05 April 2026 - Peter van Breda - Easter, People Who Were There

Devotional

Day 1: The Surprising Grace of God in Unexpected Moments

God's love often meets us in the most surprising and unexpected ways. It can interrupt our darkest moments with a touch of healing and grace, just as it did for a man who came to arrest Jesus but left with a restored ear. This grace is not something we earn; it is a gift that confronts our misunderstandings and reveals the true heart of the Father. It is a love that was demonstrated supremely on the cross, while we were still far from Him. This surprising grace invites us into a story much larger than our own. [54:04]

But God demonstrates his own love for us in this: While we were still sinners, Christ died for us. (Romans 5:8 NIV)

Reflection: When have you recently experienced an unexpected moment of God's grace or kindness, and how did it challenge your previous assumptions about Him?

Day 2: The Danger of Exposure Without True Transformation

Being near holy things does not automatically produce a holy heart. One can witness miracles, handle sacred responsibilities, and be part of a spiritual community while remaining unchanged within. A true relationship with Christ is more than mere exposure; it requires a personal, willing surrender of the heart. Without this, the heart can grow cynical and hardened, leading to a path of self-destruction. The power of sin is real, but the power of Christ is greater for those who turn to Him. [01:00:22]

The seventy-two returned with joy and said, “Lord, even the demons submit to us in your name.” (Luke 10:17 NIV)

Reflection: In what ways might you be relying on religious exposure or activity, rather than cultivating a personal and intimate relationship with Jesus Himself?

Day 3: Finding Faith at the Foot of the Cross

The foot of the cross is a place of profound significance where all distinctions fade. It is where a seasoned soldier, accustomed to death, witnessed something extraordinary and was moved to confess faith. This moment reveals that true understanding of Jesus often comes not from academic study alone, but from encountering the power of God displayed in His sacrifice. At the cross, fear is replaced with awe, and doubt gives way to declaration. [01:06:38]

When the centurion and those with him who were guarding Jesus saw the earthquake and all that had happened, they were terrified, and exclaimed, “Surely he was the Son of God!” (Matthew 27:54 NIV)

Reflection: What is one area of your life where you need to move from a place of observation to a place of personal confession and trust in who Jesus is?

Day 4: From Secret Fear to Courageous Love

Fear can be a powerful force that leads to regret and secret discipleship, causing us to hide our faith from others. Yet, God’s perfect love has the power to cast out fear and inspire courageous action. Love moves us from the shadows into the light, compelling us to care for others and honor Christ publicly, even when it is difficult. It is never too late to allow God’s love to replace our fear with His power and purpose. [01:09:21]

For the Spirit God gave us does not make us timid, but gives us power, love and self-discipline. (2 Timothy 1:7 NIV)

Reflection: Is there a situation where fear is holding you back from demonstrating your love for Christ openly? What is one step you can take this week to move from fear to faith-filled action?

Day 5: Hearts Burning with the Power of God's Word

God’s Word has the power to transform confusion into clarity and despair into hope. When the Scriptures are opened to us, our hearts can burn within us as we recognize the living Christ. This is an invitation to move beyond Sunday observance into a daily, passionate relationship with Jesus. A transformed heart is one that worships Him and immediately goes to tell others the good news. [01:21:02]

They asked each other, “Were not our hearts burning within us while he talked with us on the road and opened the Scriptures to us?” (Luke 24:32 NIV)

Reflection: As you read the Bible this week, ask God to open the Scriptures to you. What passage is He causing to ‘burn’ in your heart, and how is He inviting you to respond?

Sermon Summary

A baby dedication opens with Scripture affirming children as a heritage, the Psalmist’s careful craftsmanship in the womb, and God’s plans to give hope and a future. The narrative then reframes the Easter events through the eyes of several people who stood at the cross and beyond, drawing out spiritual lessons from surprise, failure, confession, fear, devotion, and restoration. Malchus, struck and then healed, exposes God’s purpose over human plots and shows that rescue can come from the very one whom people intend to harm. Judas’ story traces exposure to truth without true conversion, a slow slide from privilege to betrayal, and the tragic cost of surrendering to deceit and greed. The centurion at the cross registers the supernatural signs—the darkness, the earthquake—and declares Jesus to be God’s Son, demonstrating how sober observation of divine action can break hardened hearts.

Joseph of Arimathea models the tension between secret fear and public courage: his request for Jesus’ body and the careful burial reveal a faith that moves from hidden to brave, even under risk. The women at the cross and the tomb show steady devotion; they prepare spices, witness the empty tomb, encounter angels, and meet the risen Lord—becoming first witnesses who worship and run to proclaim what they have seen. On the road to Emmaus, two travelers walk in confusion until Scripture and a shared meal ignite an inner flame; their recognition of the risen Lord in the breaking of bread turns grief into conviction and mission. The account closes with baptisms that underline outward confession following inward faith, a communal blessing, and a call to a relationship with the living Lord that goes beyond Sunday gatherings into daily life. These portraits encourage a faith that responds with honesty, courage, devotion, and a willingness to be transformed by the Word and the risen Christ.

Key Takeaways

1. Surprise reveals God’s purpose God’s interventions often arrive where human plans seem sealed. Malchus’ hurt turns into healing, and that reversal exposes a larger divine design that rejects mere power plays. Expect disruptions that reconfigure blame, call, and mercy, forcing a reassessment of enemies and purposes. [53:15]
2. Exposure without conversion destroys Proximity to miracles and truth does not guarantee a transformed heart; Judas’s trajectory shows how privilege can mask a decaying soul. True faith requires inward surrender, not merely participation or position among the faithful. The tragic end warns that ritual familiarity can hide lethal compromises. [56:57]
3. Evidence can break hardened hearts The centurion reads cosmic signs and speaks a confession few expected: the crucified one is God’s Son. When creation itself bears witness, reason and reverence collide, producing sudden clarity and worship. Let observable grace and truth challenge any settled unbelief. [66:38]
4. Fear can hide steadfast devotion Joseph of Arimathea moves from secret disciple to public action, showing that fear may constrain faith until love and risk intersect. Courageful care for the bruised and broken redeems earlier timidity and models sacrificial loyalty. Choose acts of devotion that outlast safe silence. [68:19]
5. Scripture and bread ignite faith The Emmaus journey makes clear that Scripture opened by Christ and the breaking of bread awaken insight and devotion. Intellectual clarity alone leaves the heart cold; sacramental encounter fans understanding into a burning conviction. Seek both word and meal to move from confusion to witness. [75:24]

Youtube Chapters

[00:00] - Welcome
[45:02] - Baby Dedication & Scriptures
[50:30] - Resurrection Seen Anew
[51:01] - Malchus: Surprise and Healing
[56:57] - Judas: Betrayal and Descent
[66:38] - Centurion’s Confession at Calvary
[68:00] - Joseph of Arimathea’s Courage
[72:26] - Women at the Cross and Tomb
[77:10] - Emmaus Road: Scripture and Bread
[82:05] - Closing Blessing and Call
[97:48] - Water Baptisms

Bible Study Guide

Bible reading: Luke 24:13-35 (ESV)
That very day two of them were going to a village named Emmaus, about seven miles from Jerusalem, and they were talking with each other about all these things that had happened. While they were talking and discussing together, Jesus himself drew near and went with them. But their eyes were kept from recognizing him. And he said to them, “What is this conversation that you are holding with each other as you walk?” And they stood still, looking sad. Then one of them, named Cleopas, answered him, “Are you the only visitor to Jerusalem who does not know the things that have happened there in these days?” And he said to them, “What things?” And they said to him, “Concerning Jesus of Nazareth, a man who was a prophet mighty in deed and word before God and all the people, and how our chief priests and rulers delivered him up to be condemned to death, and crucified him. But we had hoped that he was the one to redeem Israel. Yes, and besides all this, it is now the third day since these things happened. Moreover, some women of our company amazed us. They were at the tomb early in the morning, and when they did not find his body, they came back saying that they had even seen a vision of angels, who said that he was alive. Some of those who were with us went to the tomb and found it just as the women had said, but him they did not see.” And he said to them, “O foolish ones, and slow of heart to believe all that the prophets have spoken! Was it not necessary that the Christ should suffer these things and enter into his glory?” And beginning with Moses and all the Prophets, he interpreted to them in all the Scriptures the things concerning himself. So they drew near to the village to which they were going. He acted as if he were going farther, but they urged him strongly, saying, “Stay with us, for it is toward evening and the day is now far spent.” So he went in to stay with them. When he was at table with them, he took the bread and blessed and broke it and gave it to them. And their eyes were opened, and they recognized him. And he vanished from their sight. They said to each other, “Did not our hearts burn within us while he talked to us on the road, while he opened to us the Scriptures?” And they rose that same hour and returned to Jerusalem. And they found the eleven and those who were with them gathered together, saying, “The Lord has risen indeed, and has appeared to Simon!” Then they told what had happened on the road, and how he was known to them in the breaking of the bread.

Observation questions

What were the two travelers on the road to Emmaus discussing, and what was their emotional state when Jesus first joined them?
What two key actions did Jesus take that finally led to the travelers recognizing him?
According to the sermon, what are some of the surprising ways God's purpose was revealed through the events surrounding the cross, such as in the story of Malchus? [53:15]
What was the immediate response of the two travelers after they recognized Jesus?

Interpretation questions

The travelers said their hearts were "burning" within them as Jesus explained the Scriptures. What does this suggest about the relationship between intellectual understanding of the Bible and a personal, heartfelt encounter with Christ?
Why might God sometimes conceal his presence, as he did with these two travelers, before revealing himself in a powerful way?
The sermon describes Judas as someone who had exposure to truth and miracles without true conversion. [56:57] What is the crucial difference between knowing facts about Jesus and having a transformed heart?
Joseph of Arimathea moved from a secret disciple to someone who took a public, courageous risk. [01:08:19] What might have been the turning point that compelled him to act despite his fear?

Application questions

God's interventions often arrive where human plans seem sealed, turning hurt into healing and revealing a larger divine design. [53:15] When has a surprising disruption in your life, perhaps even something painful, later revealed itself to be a part of God's good purpose for you?
Proximity to miracles and truth does not guarantee a transformed heart. [56:57] In what ways can we check our own hearts to ensure we are not merely going through religious motions but are genuinely surrendering to Christ inwardly?
Fear may constrain faith until love and risk intersect. [01:08:19] Is there an area in your life where fear is holding you back from a brave, public act of devotion or care for someone who is hurting? What would it look like to take one step of courage this week?
Intellectual clarity alone can leave the heart cold, but a sacramental encounter can fan understanding into burning conviction. [01:15:24] How can you intentionally seek both the study of God's Word and moments of intimate communion with Him to move from confusion to witness in your daily life?
The women at the tomb demonstrated steady devotion by preparing spices, witnessing the empty tomb, and then running to proclaim what they had seen. What does a "steady devotion" that persists through grief and confusion look like in the rhythm of your own life?
The centurion's confession came from observing the supernatural signs at the cross. [01:06:38] What "observable" evidence of God's grace and power in creation, in history, or in your own life challenges any settled unbelief you might be holding onto?

Sermon Clips

Can you remember the time when your life was transformed? When you came face to face with Jesus? Unlike any other moment, they truly personally understood that Jesus was alive. The scriptures could be believed. That word must have burnt in their hearts, and it's my prayer that today that word will burn in your hearts. We need hearts ready to hear. And like those men on the Emmaus Road, our hearts will burn within us as the powerful word of the living God transforms our lives into the image of Christ. [01:20:41] (41 seconds) #HeartsOnFire

When we allow fear to be a driving force behind our choices, the consequences can be devastating. It was fear that caused Adam to hide from God. It was fear that caused Sarah to lie to God. It was fear that caused Elijah to run and hide in a cave. It was fear that contributed to Pilate's decision to crucify him. Fear can become a force that enslaves our hearts and results in a pain of regret. It leaves us haunted with questions like what if or if only. [01:08:34] (35 seconds) #BreakFreeFromFear

And, surprises are wonderful. Maybe you've had a surprise recently that you found out that you had got an unexpected promotion. But, surprises can also be terrifying. Like, a person who goes in for a routine examination and the doctor says, would you please just sit down because I have something to say to you? And it is a surprise. Jesus Christ reveals God to us in the most surprising events in history and his incarnation. So many shocking events occurred during those days and nights of pain, darkness, defeat, victory which started in the Garden Of Gethsemane the night before the cross. [00:52:29] (41 seconds) #DivineSurprises

The man, as I said, had the responsibility of supervising many crucifixions. However, there was something extraordinary about this, something that he could never have imagined. The sun goes dark. He feels the earthquake's power. The supernatural phenomena suddenly ended when Jesus yield up his spirit in a shout and died. There was no ordinary execution. What great fear to suddenly realize you have put to death God's son. [01:06:40] (36 seconds) #ConvictedAtCalvary

And if we're honest enough with ourselves, what about the true nature, God's expression of love, and care for us? That should surprise us all because each one of us fall far short of the glory of God. And except for his grace and love and mercy, you and I would not be sitting here today. Romans five eight says, but God demonstrated his love for us in this, that while we were yet sinners, Christ died for us. Now, isn't that a surprise? [00:56:21] (31 seconds) #UnexpectedGrace

Judas finalized the betrayal plan with a religious establishment when he left Jesus and his men in the upper room. This is a vivid reminder to you and I that exposure to spiritual things, even in even the presence of Christ, is not equivalent to a true relationship with him. Each one of us, Jesus longs for a personal, intimate relationship with you. [01:00:00] (29 seconds) #PresenceIsNotFaith

In the time of Christ, women weren't highly praised. The normal Jewish scholar would pray with thanksgiving that God had not that he'd not been born a Gentile, a Samaritan, or a woman. In some cultures, women con were considered possessions by their husbands with no real legal rights or no opportunities for education. But it was primarily the woman, not the men, who displayed the strength of devotion and commitment to walk with Jesus through his final hours. [01:12:26] (33 seconds) #FaithfulWomenAtTheCross

As the pair on the Emmaus Road experienced the faith and reality of a burning heart, we too must burn with a passion to know him. See, it's not good enough just to come to church on Sunday. God wants a relationship with you that goes beyond just what we do on a Sunday. Sunday is when we come together in communion, when we come together as a community, and we encourage each other, and we hear the word of God, and then we go and live out our faith out there in the world. [01:21:29] (33 seconds) #FaithBeyondSunday

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05 April 2026 - Peter van Breda - Easter, People Who Were There

Devotional

Day 1: The Surprising Grace of God in Unexpected Moments

Day 2: The Danger of Exposure Without True Transformation

Day 3: Finding Faith at the Foot of the Cross

Day 4: From Secret Fear to Courageous Love

Day 5: Hearts Burning with the Power of God's Word

Sermon Summary

Key Takeaways

Youtube Chapters

Bible Study Guide

Sermon Clips

Chatbot

05 April 2026 - Peter van Breda - Easter, People Who Were There

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