Easter 2026: Why Peter's denial of Jesus offers us all hope

Easter 2026 is almost upon us, and we've got four services on the way at Redeemer Church London - one on Good Friday, and three on Easter Sunday.

Those of you joining us on the Friday will hear a talk about Peter's denial of Jesus – which you can read about in all four Gospels of the New Testament.

The story recalls how Peter denied knowing Jesus three times before the rooster crowed, despite previously insisting he would remain loyal.

Biblical scholars say his actions highlight human weakness but also the possibility of forgiveness - as well as how even the most devoted followers can fail.

We are reminded in this story how nobody is perfect – even one of Jesus’ closest disciples – which can help us when we may doubt our faith.

Later, Jesus gives Peter a key role in spreading his message following the resurrection – which also demonstrates the restoration, forgiveness and grace that is offered to us.

You can join us at one of our services this Easter to find out more about the eternal hope we have in Jesus - we hope to see you there!

• Good Friday service (x1) - 10.30am at UWL

• Easter Sunday services (x3) - 9.30am and 11.30am at UWL, then 6.30pm at The Hub

Golgotha Monologues - Joseph of Arimathea

It was great to see so many people at our Good Friday meeting on zoom this morning! If you weren’t able to join us, or you simply wanted to read them again, we will be posting all four of our monologues from this morning on the blog today! The monologues help to convey the feelings of four people mentioned in John 19.

Our fourth and final monologue is from the perspective of Joseph of Arimathea…

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“I’ve come for the body”, I said.

Pilate looked up – I think he recognised me from the Council.

“Please, can I take the body?”

We both knew who I was talking about

He spoke quietly to a guard who scurried away.  And Pilate nodded to the seats to the side – but I stood.  I waited.

It was getting dark by now – proper dark, and despite the hour, I stood.

Pilate busied himself, but glanced my way every few minutes – I think he looked curious, or it just might have been fatigue.

After what felt like an age, the guard returned and told Pilate what I already knew – Jesus was dead.

I realised then that I hadn’t stopped weeping since I walked in, perhaps that was what Pilate had been curious about.  I didn’t care, I stood where I was and said again – “Can I have the body?”

Pilate signed the warrant without a word and waved me away.  I didn’t outstay my welcome.

I got outside and looked around for Nico – he’d dosed off and I nudged him awake – “Joe?”  “Yes,” I said, “I’ve got it.” I helped him up and we stood there, hands clasped a little longer than intended.  It was good to have a friend.  We went quickly as we could – back to Golgotha.

The soldiers read the warrant and without ceremony they lifted the cruciform down, leaving us to take his body.

I think they enjoyed seeing two old men struggling with the nails, working them free, sobbing the whole time.  We worked together, neither of us were used to working with our hands and it wasn’t quick work.  We were soon bloody and hurting.  I noticed as we laboured, neither of us looked him in the face – part shame and part reluctance to look the truth in the eye.  Our Rabbi, our Lord had been silenced for good. 

“Come on, , let’s get this done,” Nico encouraged, “I got the spice, have you got the linen?”

I unrolled the strips of linen and we wrapped his body with spice, the scents doing nothing to disguise the finality of what we were doing.  We didn’t speak more than a few words, but there was comfort in the ritual that we were both practiced in - treating the body of a well-loved friend or one of our family with the honour they deserve.  This was no different in some ways, though we were short of time.  We dispensed with the normal psalm recitation – bowed together with a short prayer, affirming that divine judgment is righteous, despite what our hearts felt.

“Joe, come on, formal mourning will have to wait.”  I suppose Nico could see my hesitancy.  It felt callous to treat the Rabbi this way – but it was the law, we had to hurry.  We laid him in my unused tomb, seemed the least I could offer him.  And we left him in the darkness.

Nico gave me an uncharacteristic hug – there in the garden, in the silence and I sobbed again.  

I couldn’t help but think back - 

“I am the way the truth and the life, he’d said.

I am the bread of life, he’d said

The Spirit gives life, he’d said

He promised us the light of life.

He promised life to the full.

I am the resurrection, he’d said.

What’s going on, Nico?!!?

Was it all just words – just figurative language?  Was this too just a parable?

What’s in the name of Jehovah is going on?!

And we wept together as we walked home.

Written by Steve Page

Golgotha Monologues - Mary

It was great to see so many people at our Good Friday meeting on zoom this morning! If you weren’t able to join us, or you simply wanted to read them again, we will be posting all four of our monologues from this morning on the blog today! The monologues help to convey the feelings of four people mentioned in John 19.

Our third monologue is from the perspective of Mary, the mother of Jesus…

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I stood there overwhelmed by unbelief and sorrow.  What Simeon had spoken to me, 33 years earlier kept whirling round my head ‘Your own heart shall be pierced with a sword’,  

Yes. That’s how I felt – it was almost a physical pain… I could hardly stand.  I thought my legs would give way any moment. I leant on John, and he whispered ‘it’s okay, Mary, I’m here’ as he put his arm around me.

I looked up at my Son, Jesus, the Promise of Israel, now bloodied and dying for all to see.

The teachers of the Law and some of the Sanhedrin were there too.  They hurled insults at Him and each one twisted the sword further in my heart.  ‘He saved others, he cannot save himself’, ‘come down from the cross and we will believe in you’ they challenged.  But I knew as He knew that this was not true! Hadn’t He given them plenty of proof before that He was the promised Messiah? Yet most of them had not been willing to give Him a chance. They were afraid of Him, jealous of Him.

And then I heard Him whisper ‘Father forgive them for they know not what they do!’ 

Unbelievable!  Fresh tears came into my tired eyes!  Forgive them?  For the way they had contributed to his torture, His agony? And for even now, at the end, having no mercy? I wanted to hit them, to make them suffer just a little of what my Son was going through! Jesus, Jesus, my Son, will I ever learn from You? And as I thought this He looked straight at where I was standing with John. His eyes were full of blood. Almost closed.  I realised He was trying to speak to me, to us, so I pushed John closer.

‘Dear Mother’ He said in a barely audible voice, ‘behold your son’. and His face moved slowly and painfully towards John.

I wanted to shout, No, YOU are my Son, not John, not anyone else, I don’t want anyone else, but His beautiful face, full of compassion and yes, sorrow for me, prevented me from doing so.  The tears now streamed uninhibited down my face. I nodded so He could see I was in agreement with this new arrangement. 

Then His eyes were on John, standing there right next to me.  ‘John’, He whispered, with an urgency in His voice ‘Behold your mother’. And as John tightened his arm round my shoulders, I could see a fleeting look of relief in His eyes.  He had provided for me, His mother.  The faithful Son, right up to the end! 

Like that day at the wedding feast of Cana, when I had asked Him to do something about the wine to help out Samuel and Ruth.  He had humoured me, because He loved me.  And them. 

Memories now flooded my mind… not just of Him with me, but with so many others… the widow’s son, being carried on the pyre on his way to his funeral; Jairus’ daughter; our good friend, Lazarus!  He raised them all from the dead… and people clapped and cheered and said ‘Surely the Messiah has come!’ and less than a week ago they were looking to crown Him king, as he entered Jerusalem on a donkey…  

He was doing so well – healing the sick, the blind, the lame, loving the outcasts, the marginalised…literally thousands hanging on to His every word for days…  I was so proud of Him.

And now – here He was, my Son, gasping for breath! At the mercy of these Roman soldiers…

An anguished silent cry came from deep within me, as I groped about in the dark. Questions tumbled into my mind, one after another.

What happened?  

Why did it happen?  

God, why did You let it happen? 

You could have stopped it! He could have been king, instead of suffering this cruel, undeserved death! 

Why, God, was there not another way for You to have achieved Your purposes?

Now – He is almost dead.  End of everything! What, oh God, have You accomplished through this unnecessary suffering of my Son whom I love?

Suddenly I remembered the Angel Gabriel’s words about Jesus when he told me I would be with child. ‘He will be great and will be called the Son of the Most High… and of His kingdom there shall be no end’.  No end, no end, no end? And so – what is all this, how can this happen, as He hangs on that cross…Aloud I whispered ‘I don’t know, I don’t know…’ But surely – God would not lie?

Hope, like a slither of sunlight, somehow began to creep into my dark, agonised mind.

What had the Angel Gabriel said to me when he told me I would become His mother and I had asked in bewilderment ‘How can this be, since I am a virgin?’ He had said ‘NOTHING IS IMPOSSIBLE WITH GOD!’

Slowly a supernatural peace began to enter my heart as I pondered on the Angel’s words. 

I glanced at Jesus again.  His eyes met mine. There was torture there, yes, but now I saw something else. In the midst of this there was peace – and hope! The crooked half smile He gave me was the most wonderful smile I had ever seen… for in it I could see a future. For Him. For me, for all humanity!

With dawning realisation, I thought ‘His birth was a miracle from God, His death has been accepted by God, and with God, He can live again!’ Incredibly, inch by inch, hope was pushing out the unbelief… the pain… the despair!

And as a few seconds later, with a loud cry, He said ‘Father, into Your hands I commit my spirit’ I knew my Son had won, somehow He had won! 

Even though it felt like my heart had been pierced not by one, but by so many swords, a new sensation of anticipation and excitement had also begun to enter my heart so that I was able to turn to John and say through my tears : ‘It is over, and yet it has only just begun!’ 

Written by Adele Dabrowski

Golgotha Monologues - Soldier

It was great to see so many people at our Good Friday meeting on zoom this morning! If you weren’t able to join us, or you simply wanted to read them again, we will be posting all four of our monologues from this morning on the blog today! The monologues help to convey the feelings of four people mentioned in John 19.

Our second monologue is from the perspective of a soldier…

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I really REALLY hate this job

Years of training, promises that’ll serve Caesar ‘for the glory of Rome!’ and see the world 

– and I end up in this God-forsaken, stinking, armpit of a country, populated by mad men.  

[SIGH]

Here we go again – bigger crowd than usual I see – oh that’s great, another messiah to crucify.  Will they ever learn?  

Well, that makes a change, even his own lot seem to be against him, they’re usually chanting, weeping or whaling by the time they get here, not jeering and calling for blood.  Like I said – mad men!

Yes, boss, straight away.

Up you come, matey.  This is your cross to bear.  

Move!  You know you only have yourself to blame – you brought this on yourself - 

Stand back you lot, give the man room.  We’re on a schedule. 

Right, boss.

Come on, Fix, you’re with me – let’s get this done.  Claud, Jules, you know the drill, do it like we practiced – tie him securely, one nail in each lower arm, one though the feet. 

Oh, just Ignore him, hold him firm, one of yer hold the arm and the other take the nail.  That’s right, one swift movement, do it right first time - it’ll be enough to hold him.    

Claud, get a hold of yourself, its only blood.  Be professional – there’s a crowd watching.  

Where’s that notice board, what’s to be written here?  What’s the charge, boss?  

Is that meant to be funny?  No, I didn’t mean anything by it, if that’s what Pilate wants, here you go, “JESUS – OF – NAZ -A -RETH.   - THE - KING - OF - THE - JEWS.“ 

What – no mate, I’m not re-writing anything – it is what is it.   THE KING OF THE JEWS – what’s written is written. 

Fix – do you think the boss is behaving a bit strange?  He seems a little distracted.

Never mind.  Okay – here Fix, it’s your turn to divi up his stuff.  Hang on, no don’t rip that – look, it’s quality, seamless.  Throw the dice for that one.  

Jules, keep an eye on those women.  No, they can chat to him, but no touching the cross.

Yeah, okay, but they use the sponge – and only wine vinegar – he won’t be needing decent wine where he’s going.

Right, boss, we’re done, we’ll settle in for the wait – this may take a while.  

… What’s that he said? “Finished!?!”  Hah, don’t you wish.   It’s nowhere finished for you lad – you’ve got a world of pain coming before you can shuffle off.  

Sorry boss.  Disrespect?  Come on , he’s just a – No, of course, no, no … sorry.

Blimey Fix, I think the boss has been here too long, he’s saying some strange stuff.

…. What do you mean he’s gone.  It’s only been a few hours.  

Show me – no give it here, I’ll do it.  

… Well, he is dead.  No, no need to break his legs, he’s finished. 

That doesn’t make sense – I know my job, 

• Did he just decide to die? 

• Who’s in charge here – Jesus of Nazareth, King of the Jews, or me?

• Who has the authority here?  This Jesus or us?  

WILL YOU SHUT THOSE WOMEN UP!  I can’t think.

Listen, Fix, let’s keep quiet about this – we’ve got a reputation to maintain.

What?  Now boss, calm down.  Listen to yourself – I know he died a bit different than expected – but the Son of God?  Boss, are those tears? 

I don’t know, Fix – this has got too weird.  

I REALLY hate this job.

Written by Steve Page

Golgotha Monologues - Pilate

It was great to see so many people at our Good Friday meeting on zoom this morning! If you weren’t able to join us, or you simply wanted to read them again, we will be posting all four of our monologues from this morning on the blog today! The monologues help to convey the feelings of four people mentioned in John 19.

Our first monologue is from the perspective of Pilate…

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Stepping outside was the mistake.

Greeting those Jews, just part of the job, but there I was...outside my palace...and there they were...and there...he was. Surrounded by his accusers and his governor...(that’s me)...yet wearing a calmer expression than all of us, as if he were Caesar himself, about to step onto his chariot for a lap of victory.

Resigned to his destiny...but not intimidated by it.

“Not my problem!” was the line I took, but they would not take the bait.

And neither would he, even in the face of his governor, the one holding his future in the palm of my hand! And so I choose…compassion.

A rare show of true justice and mercy.

Praise be to Pilate.

...

I did what I had done many times before. A carefully crafted question, creating a collaborative truth we could step into together: “Your kingdom accuses you, so step into mine.”

And yet the man will not bow to a convenient “truth”:

King of everything, more than King of the Jews.

So what else can I do? The man who came in as an inconvenience for the priests, themselves an inconvenience for me, places himself as my enemy.

I attempted mercy.

But my justice is justified. A swift flogging, mock the king of fools, and think no more about it.

“Problem solved!” I think and I say…but they disagree.

“Crucify him!” their reply.

Really? A bit of roughing up I can do, but surely this lunatic doesn’t deserve death…certainly not like that. I’ll try a different tack.

“Not my problem.”

But in their eyes I should be the solution, and that was the moment...the fear set in.

I was too far gone.

I should have never admitted his guilt.

I should have never spoken to him in the first place.

I should have never granted those religious fools an audience.

And this time the man won’t even respond except to bring his God in, and...perhaps offer me a way out of this mess.

“Right!” I demand of the accusers, a newfound courage filling my lungs. “I’m governor, and I say he’s going free.”

But what does a person do when his livelihood is threatened?

The fear grows in me: am I more afraid of Caesar, or of God?

I am trapped. It’s my job security or his life, and so I double down. If I will be saved by his being crucified, then I will do it the right way.

I will sit on the judgement seat.

I will write his inscription.

And let that be an end to it.

What was I to do?

Should I have sacrificed everything I’ve worked for, for the name of this Jesus?

I’m sure I’ve made other compromises anyway. What’s one more?

Written by Sam Isaacson

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We know there were some audio issues with this monologue, so the video is below for those who wish to watch it again!

Easter - A Change in Perspective

I shall never forget spending Easter with my sister, at my gran’s. 

Even though I was only ten years old and my sister was nine (which was many years ago), we still remember it clearly!  Why? 

• Was it because she spoiled us with her home cooking?  

• Was it because we were allowed to do fun things we weren’t allowed to do at home?

No!  In fact my sister and I were not allowed to do ANYTHING!!  Except pray, of course… After all, this was Holy Week…

On Good Friday we spent the whole day indoors, being reminded not to raise our voices and keep a solemn quiet! At 2.30pm our gran turned on the radio and we all sat together round her little table and listened intently to it. The speaker described the passion and crucifixion of Jesus in such detail and so vividly, that Marie and I could not stop bawling our eyes out! Our gran was so pleased that she said we could have something light to eat after 6pm!

Since the last time any food had passed our young lips was 10am, we were thrilled…

Well, on reflection maybe that isn’t the best way to explain Easter to young children, but our grandmother, a strict, staunch, traditional Catholic, obviously didn’t know any better. I like to think that God knew her heart though…

Since then, I’m glad to say, my perception of Easter has changed, as has its focus. 

Yes, I do still remember the pain endured on that terrible cross by Jesus, but I also know the real reason for it being known as ‘GOOD Friday’.  Because on that cross Jesus paid the penalty for my sin, dying in my place so that I, a sinner, can now stand before God the Father and be declared innocent!  (Romans 6:23 says, For the wages of sin is death, but the gift of God is eternal life in Christ Jesus.)

So that was indeed a GOOD Friday!

And it doesn’t stop there… after Friday came Saturday and then Sunday – EASTER SUNDAY - the greatest day of all for fallen humanity!

For not only did Jesus Christ die for me and you, but He was raised to life again on that Sunday!  And because He lives, I too am assured of everlasting life with Him when I die! 

Wow! It can’t get better than that! 

Death has been defeated and our King is now reigning victorious!  As the apostle Paul says ‘Death, where is your victory; where is your sting?’ (1 Cor 15:55)  

It’s gone!

So now when I think of Easter I can’t sit quietly as my gran would have wanted.  I rejoice.  I celebrate together with millions of other people throughout the world who understand that the unimaginable happened on that Easter Day over 2,000 years ago -  The sinner gets set free, the gates of heaven are opened wide.  The Father welcomes us with open arms!  I shall be there one day – 

How about you?  What’s your perception of Easter?

A time of solemnity? Or a time to rejoice?  

If you’d like a new perspective – please join us at Redeemer London this Easter.  You’ll find people for whom death holds no fear - because Jesus’ death changed everything for us.  

Adele Dabrowski

What. A. Weekend.

Wow.

What a weekend.

Without doubt the most important weekend of the year when it comes to the church calendar. This weekend we celebrated the death and resurrection of Jesus Christ, events which despite occurring over 2000 years ago, still shape each and every moment of the life of a christian. Without this weekend, if he never died as a sacrifice for our sins and then rose, conquering death and winning an everlasting victory, followers of Jesus Christ would quite simply have no foundation for their faith in him. But we believe that he did do that, we believe that he still lives today, and is seated on a heavenly throne, at the right hand of God the Father, interceding for us, which makes the Easter weekend one worth celebrating!

The weekend started with a day we now call Good Friday, but a day which seemed altogether less ‘good’ all those years ago. Jesus Christ of Nazareth hung on a cross and died, seemingly defeated. While we know now that this was in fact the beginning of his victory, a moment when all of our sin and shame was paid for, it is important as christians that we remember the cost of our salvation, that Jesus suffered in our place, that he felt our pain. This was the first time we have met together on Good Friday at Redeemer and it was an amazing service, meeting together for an hour, we sung songs which reminded us of the power of Jesus’ blood, we heard monologues read which reinforced the message that Jesus suffered for us, and we took communion together to mark the sacrifice that was made. I personally was incredibly moved by the whole service, and it was stirring to hear so many voices lifted up in praise to their king, even on such a sombre occasion.

Then, on Easter Sunday, it was time for a celebration! We had the opportunity to sing songs together which allowed us to rejoice in the victory won as Jesus walked out of his tomb! We were led by a fantastic choir, heard truth proclaimed, and were able to celebrate with three individuals who took the opportunity this Easter Sunday to be baptised and to begin their own journey of walking with Jesus, out of the darkness, and into his Glorious Day!

But what does this weekend mean for us as christians? Is it just a once a year celebration, after which we go back to our routines….? No! We believe that this truth, this celebration of Jesus’ victory is something to be celebrated all year round! So we’ll be celebrating next Sunday too, and the Sunday after that, and not just on Sundays! Every day of the rest of our lives is now lived in the knowledge that we walk in the everlasting victory that was won on the first Easter! This truth we believe is not just for ourselves, but is true for all people, of all ages, all across the world. If you’re reading this and you aren’t currently celebrating this truth, why not come and find out more by visiting us on a Sunday morning at Ealing Town Hall, or join us on Thursday the 9th of May as we launch our next Alpha course with an evening of live music and poetry at Artisan Coffee. As you reflect on another Easter weekend, whatever that means for you, don’t miss a chance to come and join in the celebration which continues all year round!

He is risen.

He is risen indeed!

“Don’t be alarmed,” he said. “You are looking for Jesus the Nazarene, who was crucified. He has risen!

Mark 16:6