Jeesus elää — He lives!
The Gospels of Easter morning tell of the first impressions from the empty tomb.
Peter and John ran a race to Jesus’ tomb. John was the fastest one. From everything, it can be concluded that Jesus was very dear to his disciples and to Mary Magdalene, who was the first to see the resurrected Jesus.
The disciples had counted their lives on Jesus. They had lost their hope after seeing Jesus imprisoned and hanging on the cross. And now Jesus had risen from the dead, as he promised. The scriptures were fulfilled. Jesus was then the Messiah, the Son of God, the Savior of the world.
When we say today that Jesus is alive, he has risen from the dead, we each experience those words very personally. It may be that after going through many Easters and reciting the creeds many times, we begin to take it for granted. Its personal meaning easily fades into the background.
The key is connection with Jesus.
What does it mean for us?
For Mary Magdalene and the disciples, Jesus was not only a teacher and savior, but also a very close friend. They knew Jesus. They spent time with Jesus. That is why their sorrow over the loss of Jesus had been great. That is why their joy over seeing Jesus again was also indescribable.
This is how it goes in everything in life—what is important and touches us. What is formal remains formal.
Easter calls us to connection and friendship with Jesus. He is Lord and King, but he is also the Son of God who became man, and a friend for everyone.
Jesus’ friendship has no limits. Mary Magdalene was a despised and discriminated woman of her time. Her past separated her from many people.
However, Jesus loved Mary and showed her not only forgiveness of sins but also genuine friendship. That is what Jesus does to everyone when we open the door of our hearts to him.
We are his beloved ones, have been and will be loved eternally. He invites us to live a new life with him, in the company of the risen one.
Have a Blessed Easter!
Pastor Timo
Click below to download the pdf of the April – May 2026 Newsletter:
April-May 2026 Newsletter – Ystäväkirje Website version