God's love endures in story of Easter

Reverend Kenneth Smith,
Methodist Synod Superintendent

The events of Easter are for everyone, as Peter says in Act 10:34: "Then Peter opened his mouth and said, 'In truth I perceive that God shows no partiality."'

I am proud that Methodism, by and large, holds to that understanding of including all. It reflects the basic ingredient of God's nature and of the church - agape love - the unconditional love, freely offered to all people, which cares for their wellbeing and for their wholeness as people and accepts them fully into its life. Such generosity of acceptance can, however, go against the desire of rational minds.

Resurrection also challenges our rational mind because phenomenons like this seemingly cannot happen. Yet, the weight of evidence from the accounts of people present when Jesus was brought back from physical death seems compelling. The rational view of events was overturned and love was the extraordinary feature.

We often hear of an angry God set on punishing humankind, but the Easter story says "no" to that notion. It is about a God of love who wants the best for humankind and is prepared to overturn rational thinking to achieve that.

The power of agape love, so clearly demonstrated at Easter, has the ability to change humankind. This love has the ability to overcome violence, injustice, cruelty, oppression, terrorism, hatred, bigotry and a myriad of other evils. Easter reminds us that love is stronger than death and can change the world. It also reminds us that everyone is invited to be included in the work of love to make a better world for all.

Bishop Patrick Dunn,
Catholic Bishop of Auckland

The Gospel story of the first Easter Sunday morning was one of surprise, fear and confusion. There is more running in these few verses than in the rest of the Gospels combined.

When confronted with the empty tomb, the followers of Jesus initially presumed his body had been stolen. Then reports began to arrive that friends had seen him, still bearing his wounds, but now very much alive.

This event still changes lives.

The earliest Christians expressed their faith with just three words: "Jesus is Lord". For them, that said everything. It said that at the centre of all things there is a gracious, personal God, powerful enough and loving enough to hold all things together.

Faith in the Resurrection of Jesus is a practical thing. It frees us to get on with the business of living, knowing that our inadequacies, our failings, and even our deaths, are not the final answer.

Despite the anxiety of global financial meltdown, the tragedy of bushfires in Australia and earthquakes in Italy, the message of Easter is one of joy and great hope.

Pastor Martin Steel,
Harbourside Assembly of God

The Easter story begins with Jesus suffering a cruel death on a cross to bring forgiveness to mankind. A few days later, Jesus rose from the dead. So what do you do next?

Well, it appears Rule 101 in the Saviour's Manual tells you to make someone breakfast! Because that's exactly what Jesus did. He went looking for Peter who, in a moment of crisis, had denied his faith and turned his back on his Saviour.

Jesus knew exactly where he'd find him, for Peter did what most people do when they lose their faith - he returned to his past. Peter went home, picked up his old fishing nets, fished all night and caught nothing.

As Peter edged his boat to shore, there was Jesus waiting - with breakfast prepared. Sitting around a campfire Jesus began to put the pieces back together. He restored Peter's faith and his relationship with God. Perhaps today you are just like Peter, and for whatever reason you also have drifted from your faith.

I want to tell you that it's breakfast time with Jesus. May he find you wherever you are, and bring you back to your future.