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Day 4: The Way of the Cross
The Easter Story is a decisive two-part story. A sad day and a good day. A day filled with loss and a day of victory. The first part of the story is Jesus' death on the cross, and the second part is his resurrection. Many of us celebrate Easter in a similar way. Typically, when we think of Easter, we think of Easter Sunday. That's when we go to church, gather with family, and maybe do an egg hunt. That’s all celebrating the second part of the story.
But the Easter story doesn’t exist without Good Friday. Good Friday is a day of sadness. It is the day we remember what it cost—betrayal, false arrest, wrongful conviction, assault, public humiliation, and finally death—for Jesus to restore our world. Jesus was the perfect sacrifice for our sins not only because he himself was perfect but also because he suffered to the fullest extent that any human could. God knew we needed a personal Savior, one who would enter our human experiences of brokenness, fear, and shame.
No matter who you are, you probably have experienced the sting of rejection, the pain of judgement, and the frustration of not being understood. You know what it’s like for someone to give you all the answers without listening to your story and feeling your pain. Jesus is not that person. The entire Easter story promises that Jesus is ready to walk with you through whatever trial or victory lies ahead.
In the same way, the Easter story provides a framework on how we should love others. When approaching someone else's brokenness, fear, or shame, we don’t cast judgement or offer quick fixes. We enter their story with love and compassion, stillness and understanding. Humility and empathy are always the first steps to restoration.
Next Step:
Watch this video, The Way of the Cross, and think about the questions below.
- How do you identify with Jesus’ personal experiences of suffering? What are some similarities? What are some differences?
- Think about a time when a friend truly listened to your pain. Describe what that meant to you. How could you practice stepping into someone else’s brokenness in Jesus-like ways?
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About this Plan
Most of us know the Easter story. But knowing it isn’t the same as receiving it. What if the resurrection isn’t just proof that Jesus is powerful—but proof that you are deeply loved? What if grace isn’t something you work toward, but something you wake up inside of? In this 5-day journey with Wonderhunt, explore the cost of sin, the depth of God’s compassion, and the life-changing reality of a gift we never could have earned. Because Easter isn’t about trying harder. It’s about receiving what’s already been done.
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