02/04/2026
EASTER MESSAGE: FROM THE PAIN OF THE CROSS TO THE VICTORIOUS RESURRECTION
INTRODUCTION
As we remember and celebrate Easter this year, we reflect and are reminded that Easter is the heart of the Christian faith. It is the story of the suffering, death, and triumph of Jesus Christ from the cross to the open tomb, we see the love of God, the cost of salvation, and the victory over sin and death.
In the gospel of John we are told of a great character of God to us, “For God so loved the world that he gave his only begotten Son…” (John 3:16) It was costly but Jesus gave himself to redeem us from sis and death.
1. JESUS’ SUFFERING WAS THE COST OF SALVATION
Jesus went through great suffering for us. He was betrayed, unjustly tried, beaten, and crucified.
“But he was wounded for our transgressions, he was bruised for our iniquities…” (Isaiah 53:5)
“And they crowned him with thorns…” (Matthew 27:29) No matter how tough it was, still he went through it for the sake of his friends(you and me)
The cross was not an accident—it was God’s plan of redemption. That is why Jesus bore all our sins.
“He himself bore our sins in his body on the tree…” (1 Peter 2:24)
A Lesson for the Salvation Army:
We are called to live a life of sacrifice, to take up our crosses, and to serve others with love and by doing so we fulfil the legacy of "Heart to God and Hand to men."
“If anyone desires to come after me, let him deny himself and take up his cross…” (Luke 9:23)
2. JESUS’ DEATH WAS THE PERFECT SACRIFICE
When Jesus died on the cross, he said:
“It is finished!” (John 19:30)
This was a declaration of victory—the work of salvation was complete. The veil of the temple was torn, showing that the way to God was open.
“And the veil of the temple was rent in two…” (Matthew 27:51)
Through His death, Jesus paid the debt of sin(ransom)
“The wage of sin is death; but the gift of God is eternal life…” (Romans 6:23)
A Lesson to lean as the family of God.
We are saved not by our works, but by grace. Therefore, we must preach this salvation with zeal and humility.
3. THE GRAVE WAS THE SILENCE OF HOPE
After Jesus died, He was buried. To human eyes, it seemed like the end.
“They laid Him in a tomb…” (Luke 23:53)
But even in the silence of the grave, God was at work. The promise of resurrection was still certain and alive.
“You will not leave my soul in hell…” (Psalm 16:10)
REMEMBER: The time of darkness is not the end. God is at work even when we see silence.
4. JESUS’ RESURRECTION WAS A GREAT VICTORY
On the third day, Jesus rose again! The tomb was opened and death was defeated.
“He is not here; for he is risen, as he said.” (Matthew 28:6)
“Christ has been raised from the dead, the first fruits of those who have fallen asleep.” (1 Corinthians 15:20)
The resurrection is proof of victory over:
• Sin
• Death
• Satan
After Jesus’ resurrection, we are assured of victory “I am alive forever and ever, and I have the keys of death…” (Revelation 1:18)
We are all called to live a victorious life—as witnesses of the living Christ. At that point we received assurance; “You will receive power when the Holy Spirit has come upon you…” (Acts 1:8)
5. A CALL TO THE US AS A FAMILY OF GOD
Easter is not just a commemorative event—it is a call to action:
(a) To live a holy life
“Be holy, for I am holy.” (1 Peter 1:16)
(b) To preach the Gospel in word and deed to all people. That is, to proclaim the grace of our Lord Jesus Christ.
“Go into all the world and preach the Gospel…” (Mark 16:15)
(c) To minister to the poor and the afflicted
This is the heart of The Salvation Army—to bring salvation to body and soul.
“The Spirit of the Lord is upon me… to preach good news to the poor.” (Luke 4:18)
LET US REMEMBER
From the cross to the resurrection, we see:
• God’s love
• The cost of sin
• The victory of life
• Jesus died for us—and rose again so that we might live a new life.
• “Therefore, if anyone is in Christ, he is a new creation…” (2 Corinthians 5:17)
CONCLUSION
Today we are encouraged to choose:
• Accept Christ
• Forsake sin
• Live in the victory of resurrection
• Live a life of value
• Live a life of holiness
Christ is risen! He is truly risen!
By
Colonel Samuel Mkami
Territorial Commander
Tanzania Territory
