We live in a world where everything is instant, where trends only last for a while. What was famous a month ago is not popular anymore.
So what happens in easter is that we tend to say it does not trend anymore because we heard it so so so many times. We know Jesus was betrayed, we know Jesus was crucified, and we know that He has risen again after three days. It is a well-known story. But the problem is that we hear it so often that we think we understand it. But do we believe it is still relevant today, and if there is one thing that trends every year, it is easter? The story does not change, but how we can learn from it.
This is the Easter story, a tale not of mere historical significance but of living, breathing importance to our lives today. Hebrews 13:8 underscores this timeless relevance, reminding us that "Jesus Christ is the same yesterday and today and forever."
So today, I want to look at Easter's story. I want to return to the Last Supper and look at the three disciples and their interaction with Jesus. Today, I want to show you how the cross relates to their lives and shows us, more importantly, how it is central to our faith.
So, I want to set the scene for you today. I would like you to put yourself in the shoes of the disciples. As we gather today to reflect on the profound mystery and deep significance of the Last Supper, let us transport our hearts and minds back to a small, dimly lit upper room in Jerusalem over two thousand years ago. Here, in this humble setting, we find Jesus and His twelve disciples sharing their final meal together before Jesus' crucifixion. This evening, rich in symbolism and heavy with emotion, marks not just a moment of fellowship but a turning point in the history of our faith.
In this room, Jesus, fully aware of the agony that awaits Him, chooses to spend His last hours in intimate communion with His friends. He washes their feet in a stunning act of humility and service, breaking bread and sharing wine as symbols of His body and blood, given up for many. It is a moment that encapsulates the essence of Jesus' mission—love, sacrifice, and the inauguration of a new covenant between God and humanity.
Imagine the air, filled with anticipation and uncertainty, as the disciples navigate through a maze of emotions. They are at once curious, confused, anxious, and deeply devoted. They sit with the one who calls them each by name, performs miracles before their eyes, and teaches them with authority no one else possesses. Yet, on this night, their hearts are heavy, for there is talk of betrayal, leaving, and a sacrifice too profound for them to fully grasp.
Just a few days earlier, Jesus was like a victor; they shouted Hosanna, praising him. So now, imagine sitting at this table and there, for there is talk of betrayal, of leaving, and of a sacrifice. I wanted to ask you to imagine that and how it might have felt for these disciples. That from victory to this, and they could not even fathom what would happen next, where we are fortunate to have hindsight into what happened and why it needed to happen. They cannot comprehend it.
So, I want to look at three disciples today, and no, Judas is not one of them. For me, seriously, people have spoken about him so much every year at easter that this year I want to skip him, but I want to look at three different disciples and how the cross has a different aspect because of who they were but also how the cross is the centre point of our faith.
PETER
So, the first disciple I want to look at is Peter. Peter, Peter. So Peyer. He was a fisherman by trade and was one of the first disciples called by Jesus. He was known for his boldness and for doing things without thinking it through, like cutting off ears. Peter took a leadership role. Jesus named him Peter, which meant Rock. He was quick to speak and quick to act. So here at the last supper, when Jesus met with them. We see this happening between Peter and Jesus Luke 22:33-34 (HCSB) Lord,” he told Him, “I’m ready to go with You both to prison and to death!” 34 “I tell you, Peter,” He said, “the rooster will not crow today until you deny three times that you know Me!”
Here we see Peter saying that he will follow Jesus to the end of the earth and that even in death, he will be with Jesus, but Jesus knew that Peter would need the cross because he already knew he would betray him three times; this prophecy came true as Peter was overwhelmed with fear and confusion and he denied Jesus 3 times.
Peter reminds us that we, as humans, are frail. You know you were once on fire for Jesus; we lead people to Jesus, we never miss church, we lead small groups and circles, and then when the world comes and confuses us, we start to question God, and if he is still valid, we ask our faith when hope seems lost. I mean, look at Peter; things were not looking good for Jesus; it looked like it was over, and at that moment, he was overwhelmed with confusion and betrayed Jesus.
Maybe you are here today feeling the same; you are like Jesus. The world is not looking good; my life is not good now. You promised me you were the messiah, and it seems the world is changing, and you are not doing anything. But like Peter, we must understand that the cross is the centre. The cross needed to happen to make Peter know that the cross is where we can come and ask for grace and forgiveness. Maybe you feel condemned cause your faith is not what it should be, but the cross is the centre of grace and forgiveness. You see, Peter needed to understand that we are all frail. Even as a leader, he was frail, even though Jesus looked at him and saw him deny him. Yes, Jesus saw him Luke 22:61 (HCSB)
61 Then the Lord turned and looked at Peter. So Peter remembered the word of the Lord, how He had said to him, “Before the rooster crows today, you will deny Me three times.” Even with that happening, the cross is at the centre of Grace and redemption.
I do not know how ugly or dirty you feel. I do not understand how ashamed or embarrassed you feel. I do not know if you have backslidden in your faith; I do not know what you do in your private life that you are ashamed of. I do not know what lies the devil has told you that Jesus will never forgive you, but like Peter, there is hope and redemption. Because there is grace available at the cross. If you put the cross in the centre of your life, grace is there.
PUT GRACE ON CROSS
We see that Jesus did not only restore Peter but also used him mightly. We read this in John 21:15-17 (HCSB) 15 When they had eaten breakfast, Jesus asked Simon Peter, “Simon, son of John, do you love Me more than these?” “Yes, Lord,” he said to Him, “You know that I love You.” “Feed My lambs,” He told him. 16 A second time, He asked him, “Simon, son of John, do you love Me?” “Yes, Lord,” he said to Him, “You know that I love You.” “Shepherd My sheep,” He told him. 17 He asked him the third time, “Simon, son of John, do you love Me?” Peter was grieved that He asked him the third time, “Do you love Me?” He said, “Lord, You know everything! You know that I love You.” “Feed My sheep,” Jesus said.
Jesus showed him here three times that he loved him and even though he may fail there is grace at the centre of the cross.
THOMAS
It brings me to my next disciple, Thomas; now, Thomas was known to have doubts about the resurrection. We even call him doubting Thomas in the church circles. But before the resurrection, we see Thomas as a curious and committed disciple. You see, he was not afraid to ask questions. He wanted to know more; he wanted the truth; he wanted to understand. This shows that he strongly desired to follow Jesus, even when he did not fully understand the journey or road ahead.
He was even willing to die with Jesus when we see in John 11:16 they went to Lazarus to raise Him from the dead, and Jesus warned them of the danger of it. I mean, the disciples warned Jesus, and they tried to stone him there.
We see at the Last Supper that Jesus is speaking about going and preparing a place for them and that he has to leave. Now, I want you to imagine the look on his face. You know, that confused-like, come again face. We just arrived here, we saw the victory, and now you are leaving us.
In John 14:1-6 (HCSB) 1, we read, “Your heart must not be troubled. Believe in God and Me. 2 In My Father’s house are many dwelling places; if not, I would have told you. I am going away to prepare a place for you. 3 If I go away and prepare a place for you, I will come back and receive you to Myself, so that where I am you may be also. 4 You know the way to where I am going.” 5 “Lord,” Thomas said, “we don’t know where You’re going. How can we know the way?”
And Jesus responds with these ever-powerful words. 6 Jesus told him, “I am the way, the truth, and the life. No one comes to the Father except through Me. For us, this is enough, but because the cross was not at the centre yet, Thomas did not really know what Jesus meant because the cross was still to happen and to take centre stage in our faith. The centre point of our faith, he could not understand, and he then does this,
John 14:7-11 (HCSB) “If you know Me, you will also know My Father. From now on, you do know Him and have seen Him.”8 “Lord,” said Philip, “show us the Father, and that’s enough for us.”9 Jesus said to him, “Have I been among you all this time without your knowing Me, Philip? The one who has seen Me has seen the Father. How can you say, ‘Show us the Father’? 10 Don’t you believe I am in the Father and the Father is in Me? The words I speak to you I do not speak on My own. The Father who lives in Me does His works. 11 Believe Me that I am in the Father and the Father is in Me. Otherwise, believe because of the works themselves.
PUT TRUTH ON
We need to set the cross at the centre of the ultimate truth. Thomas always sought the truth, no matter how uncomfortable the answer was. We live in a world where your truth is your truth, and my truth is my truth, but for Christians, that cannot be the case. The cross at the centre of our lives is the ultimate truth. Jesus died for us at the cross to ensure we see the cross as a symbol of grace and truth. We need to be less susceptible to what the world is feeding us. We, as Christians, are too quiet and desensitised when it comes to the truth. We tend to live where we tell family members and friends that there is one God but many paths to Him. Not according to Jesus, not according to the cross, but when the cross is not at the centre of our lives, we tend to follow popular culture. Your role on earth is to live out the truth, ask questions, and seek a deeper understanding of the scriptures.
You know we are such marshmallows as humans. Do you know why? Because we are soft. When we hear the truth, and it does not conform to our lives, we offend and leave the church; when we get called out on our sin, we offend and leave the church; when we hear the truth, and it conflicts with what the world is doing, we instead leave the faith cause we offended. But I want to say once again. The cross is at the centre; at its centre, there is grace and truth.
So yes, it is ok to doubt. It is a part of the journey; allow yourself to ask questions and seek out a community of believers that will tell you the truth and answer questions according to the bible; there, you can find strength and Seek Jesus. Guys, the cross gives us an experience with Jesus in prayer, meditation and serving others. This can counter doubt with the truth, but most of all, put the cross at the centre of your life.
When we accept the Grace that Jesus has given us, we need to seek the truth, and this truth will lead us to the cross. When you make it the centre of your life, something is evident, as with this disciple.
This brings me to John. John was the son of Zebedee and the brother of James. He was one of Jesus' closest disciples and referred to as “disciple Jesus loved”, as in John 13:23.
At the last supper, we see John being very close to Jesus at the table John 13:23-24 (AMP). One of His disciples, whom Jesus loved (esteemed), was leaning against Jesus’ chest. 24 So Simon Peter motioned to him (John) and [quietly] asked [him to ask Jesus] of whom He was speaking.
It means John was close to Jesus. We see that there is a deep spiritual connection and understanding. Can you imagine being that close to Jesus? John's close relationship with Jesus, being present at the foot of the cross, exemplifies the intimate love and loyalty that define discipleship.
We read this in John 19:26-27 (AMP): So Jesus, seeing His mother and the disciple whom He loved (esteemed) standing near, said to His mother, “[Dear] woman, look, [here is] your son!” 27 Then He said to the disciple (John), “Look! [here is] your mother [protect and provide for her]!” From that hour, the disciple took her into his own home.
John witnessed firsthand the depth of Jesus' love through the ultimate sacrifice, showing us that the cross is the fullest expression of divine love.
John's experience challenges us all to put the cross at the centre of our lives but in a posture of intimacy and love. Just as John stood by Jesus in his most painful moments, we are also invited to remain close to Jesus, and we do that by putting the cross at the centre of our lives, especially during times of suffering or challenges. The cross reminds us of the depth of love Jesus has for us, a love that calls us to live in close communion with Him but also extend that love to other people.
Guys, we cannot look at the cross and put it to a side somewhere; we cannot see it as jewellery anymore. We need to understand the cross equals love. We must prioritise his time above our work, spouse, and business. He needs to be at the centre. As John, we need to lean on Jesus in moments of difficulty and uncertainty. Lean on Jesus as John did. Share your fears, hopes, and joys with Him.
And most importantly, live in love. There is enough hate, revenge and negativity in the world already. We need to emulate the love of Jesus by interacting in love with others, and yes, it is difficult. Not everybody gets it right all the time, but as we look into the series we have been doing, look at the root, not the fruit, and show love and trust in Jesus' grace and truth, guiding us to love.
So, in wrapping up, The cross is not just a historical event but a pivotal moment that continues to shape our understanding of faith, forgiveness, love, and commitment. In the stories of Peter, Thomas, and John, we see reflections of our spiritual journey—moments of failure, doubt, and intimate fellowship with Jesus. Their stories remind us that the cross is central to our experience of grace, truth, and love.
Grace: Peter’s story reminds us that the grace flowing from the cross covers our failures and restores our relationship with Jesus.
Truth: Thomas’s journey points us to the cross as the ultimate revelation of truth—Jesus as our Lord and God, inviting us to place our trust and faith in Him.
Love: John’s relationship with Jesus and his witness to the cross calls us to live in the reality of this love daily, shaping how we relate to God and each other.
As we reflect on the cross, especially in the context of Good Friday, let these disciples' experiences deepen our understanding of what it means to follow Jesus. The cross bridges our past failures with the promise of restoration, transforms our doubts into faith, and invites us into a life marked by divine love. In our journey toward the cross today, we are called to embrace grace, seek truth, and live in love, following the example of Jesus and His first followers.
