That First Easter ... I Was There
A 4 Week Daily Devotional Leading to Easter Sunday
We like to think we’re different from the people in the Easter story.
We wouldn’t have been in the crowd shouting “Crucify Him!” We wouldn’t have denied Jesus like Peter. We wouldn’t have betrayed Him for silver like Judas.
But what if we were there? What if we are there — every time we choose comfort over conviction, popularity over truth, silence over courage?
That’s why I’m writing a new devotional series for Easter 2026.
Starting March 9th, we’re going to walk through the events leading up to Easter — but not as distant spectators. We’re going to examine the people who were there: the faithful remnant waiting for the Messiah, the disciples who misunderstood, the crowds who turned violent, the religious leaders who protected their power, the broken thief who found hope at the last moment.
And we’re going to ask the uncomfortable question: How are we like them?
This isn’t a guilt trip. It’s an invitation to see ourselves clearly — our failures, our fickleness, our capacity for both betrayal and redemption — so we can encounter the grace that meets us exactly where we are.
28 days. March 9 - April 12 (Easter Sunday).
Four weeks to examine our hearts. To name our sins honestly. To receive the forgiveness that’s already ours. And to experience the resurrection power that changes everything.
The series is called “That First Easter... I Was There.”
Because you were. And so was I.
I’ll be posting daily devotionals here on Substack, starting March 9th. Each day includes:
Scripture passage
Reflection on a specific person/group from the Easter story
Personal application (”We are like them”)
A Grace Note (because conviction without hope is crushing)
Prayer prompt
Three concrete response actions
If you want to walk this journey with me, make sure you’re subscribed (below). If you know someone who needs this, share it with them. It’s free.
Let’s go to the cross together. And then to the empty tomb.
See you March 9th.
— Steve