Persistent Power of Hope

By @abrokenpastor.

As we reach the 40th post of Hope Scrolling, we return to the story that has shaped so many others—a story of grief, grace, endurance, and renewal. The death and resurrection of Jesus is more than a religious event; it’s a lens through which we can see the persistent power of hope in a hurting world.

Whether this story is part of your faith tradition or a narrative you’ve admired from afar, it offers something we all long for: the possibility that love can overcome fear, that life can rise from the ashes, and that hope can persist even when all seems lost.

So here, at 40 of 40 hope filled contributions, we revisit this story not to conclude, but to remind ourselves that resurrection is always the beginning of something new.

In a world filled with struggle, loss, and uncertainty, we all need stories of hope—stories that remind us there’s more than the pain we sometimes face. Few stories have stirred hearts and shaped lives quite like the story of Jesus’ death and resurrection. Whether you see it as literal history or as a powerful metaphor, the message it carries transcends time, culture, and faith. It’s a message of hope that speaks to all of us, no matter where we come from or what we believe.

At its heart, the story of Jesus’ crucifixion is a picture of love—a love so profound that it moved Jesus to suffer and die, not for his own gain, but for the sake of others. He chose this path. He saw the brokenness of the world—pain, injustice, shame—and met it with grace. Whether you take this literally or symbolically, it’s a powerful reminder of the strength found in selfless love.

We all need that kind of love. It’s the love that shows up when we need it most. The kind that sacrifices itself for others, that steps into the darkness to bring light. And in the moments when we’re called to love others in their suffering, this story becomes a guide—showing us that love, even when it hurts, is the most powerful force in the world.

That kind of love is needed now more than ever. In places like Ukraine, Gaza, and Sudan—where war tears apart lives and communities—the story of Jesus reminds us that love can endure even in the face of unimaginable suffering. It calls us to stand with those who are hurting, to offer compassion and solidarity, and to believe that even in the darkest times, light can break through.

But the story doesn’t end with death. Three days later, the tomb was found empty. Jesus lives again. And with that, the impossible happens: death is defeated. For those who believe in the physical resurrection, it’s a promise of life beyond this one—a reminder that life is stronger than death, and that something eternal awaits. For others, the resurrection remains a powerful metaphor: even in our darkest moments, renewal is possible. Broken things can be restored. Grief can give way to joy.

This is the hope we hold onto—that no matter how deep the pit or how final the failure, there’s always a way through. Hope doesn’t ignore suffering; it looks it straight in the eye and says, “This is not the end.” The story invites us to believe that life will always find a way to rise again.

For those impacted by cuts to benefits and ongoing austerity, this message feels especially poignant. When life feels crucified—when dreams die, relationships falter, or grief weighs heavily—it reminds us that resurrection is possible. It tells us that even in the face of injustice and hardship, hope can rise.

But it also challenges us to take action—to lift up those who’ve fallen, to carry each other’s burdens, to become agents of renewal. Just as Simon of Cyrene carried Jesus’ cross, we are called to share the load of those weighed down by life’s struggles. And when we offer hope and compassion, we reflect the resurrection’s promise of triumph over despair, becoming part of restoring what feels lost.

We see this resurrection happening in real life—in survivors rebuilding after disasters, in communities standing strong after tragedy, in people finding recovery after addiction, and in justice movements sparked by the courage of the oppressed. Life keeps rising. Hope keeps returning.

While the story of Jesus’ death and resurrection represents the ultimate message of hope, sacrifice, and love, it’s important to recognise that the Church—an institution meant to reflect Jesus’ message—has often fallen short. Throughout history, there have been many times when the Church has caused harm, rather than embodying the hope and love Jesus exemplified.

From times of persecution to the silencing of marginalised voices, there are dark chapters in the history of the Church that stand in stark contrast to the story of Jesus’ life and death. We’ve witnessed violence, judgment, and exclusion committed in the name of religion—actions that seem to betray the very message of love, grace, and compassion that Jesus modelled.

So, where does that leave us?

It’s crucial to remember that while the Church is meant to be a reflection of Jesus’ message, it is not Jesus Himself. The hope we find in the story of His death and resurrection is not tied to an institution or a group of people who have, at times, failed to live up to His example. Faith and hope should not rest on the actions of the Church or any other human institution, but on the life and message of Jesus Himself.

Jesus’ story—the hope it carries—is a story that transcends the flaws and failures of any organisation. It is the message of love, sacrifice, and resurrection that we are invited to carry forward, regardless of the ways the Church or society may have distorted it.

This isn’t a call to abandon faith but to distinguish the true hope that comes from Jesus from the sometimes painful reality of human institutions. In a world where institutions may fail us, Jesus’ message remains constant: love is stronger than hate, life is stronger than death, and hope will always rise again.

Even for those who struggle with the idea of a physical resurrection, there’s still hope in this story. Jesus’ life and message don’t depend on whether the tomb was empty. His impact lives on through the stories told about him, through the lessons he taught, and in the countless lives transformed by his example.

This is where the story of Jesus transcends time and culture. It’s not just about what happened two thousand years ago—it’s about what still happens today. The hope Jesus embodied, the legacy of love and selflessness, continues to ripple through history. And this message isn’t limited to religion. It speaks to the enduring power of love, forgiveness, and hope—values that shape lives long after someone is gone.

When we think of those we’ve lost—loved ones, mentors, or change-makers—their legacies live on through us. In their teachings, their kindness, the example they set. Their impact continues to shape our lives, just as Jesus’ message continues to shape the world today.

Whether you consider yourself religious or not, the story of Jesus’ death and resurrection offers a framework of hope that speaks directly to the human experience. We all face moments when life feels crucified—when our dreams die, relationships break, or sorrow lingers. But this story reminds us: we are not alone. There is more to life than the pain we carry.

It tells us that love is stronger than hate, light is stronger than darkness, and life is stronger than death. And it’s not just a poetic idea—it’s a rhythm written into the world around us. Every winter gives way to spring. Every night is followed by morning.

This story speaks to those in war-torn regions, to those facing poverty and injustice, and to anyone who feels the weight of hopelessness. It challenges us to care for one another, to step into each other’s darkness and offer light. The parable of the Good Samaritan reminds us that compassion knows no boundaries—and when we lift up others, we embody the hope that Jesus’ story promises.

You don’t need to wear a label to be moved by this story. You don’t need certainty to find meaning in it. It’s a story for the doubters and the believers, the broken and the whole. It invites us all to imagine a world where mercy wins, where grace is free, and where hope is never far away.

In the end, whether or not the tomb was empty, the story still fills hearts—with love that sacrifices, life that triumphs, and hope that rises. And that’s a story worth holding onto—and worth sharing.

✏️ @abrokenpastor

💬 All views are those of the author, and copyright belongs to them. This has been presented as provided to thebrokenchurch.

📧 If you’re interested in sharing a little hope between 5th March and 17th April 2025, get in touch (abrokenpastor@gmail.com) with your contribution. It can be an article, blog post, artwork, poem, song, photo… there are no rules others than it be your original work and offers a little bit of hope.