the creation of the world” as an eternal expression of covenantal intention. This means sacrifice does not react to failure but reveals God’s consistent character and purpose. Living in that truth changes devotion: trust a God whose remedy predates the problem.
4. Worthy Lamb opens God’s purposes:
A sealed scroll holds the history and destiny of creation, and only the Lamb proves worthy to open it—demonstrating authority rooted in sacrificial love. That act signals victory over hostile powers and the inauguration of God’s irreversible plan for restoration. Personal response matters: the Lamb’s worthiness summons confession, trust, and a life redirected toward God’s reign.
Daily Hope Devotionals
Day 1: The Lamb, Slain Yet Standing, is Worthy
Scriptures:
Revelation 5:6-7
Then I saw a Lamb, looking as if it had been slain, standing at the center of the throne, encircled by the four living creatures and the elders. The Lamb had seven horns and seven eyes, which are the seven spirits
https://www.bible.com/bible/111/REV.5.6-7.NIV
Revelation 5:12
'In a loud voice they were saying: “Worthy is the Lamb, who was slain, to receive power and wealth and wisdom and strength and honor and glory and praise!” '
https://www.bible.com/bible/111/REV.5.12.NIV
The vision in Revelation reveals the crucified and risen Jesus as the central figure of heaven. He appears as a Lamb, bearing the marks of having been slain, yet He is standing—fully alive and victorious. This is the climax of the Good News: death was not the end. Because of His sacrifice and victory, He alone is found worthy to unlock God's ultimate purposes.
Reflection:
What does it mean for you personally that the One who rules heaven bears the wounds of His sacrifice for you?
Prayer:
Thank you Lord for all You have done for me, in going to the cross, after dying on the cross, and then rising on the third day. Because of this I am eternally grateful You are the One who rules heaven and I am forgiven for all my wrong doings. Amen.
Day 2: The Eternal Plan of a Self-Giving God
Scripture:
1 Peter 1:20
'He was chosen before the creation of the world, but was revealed in these last times for your sake. '
https://www.bible.com/bible/111/1PE.1.20.NIV
God's plan for redemption was not a reaction to human failure but a revelation of His eternal, loving character. From before the creation of the world, God's nature was one of self-giving love, willing to offer Himself for the sake of His creation. The sacrificial system of the Old Testament was a foreshadowing of this ultimate expression of love. We are invited into a journey to experience this profound love.
Reflection:
How does understanding that God's sacrifice was planned from eternity, not just as a response to sin, change the way you perceive His love for you?
Prayer:
Father, Son, and Holy Spirit it’s hard for me to comprehend the love and sacrifice was planned from eternity. This is huge, I can hardly understand the love You have for me each day let alone before I was even born. Thank You doesn’t seem enough, but it’s all I have. Amen.
Day 3: The Paradox of Our Saviour: Lion and Lamb
Scripture:
Revelation 5:5-6
'Then one of the elders said to me, “Do not weep! See, the Lion of the tribe of Judah, the Root of David, has triumphed. He is able to open the scroll and its seven seals.” Then I saw a Lamb, looking as if it had been slain, standing at the center of the throne, encircled by the four living creatures and the elders. The Lamb had seven horns and seven eyes, which are the seven spirits'
https://www.bible.com/bible/111/REV.5.5-6.NIV
Devotional:
God’s glory is the perfect standard—unimaginable and unattainable by human effort. Scripture reminds us that all have sinned and fall short of this glory, but through Jesus, the standard is met on our behalf. When we accept Jesus as Saviour, He lifts us up and allows us to share in His glory, restoring what was lost and making us true image bearers of God once again. This restoration is not about decoration or outward appearance, but about a deep, inner transformation that only Christ can accomplish.
Reflection:
In what area of your life do you most feel the need for God’s restoration, and how can you invite Jesus to restore His image in you today?
Prayer:
Jesus, You are the perfect image of the Father, full of glory and truth. Open my eyes to see Your glory clearly, even when I feel confused or afraid. Help me to listen to You and follow Your way with faith and courage. Amen.
Day 4: The Climax of God's Story on Earth
Scriptures:
Acts 2:24
But God raised Him from the dead, freeing Him from the agony of death, because it was impossible for death to keep its hold on Him.
https://www.bible.com/bible/111/ACT.2.24.NIV
Romans 6:9-10
'For we know that since Christ was raised from the dead, he cannot die again; death no longer has mastery over him. The death he died, he died to sin once for all; but the life he lives, he lives to God. '
https://www.bible.com/bible/111/ROM.6.9-10.NIV
Devotional:
We celebrate the resurrection of Jesus as the pivotal moment in history. This event is the climax of the Old Testament narrative, the fulfillment of every promise and prophecy. Everything in the scriptures pointed to this victory over death. It is the foundation of our faith and the source of our hope. In this act, Jesus destroyed the power of death itself.
Reflection:
As you reflect on the resurrection, what does the truth that death could not hold Jesus mean for your own fears and anxieties about mortality?
Prayer:
Jesus, from here until You come again, I will be ever grateful that You died and rose again for me! There are not enough words to express my gratitude. I pray the words of the hymn “How can I say thanks for the things You have done for me – things so undeserved, yet You gave to prove Your love for me.” Amen.
Day 5: Living as a Rescued People in Promise
Scripture:
Acts 1:8
'But you will receive power when the Holy Spirit comes on you; and you will be my witnesses in Jerusalem, and in all Judea and Samaria, and to the ends of the earth.” 'https://www.bible.com/bible/111/ACT.1.8.NIV
Devotional:
The story did not end with the empty tomb. Jesus ascended and sent His Spirit to live within us, making His presence a daily reality. We now live as a rescued people, yet we still live in a period of promise, awaiting the final climax when Jesus will return and make all things new. We are called to delight in God and do good works as we wait.
Reflection:
In what practical way can you live today as a witness to the resurrection power of Jesus that is at work within you?
Prayer:
Father thank You for the Holy Spirit and His ongoing work in my life. Thank You also I have the responsibility of being a witness for You. Please help me as I live this out in my everyday life wherever I am at the time, showing Your love and grace to all those around me. Amen.
Day 6: The Lamb Who was Slain – Our Eternal Hope
Scripture:
Isaiah 53:7
He was oppressed and afflicted, yet He did not open His mouth; He was led like a lamb to the slaughter, and as a sheep before its shearers is silent, so He did not open His mouth.
https://www.bible.com/bible/111/ISA.53.7.NIV
1 Peter 1:18
For you know that it was not with perishable things such as silver or gold that you were redeemed from the empty way of life handed down to you from your ancestors,
https://www.bible.com/bible/111/1PE.1.18.NIV
Devotional:
We were redeemed not with perishable things live silver or gold, but with the precious blood of Christ, a Lamb without blemish or defect, chosen before the creation of the world but revealed in these last times for our sake.
Jesus, the Lamb of God, was slain from the creation of the world. This means God’s plan of redemption was not a reaction but a promise and a revelation of His eternal love. Jesus’ sacrifice was always part of God’s plan to restore us to the good life He intended. Even before time began, God’s love was at work, offering us a way back to Him through the Lamb who was slain.
Our salvation is rooted in God’s eternal character and love. No matter what challenges we face, the Lamb who was slain stands victorious, and His sacrifice is the foundation of our faith.
Reflection:
How do you respond to Jesus as the foundation of your faith and redemption through the crucifixion and resurrection?
Prayer:
Lord Jesus, thank You for Your eternal love and the sacrifice. You are the Lamb who was slain before the world began. Help me to live in the hope and freedom that comes from Your redeeming grace. Amen.
Day 7: The Lamb Who is Worthy – Worship and Victory
Scripture:
Revelation 5:11-14
Then I looked and heard the voice of many angels, numbering thousands upon thousands, and ten thousand times ten thousand. They encircled the throne and the living creatures and the elders. In a loud voice they were saying: “Worthy is the Lamb, who was slain, to receive power and wealth and wisdom and strength and honor and glory and praise!” Then I heard every creature in heaven and on earth and under the earth and on the sea, and all that is in them, saying: “To him who sits on the throne and to the Lamb be praise and honor and glory and power, for ever and ever!” The four living creatures said, “Amen,” and the elders fell down and worshiped.'
https://www.bible.com/bible/111/REV.5.11-14.NIV
Devotional:
John’s vision in Revelation shows us the Lamb who was slain but now stands victorious on the throne. This Lamb, Jesus, is worthy to open the scroll of God’s plans and purposes because of His sacrifice and triumph over death. The paradox of the Lamb — slain yet standing — invites us into worship and awe.
This scene reminds us that Jesus is not only our Saviour but also our King, worthy of all glory and honour. Our response to this truth is worship — recognising His authority and surrendering our lives to Him. The Lamb’s victory is our victory, and His reign is eternal.Reflection:
How are you inspired to respond to Jesus as the Lamb who is victorious?
In what way might you change how you live each day in response to Jesus's sacrifice and victory for you?
Prayer:
Jesus, Lamb of God, I worship You as the One who was slain and now reigns forever. Help me to live in the power of Your victory and to give You all glory and honour. Amen.
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