From the Cross to the Crown

"When he had received the drink, Jesus said, 'It is finished.' With that, he bowed his head and gave up his spirit." –John 19:30

"He is not here; he has risen, just as he said. Come and see the place where he lay." –Matthew 28:6

It began with a crown of thorns and ended with a crown of glory.

Good Friday and Resurrection Sunday are two sides of the same powerful story–one of unimaginable sacrifice and unstoppable victory. On Friday, we stand at the foot of the cross, looking up at Love nailed in our place. On Sunday, we stand at the entrance of an empty tomb, looking in at the miracle that changed everything.

On the cross, Jesus bore the full weight of sin. He endured the betrayal, the beatings, the mockery–and He stayed. Not because He couldn't come down, but because He wouldn't. He chose obedience. He chose the cross. He chose you.

And then, with one final breath, He declared: "It is finished." The debt was paid. The curse was broken. The door to God was opened wide.

But the story didn't end there.

Three days later, the silence was shattered. The grave was empty. The Savior was alive. Jesus didn't just die for you–He rose for you. His resurrection wasn't just a moment in history; it was a declaration for eternity: sin doesn't win, death doesn't win–Jesus does.

Because of the cross, you are forgiven.

Because of the resurrection, you are free.

Prayer

Jesus, thank You for the cross–for loving me enough to suffer in my place. Thank You for enduring the darkness so I could walk in the light. And thank You for the resurrection–for proving that nothing is too broken, too dead, or too far gone for You to redeem. Help me live in the power of that truth–not just today, but every day. From the sorrow of Friday to the joy of Sunday, remind me that You are always writing a story of hope. Amen.

Reflection:

What part of your life still feels nailed down by shame, guilt, or fear?

What would it look like to truly live like the tomb is empty?

Are you walking in the freedom Jesus paid for you, or are you still trying to earn what's already been given?