Written by Abigail Johnson
What would it look like for us to partner with the Church to advance Christ’s Kingdom this Easter and beyond?
The beautiful truth is that Jesus prayed for us. In the midst of His torment before the crucifixion, Christ set His mind and focus on our hearts, praying that we may be one with God and with each other.
Christ’s prayer in John 17 reminds us that our Savior has overcome the world and has therefore empowered us to face the challenges of this life in the victory of the Holy Spirit.
We are also challenged to remember that, just as Christ has made us one with the Father, we have also been made one with each other. The trials and tribulations we face on this earth are not faced alone. We are called to shoulder one another’s burdens as we press on into the victory
Christ has already won.
This brings us to a marvelous celebration: our Savior has risen! In John chapter 20, we hear of the first witness to His resurrection, Mary Magdalene. A woman without power or fame would be the first to experience Christ’s victory—and thus the first to usher in His new kingdom.
Christ’s first interaction with mankind after the resurrection was not a coincidence. God invites us into that sacred moment so that we may consider what its truth means for our lives.
In John 20:15–16, we see the moment Christ revealed Himself to Mary.
It states: “He asked her, ‘Woman, why are you crying? Who is it you are looking for?’ Thinking He was the gardener, she said, ‘Sir, if you have carried Him away, tell me where you have put Him, and I will get Him.’ Jesus said to her, ‘Mary.’ She turned toward Him and cried out in Aramaic, ‘Rabboni!’ (which means ‘Teacher’).”
Standing before her was the man she was seeking. Standing before her was the man she had known deeply and personally for the past several years. Standing before her was the man she had devoted her life to—and yet, she didn’t recognize Him… until He called her by name.
Jesus Christ has done the same for each and every one of us. He defeated the grave and called us by name, bringing us into the fullness of unity with Himself and the Father. Have you ever stopped to consider what it means for Christ to call you by name? It means you are known, claimed, and sought after. In that very moment, every ounce of doubt and every trace of blindness was washed away as Mary was reminded of her identity in Christ.
However, this is not the end of the story. Christ’s resurrection was not only meant to work in Mary, but through her.
John 20:17–18 says:
“Jesus said, ‘Do not hold on to me, for I have not yet ascended to the Father. Go instead to my brothers and tell them, “I am ascending to my Father and your Father, to my God and your God.”’ Mary Magdalene went to the disciples with the news: ‘I have seen the Lord!’ And she told them that He had said these things to her.”
The beauty and power of the resurrection were too glorious to be kept hidden in Mary’s heart—it had to be proclaimed.
Although exact statistics are unknown, it is widely recognized that Easter is one of the highest-attended church days of the year (alongside Christmas). However, even among professing believers, there is often a stark contrast between regular attendance and the massive influx that occurs during these holidays.
This points to a consumption mindset that has crept into the Church. If we believe the resurrection is simply for us, we can become complacent, failing to live lives fully devoted to the ministry Christ has given us. Christ conquered the grave so that we may know Him and make Him known. The Holy Spirit has come to embolden us so that, like Mary, we may stand and say, “I have seen the Lord!”
As we reflect on the miracle of Easter, may we take time to examine the state of our souls. Are we living out of Christian consumerism? What would it look like for us to partner with the Church to advance Christ’s Kingdom?
Here at Francis and Benedict, we have the opportunity to live out the power of the resurrection.
We are witnessing life change daily—from America to Togo and back again. As we empower women in Togo with dignified, kingdom-centered work and spiritual discipleship, we are watching them flourish through the power of the resurrection. In turn, they are inspiring us and drawing us closer to the heart of God.
Would you consider how you can be a part of what God is doing through the ministry of Francis and Benedict? Is there someone in your life who would be encouraged by this message? Share it with them.
Christ is in you and desires to work powerfully through you. Happy Easter, friends!
**Abigail Johnson joined Francis + Benedict in an official capacity with the marketing team in 2026, though her connection to the organization began long before that. As the daughter of CEO Katie Walters, she has been part of the ministry from the very beginning and witnessed its mission firsthand. At just 11 years old, Abigail traveled to Togo for the first time, where she was deeply impacted by the work being done and felt a lasting call to stay involved. In 2023, she spent four months living in Togo alongside Pastor Francis and Benedict, working directly with the team to help launch the child development center. She is passionate about the life-changing impact of dignified work and spiritual discipleship and is grateful for the opportunity to serve alongside the team both in the United States and in Togo.
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