Sander worked as an inventor and scientist at ASML. He has dozens of patents to his name, and his career is clearly on an upward trajectory. However, behind the outward appearance of success, Sander experiences a certain fear. Yet he doesn’t quite understand where this fear comes from.

Johan grew up in a violent and criminal family. To be considered “good enough” by his environment, Johan chose the path of crime and became a successful drug criminal. He acquired flashy cars, various women, and lots of money. However, behind this façade of success, Johan felt deep darkness. This darkness grew so overwhelming that he tried to end his life.

Without Easter, the story would have stopped here: fear, darkness, hopelessness, meaninglessness, vanity, emptiness. But the story doesn’t stop here. It doesn’t have to stop here for anyone.

Jesus Christ entered our world about 2,000 years ago. He chose the exact place where He would be born: Bethlehem. He revealed this to humanity through the prophet Micah about 700 years before His arrival. Jesus was untainted by the “sinful virus” present in every human heart from birth. Since Adam and Eve ate from the Tree of Knowledge of Good and Evil, humanity has been separated from God, and thus we are born separated from God. By nature, we are spiritually blind and self-centered. Practicing religion doesn’t change this. Due to our self-centered nature and disposition, we are unable to fulfill God’s Law. What we need is a spiritual heart transplant so we can draw life from a different source. This only happens if you want it too. God desires that we love Him above all else and love our neighbors as ourselves. However, our nature makes this Law impossible to fully execute. As a result, damage occurs to ourselves, others, and our environment, and guilt arises—potentially accompanied by shame toward God. How do you get rid of this guilt? Should we carry it to our grave? And what does eternity look like for us then?

The prophet Isaiah proclaimed around 700 BC that the Messiah would come to take upon Himself the punishment for our sins and guilt. God is just and holy. Injustice must be punished. However, if that punishment falls upon you and me, we are lost for eternity! And that is not God’s will. Jesus came to undergo the punishment you, I, Johan, and Sander deserved. This is why Jesus Christ died on the cross. The main reason isn’t the political interplay between the Jews and the Romans; it was foretold that this would happen. After three days, Jesus rose from the grave because death cannot hold Him! He rose because He carried no guilt or sin and had fulfilled God’s will to the end. He says to His followers: “I am going to your Father and my Father.” This reveals His deepest desire to reunite us with God the Father. He does this only with your consent. He presents us with a choice: “Do you choose Me or this world?”

Sander and Johan made the choice to accept Jesus as their leader. In return, they found peace with God. This peace is not just available to them; it is within reach for everyone across the entire earth! All you need to do is pray a simple, sincere prayer: “Jesus, thank You for dying on the cross for my guilt. Thank You for rising from the dead! I choose to entrust myself to You. Come into my life and lead my life from now on. Amen.” If you sincerely pray this, Jesus will transform your life.

The lives of Sander and Johan haven’t remained the same. Your life will change too. The most significant characteristic of a reborn Christian is that you genuinely care for the people around you and grow to love God.

Sander and Johan receive messages from Jesus. They have learned to discern what comes from God and what does not. Sander has been freed from his fear and stopped working as an inventor in the high-tech industry. He now works as a prophet, encouraging leaders and church members with messages from God. He does this with a humble and loving attitude. Johan has been completely freed from his cocaine addiction and his craving for criminal status. He served 10 years in prison and paid for his criminal deeds. Now, he preaches the Gospel in slums and distributes food packages. Want to see the complete interview with Johan? Check it out here:

I’m curious about your story. What has happened in your life? Wishing you a wonderful Easter: Jesus Christ has risen! The stone is gone, and we are free!