Easter 2026: Jesus’ Care for Others • 04.05.26
Nick Lees   -   April 5, 2026

Easter 2026: Jesus’ Care for Others
John 20-21; Luke 24

Delighting in Jesus’ compassion and kindness

  1. Jesus restores those who stumble
  2. Jesus ministers to those who doubt
  3. Jesus instructs, illuminates, and empowers his disciples
  4. Jesus rescues and redeems us from our sins

Manuscript:

Ushers + Bibles (John 20; Luke 24) – verses will be on screen today

On Good Friday we took time to remember and reflect upon Jesus’ care for others even as he was heading to his own death on the Cross, where he bore the wrath of God for our sins. Today, on Easter Sunday, our aim is delighting in Jesus’ compassion and kindness as we survey his care for others after his resurrection from the dead. *pause*

Can I ask – Have you been intentional during Holy Week this year? Did you take time in your days, with your household, to slow down and consider what Jesus was up to on this week so many years ago? Have you prepared your heart to worship him? *pause*

As I was reading and preparing for this weekend’s messages, I was deeply moved by the care and compassion of Jesus, especially during this week given all that he was going through. Truly all of Jesus’ life and ministry demonstrated care for others. After all, he came down to fulfill and accomplish the grand redemption plan of God. And yet, it is one thing to have an intellectual understanding of the bigger picture, and another to drill down into specific situations and see the compassion and kindness of our Lord on display. The latter is what we are going to do during our time together today. I have selected several different interactions between the Lord and one or more of his disciples following his resurrection. I hope that you will resonate with these interactions and be in awe of the deep care of Jesus.

Without further ado, let’s dive into our first opportunity to delight in Jesus’ compassion and kindness. It’s the life of Peter.

During our Good Friday Service, I shared the following words of Jesus to Peter as they sat down for their Passover meal before Jesus’ arrest and crucifixion:

Luke 22:31–32 (ESV)

31 “Simon, Simon, behold, Satan demanded to have you, that he might sift you like wheat, 32 but I have prayed for you that your faith may not fail. And when you have turned again, strengthen your brothers.”

Jesus knew that the temptation for Peter to fear man and deny Jesus was coming. He knew that Peter would falter and fail. But he cared for Peter and pre-emptively let him know of the coming trial. And he prayed for him! Imagine that, the Son of God, your Savior, praying for you – that your faith may not fail. And then offering a word of encouragement, “And when you have turned again, strengthen your brothers.”

Jesus knew Peter would deny him. He knew Peter was not strong enough to resist the temptations ahead of him. But he loved Peter and he was praying for Peter, and he would be ready to forgive Peter. Jesus cared for Peter.

What we didn’t get to see on Friday is what happens after Jesus’ resurrection. Jesus continues his care for Peter in a most amazing way!

We see the fulfillment of Jesus’ prayer and promise in the Gospel of John chapter 21. After his resurrection, Jesus made it a point to meet Peter again on the shore of the Sea of Galilee, where they first met and where Jesus had first called Peter to follow him. Peter had gone fishing, and much like the first time he had met Jesus, he had caught nothing.

John 21:3 (ESV)

3 Simon Peter said to them, “I am going fishing.” They said to him, “We will go with you.” They went out and got into the boat, but that night they caught nothing.

Peter’s lack of success in fishing is not the focal point of this recounting. It’s simply the divine setup for what comes next. Jesus was waiting. And Jesus cared for Peter… Listen to what comes next…

John 21:4–14 (ESV)

4 Just as day was breaking, Jesus stood on the shore; yet the disciples did not know that it was Jesus. 5 Jesus said to them, “Children, do you have any fish?” They answered him, “No.” 6 He said to them, “Cast the net on the right side of the boat, and you will find some.” So they cast it, and now they were not able to haul it in, because of the quantity of fish.

7 That disciple whom Jesus loved therefore said to Peter, “It is the Lord!” When Simon Peter heard that it was the Lord, he put on his outer garment, for he was stripped for work, and threw himself into the sea. 8 The other disciples came in the boat, dragging the net full of fish, for they were not far from the land, but about a hundred yards off.

9 When they got out on land, they saw a charcoal fire in place, with fish laid out on it, and bread. 10 Jesus said to them, “Bring some of the fish that you have just caught.” 11 So Simon Peter went aboard and hauled the net ashore, full of large fish, 153 of them. And although there were so many, the net was not torn. 12 Jesus said to them, “Come and have breakfast.”

Now none of the disciples dared ask him, “Who are you?” They knew it was the Lord. 13 Jesus came and took the bread and gave it to them, and so with the fish. 14 This was now the third time that Jesus was revealed to the disciples after he was raised from the dead.

Those of you who have been with us for our study in Luke will likely see many similarities between Jesus’ first encounter with Peter and this one. No fish caught on the nighttime fishing expedition. But an overwhelming haul in the morning after obeying Jesus’ command. The recognition of the Lord and a response of humble faith. Peter knew it was the resurrected Jesus – the evidence was undeniable. And do you know what followed? Jesus intentionally restored Peter. He walked Peter through a three-fold question and answer session that allowed Peter to reaffirm his faith in Jesus. One question and answer for each of the three denials Peter had committed just nights prior. Jesus cared for Peter and came for him after his failure/denials. He would not let him wallow in shame and defeat but showed him the way to restoration – faith and forgiveness in Jesus. After walking Peter through this restorative process, Jesus said to him, “Follow me.” The very same command he had given three years earlier when he first called Peter on the very same shoreline. Is that not incredible? We get to delight in Jesus’ compassion and kindness as we see…

  1. Jesus restores those who stumble

Is that not good news this morning? Can you relate to Peter, the stumbler and denier? If we are being honest with ourselves, then I am certain each of us can and should relate to Peter. None of us is perfect and without sin. If that were true, or even possible, then Jesus would not have had to come. But we are imperfect people who struggle with temptation and sin.

There have been moments this week, in my own household, where the Lees family has struggled and stumbled. Hurtful words were said. Tempers flared in ungodly ways. Selfishness won, at least in some interactions. Can you relate for your life and household? If so, then GIVE THANKS that Jesus restores those who stumble!

Your sin is not the final word of your story. If you still draw breath, then there is an opportunity to be restored by the Lord, like Peter. Do you recall that great hope of the prophet Jeremiah when he and the entire nation were deep in affliction and suffering for their sin?

Lamentations 3:22–23 (ESV)

22      The steadfast love of the Lord never ceases;

his mercies never come to an end;

23      they are new every morning;

great is your faithfulness.

God is unchanging and therefore we have hope! He delights to show compassion and kindness to stumblers who turn to him in faith.

If you are struggling with sin, turn to Jesus in faith. Cry out for restorative mercy and grace! Ask him for help in turning from your sin to follow Him, whether that’s for the very first time or if it’s turning again after another struggle and period of stumbling in your life. Consider the wise counsel of the author of Hebrews:

Hebrews 4:14–16 (ESV)

14 Since then we have a great high priest who has passed through the heavens, Jesus, the Son of God, let us hold fast our confession. 15 For we do not have a high priest who is unable to sympathize with our weaknesses, but one who in every respect has been tempted as we are, yet without sin. 16 Let us then with confidence draw near to the throne of grace, that we may receive mercy and find grace to help in time of need.

We are called to strive or exert zealous effort in pursuing the Lord. This life we live is full of toils and tribulations, temptations and snares, yet God has provided His Son as our Savior and High Priest who is ready and able to help us in time of need. But you must cry out to him for help. You must draw near to his throne of grace. And you can have confidence that he hears and delights to help you! Will you strive to pursue your Savior in 2026? Will you draw near to him, receive his restoring grace, and seek to live a faithful life? *pause*

Let’s consider the compassion and kindness of Jesus from another angle…

Likely, there are some here who struggle to believe. Perhaps you’ve always struggled with skepticism related to the Bible and Jesus. Perhaps your struggle is more recent as you’ve encountered a season of suffering, and your faith is being significantly tested. Whatever your situation might be, I would like to offer you an opportunity to delight in Jesus’ compassion and kindness to those who doubt… Let’s look at the life of Thomas.

John 20:24–25 (ESV)

24 Now Thomas, one of the twelve, called the Twin, was not with them when Jesus came. 25 So the other disciples told him, “We have seen the Lord.” But he said to them, “Unless I see in his hands the mark of the nails, and place my finger into the mark of the nails, and place my hand into his side, I will never believe.”

Thomas missed out on Jesus’ post-resurrection appearance to his disciples in the Upper Room! Can you imagine? “Hey Thomas, you’re never going to guess what happened while you were out getting groceries! Jesus has risen from the dead and came to visit with us!” What a disappointment!

And yet, Thomas’ response is rather surprising, especially for someone who spent the last three years traveling with and ministering alongside of Jesus. He opens his mouth and reveals that he is a human who struggles very similarly to many of us – with unbelief. Thomas wants greater evidence than the testimony of these men, even though he had no reason to believe they would lie to him. In light of the reliable eyewitnesses, his demand is absurd, yet it is a helpful reminder that these men were just that… mere men. They were imperfect strugglers, just like you and me. And they need a compassionate and kind Savior, just like you and me. Let’s keep reading to see how Jesus responds to Thomas’ doubt.

John 20:26–29 (ESV)

26 Eight days later, his disciples were inside again, and Thomas was with them. Although the doors were locked, Jesus came and stood among them and said, “Peace be with you.” 27 Then he said to Thomas, “Put your finger here, and see my hands; and put out your hand, and place it in my side. Do not disbelieve, but believe.” 28 Thomas answered him, “My Lord and my God!” 29 Jesus said to him, “Have you believed because you have seen me? Blessed are those who have not seen and yet have believed.”

Jesus did not leave Thomas in his state of doubt. He returned when Thomas was present. He even addressed Thomas directly and repeated his own words back to him. Which is even more amazing considering Jesus was not present when Thomas first gave voice to them! Jesus was reminding Thomas that he is the Lord and deserving of Thomas’ belief. And Thomas answered in faith! “My Lord and my God!” He recognized the truth about Jesus and his believed! From this interaction with Thomas, we can delight in Jesus’ compassion and kindness as…

  1. Jesus ministers to those who doubt

Jesus’ compassion and kindness lead him to deal gently with Thomas in his struggles with his faith. He confronts him with the truth and invites him to have his doubts answered.

This ministry to the doubter is not unique to Thomas. Each of Jesus’ disciples struggled with fear over faith, especially in the early days of following him. A common response to Jesus’ miracles that they asked amongst themselves was “Who is this?” They were still learning about Jesus’ identity and mission as they followed him. They were maturing in their faith and commitment throughout their lives. This is the process of growth that we share with them as ordinary men/women.

How incredible that Jesus cares about his doubting disciples in the days following his resurrection! Taking care of Thomas and the other fearful disciples was important to Jesus in preparing them to be his witnesses throughout Jerusalem and Judea, to the ends of the earth.

As I said a moment ago, doubt is not unique to Thomas, nor is it limited to the initial 12 disciples of Jesus. Each of us enters this world in a posture of unbelief. Rebels against a Holy God. Whether we are willing to admit it or not, we know there is a God, but we enter this world bent on putting ourselves in His place. We live this out by seeking to call the shots in our daily lives without any respect or submission to God’s will or ways.

Some of you are still locked in this posture of doubt and defiance against God. Your skepticism is held deep in your heart. You demand evidence beyond what God has deemed is necessary for faith. He has sent His Son. He raised His Son from the dead. He has provided additional incredible and irrefutable evidence in the form of His Word, the Holy Scriptures, the work of the Holy Spirit in transforming the lives of men and women down through the ages, and even in the tremendous amount of historical evidence that verifies the testimony of Scripture. Will you not heed Jesus’ words to Thomas – “Do not disbelieve, but believe”? What will it take to break you of your proud self-reliance to believe the truth about Jesus? *pause*

Still others have endured a season of suffering that has shaken your faith. Perhaps you feel as if you’ve been abandoned by God. Does He see or know? Does He care? If this is your situation, then pay attention to Jesus’ intentionality with Thomas – he knew what Thomas had said and was struggling with and he addressed it! Jesus is not far off or unaware of your struggles. He does not look upon you without feeling great compassion and kindness in his heart. Again, I remind you of the words of Hebrews:

Hebrews 4:15–16 (ESV)

15 For we do not have a high priest who is unable to sympathize with our weaknesses, but one who in every respect has been tempted as we are, yet without sin. 16 Let us then with confidence draw near to the throne of grace, that we may receive mercy and find grace to help in time of need.

In your suffering, Jesus has not forsaken you. He sympathizes with you and is ready to help you. Your suffering is an opportunity to turn to him and find mercy and grace in new supply during this season. Do not allow suffering to drive you away from him, but to draw you near to him.

Perhaps you would be served well to remember Jesus’ own declaration about his commitment to protecting his sheep:

John 10:11 (ESV)

11 I am the good shepherd. The good shepherd lays down his life for the sheep.

And so he did. Good Friday and Easter Sunday are the perfect time to remember Jesus’ steadfast love and faithfulness to us. In the words of King David:

 Psalm 23:4 (ESV)

   4      Even though I walk through the valley of the shadow of death,

I will fear no evil,

          for you are with me;

your rod and your staff,

they comfort me.

The Lord is my shepherd. If you believe in him, he is your shepherd too. Do not fear the sufferings of this present life and allow them to cloud your view of the One who bled and died for you. The One who took care of your greatest need by drinking the cup of God’s wrath dry… for you! (Slide)

Remember Peter, who when he saw the wind and the waves, began to fear and sink into the waters of the sea. But Jesus reached out his hand and took hold of him saying, “O you of little faith, why did you doubt?” Then he rescued Peter and took him to safety. Take heart in the face of your trials and tribulations. Do not let your fears and doubts have the final word. Look to Jesus, the One who ministers to doubters and provides all that they need!

Today we have the opportunity to hear and remember the Good News of Jesus Christ. The Son of God who lived a perfect, sinless life in our place and went to the Cross to die a substitutionary death for us, bearing the wrath for our sins that we might be forgiven and redeemed. But beyond hearing and remembering, we also have the opportunity to believe! Let us lay aside our doubts and fears that hinder faith. May we find freedom in confessing our struggles to the Lord (He already knows!) and committing to walking by faith in Him in the days and weeks ahead.

If you’re uncertain of how to do this, then I would remind you that we have the blessing of the community of the local church. God did not save us into an isolated, lone ranger faith. He saved us into his body, his bride, his family – the church. And it is a tremendous privilege to be able to walk with other believers in this journey of faith, encouraging and exhorting one another in our faith. Ask your small group for help. If you’re not in a small group, why not? You’re denying yourself vital community for running this race of faith! You can also reach out to the pastors for help. We are here to shepherd the flock of God entrusted to us. It is our call to provide counsel from God’s Word and to protect you. Our church also has a free biblical counseling ministry, make use of it! Whatever you do, do not leave here isolated and alone in your struggle. Let someone in and ask them to walk with you. We were made for Christian community! *pause*

One of the reasons Christian community is necessary and effective is due to the next example of Jesus’ compassion and kindness towards others…

  1. Jesus instructs, illuminates, and empowers his disciples

We can delight this morning that Jesus did not leave his disciples as scared, scattered, and skeptical men! After rescuing and redeeming them from their sin, he sought them out post-resurrection to demonstrate his care for them in very tangible ways. Let’s look at these scenarios now:

Luke 24:13–27 (ESV)

13 That very day two of them were going to a village named Emmaus, about seven miles from Jerusalem, 14 and they were talking with each other about all these things that had happened. 15 While they were talking and discussing together, Jesus himself drew near and went with them. 16 But their eyes were kept from recognizing him.

17 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. 18 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?” 19 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, 20 and how our chief priests and rulers delivered him up to be condemned to death, and crucified him. 21 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. 22 Moreover, some women of our company amazed us.

They were at the tomb early in the morning, 23 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. 24 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.”

25 And he said to them, “O foolish ones, and slow of heart to believe all that the prophets have spoken! 26 Was it not necessary that the Christ should suffer these things and enter into his glory?” 27 And beginning with Moses and all the Prophets, he interpreted to them in all the Scriptures the things concerning himself.

On the day of his resurrection, Jesus intentionally came to two of his disciples to instruct them in the Scriptures. He connected the dots, as it were, for how the Old Testament pointed to him as the Christ and Savior! He did this not only once, but twice. Later in the same evening, Jesus came to them as they were hiding in the upper room.

Luke 24:44–45 (ESV)

44 Then he said to them, “These are my words that I spoke to you while I was still with you, that everything written about me in the Law of Moses and the Prophets and the Psalms must be fulfilled.” 45 Then he opened their minds to understand the Scriptures,

Jesus not only instructed them in the Scriptures; he also supernaturally opened their minds to understand the Scriptures. This process is known by the term illumination, and it means God gives you the ability to understand the Scriptures through the power of His Spirit. This is a significant sign of compassion and kindness towards Jesus’ followers, as without God’s intervening work, we cannot grasp the truth of the Scriptures the way we need for life and godliness in Christ.

Jesus’ care for others leads him to address their (and our) greatest needs – the forgiveness of sins, mercy and help through stumbling and doubts, and the provision to know and obey the truth as revealed in God’s Word!

Consider how, on Resurrection Sunday, Jesus prioritized helping them understand the Scriptures! It was that important for them and the continuance of God’s plan. The men and women who were going to continue the gospel work that Christ had begun must know the truth as revealed in his Word! And Jesus reveals that understanding the Scriptures is a spiritual matter and requires the Spirit’s work in you. Previously the disciples had read without fully understanding. Now, by God’s Spirit at work in them, they could read and understand and obey!

Later, in his writing to the church in Ephesus, the Apostle Paul would confirm this supernatural work of God in believers when he wrote this prayer for them:

Ephesians 1:15–18 (ESV)

15 For this reason, because I have heard of your faith in the Lord Jesus and your love toward all the saints, 16 I do not cease to give thanks for you, remembering you in my prayers, 17 that the God of our Lord Jesus Christ, the Father of glory, may give you the Spirit of wisdom and of revelation in the knowledge of him, 18 having the eyes of your hearts enlightened, that you may know what is the hope to which he has called you, what are the riches of his glorious inheritance in the saints,

Every man, woman, boy, or girl who trusts in Jesus Christ for salvation receives God the Holy Spirit as a seal of their salvation. They are indwelt by the Spirit, and he enlightens their heart and mind to understand the Scriptures, so that they might know the hope that they have been called to and live by the truth within! This was as true for the first disciples as it is for Christians today.

Brother or sister, you can know the truth of God’s Word. Your earnest study of it is not in vain. It will change you as you put in the time and effort to seek understanding. It will be a source of great joy and hope as you hear the wonderful promises of God contained within. You will be drawn near to your Creator as you learn more about him – his character and works throughout history. You will also be equipped to resist temptation and sin as you learn more about them and the incredible dangers they pose.

How delightful that Jesus cared for us in this way! Will you pray and ask God for faith and obedience to seek out the truth? This is a prayer for both skeptics and believers alike! All of us need faith and obedience.

Jesus’ compassion and kindness also led him to empower his disciples for the mission. In the very next verses in Luke 24 it says:

Luke 24:45–49 (ESV)

45 Then he opened their minds to understand the Scriptures, 46 and said to them, “Thus it is written, that the Christ should suffer and on the third day rise from the dead, 47 and that repentance for the forgiveness of sins should be proclaimed in his name to all nations, beginning from Jerusalem. 48 You are witnesses of these things. 49 And behold, I am sending the promise of my Father upon you. But stay in the city until you are clothed with power from on high.”

Jesus promised to send his Holy Spirit to empower them for their mission of proclaiming the message! This message was calling people to repentance for the forgiveness of sins in the name of Jesus. And Jesus would not leave them to do this work in their own strength but would provide the Divine Helper to empower them for the work. The Creator would delegate his authority to his people so that their mission would be successful. What a beautiful example of kindness and compassion! He met them in their frailty and weakness yet did not leave them there but transformed them into a new creation.

Paul reiterates this wonderful work of our Savior in his New Testament letters:

2 Corinthians 5:17 (ESV)

17 Therefore, if anyone is in Christ, he is a new creation. The old has passed away; behold, the new has come.

Ephesians 1:13–14 (ESV)

13 In him you also, when you heard the word of truth, the gospel of your salvation, and believed in him, were sealed with the promised Holy Spirit, 14 who is the guarantee of our inheritance until we acquire possession of it, to the praise of his glory.

You see, the final reality of Jesus’ kindness and compassion that we are delighting in this morning is that…

  1. Jesus rescues and redeems us from our sins

This is our greatest reason to delight! Without Jesus’ rescue and redemption from our sins, we would all remain dead in sin with no hope of eternal life but only the guaranteed judgment and wrath of God! Yet this is not where he has left us!

As we heard in his instructions to the first disciples, the Scriptures testify:

Luke 24:46–47 (ESV)

46 and said to them, “Thus it is written, that the Christ should suffer and on the third day rise from the dead, 47 and that repentance for the forgiveness of sins should be proclaimed in his name to all nations, beginning from Jerusalem.

This was always the plan! God would send His Son to rescue and redeem sinners like us. The Son would suffer and, on the third day, rise from the dead to accomplish this plan. And afterwards, repentance for the forgiveness of sins should be proclaimed in his name to all nations, beginning from Jerusalem. This is exactly what has taken place and what we gather to celebrate on Easter Sunday. It is also the same proclamation that we still make as Christians today.

Every person must repent (turn from sin to follow God) and believe in Jesus if you would have the forgiveness of sins and hope of eternal life. Apart from faith in Jesus that leads to an authentic transformation of life, you have no part with God and no hope of eternal life with him. God is very clear that the soul who sins must die and that all have sinned and fallen short of His glory. This is why it was necessary for Christ to come to rescue us! Praise God that He came!

The Apostle Paul summarizes the human condition and necessary work of Christ so well in his letter to Titus:

Titus 3:3–8 (ESV)

3 For we ourselves were once foolish, disobedient, led astray, slaves to various passions and pleasures, passing our days in malice and envy, hated by others and hating one another. 4 But when the goodness and loving kindness of God our Savior appeared, 5 he saved us, not because of works done by us in righteousness, but according to his own mercy,

by the washing of regeneration and renewal of the Holy Spirit, 6 whom he poured out on us richly through Jesus Christ our Savior, 7 so that being justified by his grace we might become heirs according to the hope of eternal life. 8 The saying is trustworthy, and I want you to insist on these things, so that those who have believed in God may be careful to devote themselves to good works. These things are excellent and profitable for people.

Will you have ears to hear this morning? Will you rejoice in the finished work of our Savior, Jesus Christ? “Do not disbelieve, but believe!”

Christian brother or sister, we are the recipients of God’s goodness and loving kindness through Jesus! He saved us! He washed us and made us new! We are declared innocent through him! We are co-heirs of eternal life with him! And now we have the privilege of dedicating our lives to doing good works for the sake of the gospel. So that others might know God and believe in him. Will you devote your life to these excellent and profitable works? Make it your aim to care for others the way that Jesus has cared for you! And I promise you, what a joyous and fulfilling life that will be!

Praise God that…

  1. Jesus restores those who stumble
  2. Jesus ministers to those who doubt
  3. Jesus instructs, illuminates, and empowers his disciples
  4. Jesus rescues and redeems us from our sins

Before I close our sermon by leading us in prayer, I want to… invite parents, after my prayer, to collect their kids from HK to rejoice with us at the end of service.

Pray

Song – Because of Jesus

He is Risen!

Song – Happy Day (chorus)

Dismissal by me

  • Visitor table + welcome gift
  • Meet the Pastor
  • Refreshments in the lobby between services (main floor and HK lobby)
  • Invite back to Luke sermon series
  • You are Loved