Episode 151 – The Easter Pattern
While Christians the world over celebrate Easter each year, many of us struggle to live out the transformative power of Easter the rest of the year, especially during challenging seasons. But a close look at the Easter story reveals a powerful pattern we can emulate in order to move from death to life. By the end of this episode, you’ll learn how to name your deaths, open yourself to new possibilities, grieve your unmet expectations, let go of what was, and be empowered by God’s Spirit to move forward in the newness of life.
Discussion Questions
- What was your biggest takeaway from the teaching?
- We all experience things that feel like a kind of death. What are 1 or 2 deaths you've experienced in your life?
- How did that experience of death open your eyes to new depths and possibilities?
- Moving from death to life can be disorienting because it means coming to terms with what was and what is. What has it looked like for you to grieve your unmet expectations?
- Surrendering and letting go seem to be at the heart of new life in Jesus. What are some of the things you've had to surrender and relinquish as you've found new life in Jesus?
- Describe a time when you were particularly aware of God's Spirit empowering you with newness of life. What did that look like?
- How will you begin living out the truths of this teaching this week?
For Further Study
- The Holy Longing by Ronald Rolheiser
As an Amazon Associate, we earn from qualifying purchases (at no extra charge to you).






Hi Brad,
Richards and I travelled with you to Turkey and Israel in 2015 and 2012.
Each week I try to listen to one of your episodes and really enjoy your teaching.
Today I listened to your Easter message Episode 150 which you posted last year.
Last year, just before Easter our daughter passed away at the age of 33 after a 5 year battle with bowel cancer.
She left behind a 5 year old daughter and a husband who loved her dearly.
Easter Sunday we remembered the first anniversary that she passed away. It was a sad day to reflect on but also a significant day to remember the hope that death is not the end.
I found your message today very real and meaningful as I reflect on the past year of wrestling with grief and coming to terms with the reality of losing someone so precious to me. Losing her what not what I expected to happen but throughout the journey we have always felt God with us and a comfort that death does not have the final say because of Jesus.
Thanks again for your ministry.
Regards,
Jenny Boonstra