The Real Story of Easter: God’s Pursuit of Humanity

Easter is more than just a celebration of Jesus rising from the dead. It’s the culmination of a story that began thousands of years ago – a story of God’s relentless pursuit of humanity. Too often, we carry around false narratives about who God is and what He wants from us. Today, let’s explore the true story that Matthew’s Gospel reveals.

What Story Are You Telling Yourself About God?

Every interaction we have shapes the stories we tell ourselves. The same is true about how we view God. Many people carry around narratives that sound like this:

– God is holy, we messed up, and now He’s angry and out to get us
– If I don’t do what’s right, God won’t accept me
– God’s primary goal is to discipline me, and I probably deserve it
– The Old Testament God is scary and wrathful, but Jesus is the nice one

The False Narrative We Need to Abandon

Perhaps the most damaging story people believe is that God the Father had a son named Jesus just so He could kill him. This portrayal of an angry God who needed to punish someone doesn’t exist in Scripture. This God simply doesn’t exist in Matthew’s Gospel or anywhere else in the Bible.

What Does the Bible Actually Say About God’s Character?

The Bible opens in Genesis chapters 1-11 with humanity spiraling out of control. We see creation, then rebellion, murder, a flood, recreation, and the Tower of Babel. By Genesis 11, the human project looks like a total loss.

But God doesn’t write off humanity. Instead, He pursues us and makes a promise to Abraham in Genesis 12: “‘And in thee shall all families of the earth be blessed'” – Genesis 12:3 (KJV). That word “blessed” means they’ll experience happiness, peace, love, and life as God intends.

The Good News Didn’t Start in Bethlehem

The good news didn’t begin with a baby in Bethlehem – it started with God’s promise to Abraham. The entire storyline of the Bible tells of a promise-keeping God pursuing all people. This means God is pursuing you right now.

Matthew’s Gospel is the pinnacle of this story, and Easter is when that promise breaks through with absolute clarity.

Why Does the Resurrection Matter for Your Daily Life?

We can expect renewal because Jesus is alive and with us. It’s crucial to hold both truths together – He’s not just alive somewhere far away, but alive and present with us through the Holy Spirit.

What Kind of Renewal Are We Talking About?

This isn’t New Year’s resolution renewal that fades after a few weeks. Renewal is what happens when the risen Jesus starts making people new from the inside out. We’re talking about being recreated in God’s image, becoming the representatives of God we were created to be.

How Does Matthew’s Gospel Begin and End?

Matthew tells us exactly what his Gospel is about on the opening page. When the messenger comes to Joseph, he delivers Isaiah’s prophecy: “‘Behold, a virgin shall be with child, and shall bring forth a son, and they shall call his name Emmanuel, which being interpreted is, God with us'” – Matthew 1:23 (KJV).

The Gospel ends with the same theme – God is with us because God is in all believers in Christ.

Understanding Who Jesus Really Is

The God of the Old Testament didn’t have a baby – He became human. There’s a big difference. The God of the Old Testament became a man and took upon Himself all the consequences for sin and rebellion against God. The punishment for being a rebel was paid by God Himself.

What Happened on Easter Morning?

Matthew 28 gives us the account: “‘And the angel answered and said unto the women, Fear not ye: for I know that ye seek Jesus, which was crucified. He is not here: for he is risen, as he said. Come, see the place where the Lord lay'” – Matthew 28:5-6 (KJV).

The resurrection proves Jesus’ identity as the God-man. It forces us into a choice: either believe the resurrection is true and Jesus is alive and with us, or reject it entirely. There’s no middle ground.

Why the Opposition’s Story Doesn’t Make Sense

The religious leaders had to claim the disciples stole the body. But their story was essentially: “We knew they would try to steal the body, we made preparations to prevent it, but we were so incompetent they stole it anyway.” Even this weak explanation couldn’t explain the transformation in Jesus’ followers.

What Is Our Role as Followers of Jesus?

Jesus gave clear instructions: “‘Go ye therefore, and teach all nations, baptizing them in the name of the Father, and of the Son, and of the Holy Spirit: Teaching them to observe all things whatsoever I have commanded you'” – Matthew 28:19-20 (KJV).

Making Disciples of All Nations

The word “nations” here means all people groups, not just countries. Jesus isn’t introducing a new program – He’s bringing to completion the promise made to Abraham. Our role is to help others follow Jesus, both those who already follow Him and those who don’t yet.

It’s a Team Effort

Notice that some disciples worshiped when they saw the risen Jesus, but some doubted. Jesus didn’t dismiss the doubters – He sent them all on the mission together. The mission requires all of us, regardless of where we are in our faith journey.

What Does “God With Us” Mean Today?

Jesus concludes with this promise: “‘And, lo, I am with you always, even unto the end of the world'” – Matthew 28:20 (KJV).

He doesn’t say “I was with you” or “I’ll check in occasionally.” He says “I am with you” – present tense, ongoing reality. Renewal is unlimited because Jesus is always with us.

How Do We Live in Light of This Reality?

Jesus works in this world through people – people who are yielded to Him, who reject rebellion and embrace followership. Renewal isn’t a one-time event or a feeling to chase; it’s a life to be lived.

Life Application

This week, challenge yourself to help someone take their next step toward Jesus. This doesn’t mean you need to convert someone in one conversation. Your job is simply to help people wherever they are take one step closer to Him.

Maybe that’s starting a daily devotional with a friend who’s asking questions about faith. Perhaps it’s encouraging a fellow believer who’s struggling with doubt. Or it could be sharing your own story of how Jesus has been working in your life.

Remember, Jesus is alive and with you in this mission. You’re not doing it alone.

Questions for Reflection:

– What false narrative about God have you been carrying that needs to be corrected?
– How can you help someone in your life take their next step toward Jesus this week?
– In what areas of your life do you need to remember that Jesus is present with you right now?
– How does knowing that God has been pursuing you since before you were born change your perspective on your relationship with Him?