What if life as we know it isn’t all there is? That question, posed by modern scientists and tech leaders in the form of the “simulation hypothesis,” actually echoes something far older and deeper—a longing for something beyond the material world. Pastor Aaron opened the Easter message by engaging this cultural moment, connecting it to the ancient human desire to understand life’s meaning. Science can explain the what, but it stumbles over the why. That’s because the material world alone can’t satisfy the human heart’s deepest questions. We were made for more.

In a vivid parable by Henri Nouwen, two unborn twins debate whether life exists after birth. One is skeptical, unable to believe in what he cannot see, while the other clings to hope, sensing a presence beyond the womb. That parable sets the tone for the message of Easter: we are not alone. We are not confined to this broken world of matter without meaning. There is a presence surrounding us, and that presence—God—has made Himself known.

The story of Jesus is the collision of two realms: the divine and the human. God didn’t just remain in the heavens; He entered history. Jesus, fully God and fully man, became the bridge between what is seen and what is eternal. But when He came, the world rejected Him. Humanity saw the Light and chose darkness. Yet even through rejection, crucifixion, and death, God’s plan did not falter—it was fulfilled. Resurrection proves it: Jesus is alive. And now the question echoes across generations—what will you do when God shows up?

Pastor Matt stepped in to answer that question with a clear and urgent call: you run. When God reveals Himself—whether through conviction, wonder, longing, or truth—the only right response is to run toward Him with everything you have. The stories of the two Marys, the Emmaus disciples, and Peter each paint a vivid picture of what it looks like when people encounter the risen Christ. Their instinct was not hesitation or analysis—it was movement. They ran.

This message resonates deeply because each of us has stood at one of those crossroads. We’ve searched for life in places that only bring emptiness. We’ve wrestled with confusion over how God’s plan could allow pain to persist. We’ve sat in the ruins of our failures, convinced that redemption was out of reach. But Jesus doesn’t wait for us to have it all figured out—He shows up there, in the confusion, the pain, the shame—and He calls us by name.

Easter is more than a celebration of an empty tomb. It’s an invitation to new life. God is not the God of the dead but the God of the living. The risen Christ offers forgiveness for every failure, purpose for every wandering heart, and hope for every soul longing for more. And He’s still asking: What are you waiting for? Run to Him. Leave behind the darkness, the doubts, and the dead things. Christ is alive, and life begins where your sprint toward Him starts.


Small Group Discussion Questions

  1. What stood out to you most from the message? Was there a moment or a story that felt especially personal or convicting?
  2. Which of the three post-resurrection stories (Marys, Emmaus disciples, Peter) do you relate to the most right now—and why?
  3. Have you ever felt God’s presence or conviction and chosen not to respond? What happened afterward?
  4. What are some “empty tombs” (dead places or habits) you’ve run back to instead of running to Jesus?
  5. What would it practically look like for you to “run to Jesus” this week? What’s one step you can take starting today?

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About the Podcast

Welcome to Sunday Ripple, a podcast where faith meets real life. Join us each week as we explore how Scripture, story, and spiritual rhythms can shape our hearts and make a lasting impact.

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