Finding Strength in the Savior’s Example: President Monson’s Easter Message

As Easter Sunday approaches, Latter-day Saints around the world prepare to commemorate the most significant events in human history—the atonement, death, and resurrection of our Savior, Jesus Christ. During this sacred season, President Thomas S. Monson’s profound address “Meeting Life’s Challenges” offers timely wisdom that perfectly aligns with Easter’s message of hope and redemption.

You can view his entire speech and transcript here.

In his October 1993 Conference address, President Monson shared touching stories of individuals facing tremendous challenges. He began with an account of a severely handicapped boy being lovingly cared for by his family in a swimming pool. This tender scene of compassion mirrored the Savior’s own ministry, where He consistently reached out to those suffering physical and spiritual ailments.

President Monson then drew our attention to the biblical pool of Bethesda, where Jesus healed a man who had been infirm for thirty-eight years. This parallel reminds us that Easter is not merely about commemorating historical events but recognizing Christ’s ongoing healing power in our lives today. The same Savior who commanded the man to “Rise, take up thy bed, and walk” continues to lift those who struggle.

The address continues with powerful examples of modern disciples facing overwhelming challenges. Young Robert Hendricks, who suffered brain damage in a car accident, demonstrated remarkable perseverance and faith during his recovery. President Monson described how Robert’s bishops, teachers, and many others rallied around him, embodying the Christlike service we are all called to render. This community of support reflects the Easter message of discipleship—we follow the Savior by serving others as He would.

Perhaps most poignant is President Monson’s reference to death and the comfort found in Christ’s resurrection. He shared the story of the Olson family, who had recently lost their husband and father in a helicopter crash. At Easter, when we contemplate the empty tomb, we find the ultimate answer to human suffering. As President Monson testified, “Against the philosophy rampant in today’s world—a doubting of the authenticity of the Sermon on the Mount, an abandonment of Christ’s teaching, a denial of God, and a rejection of His laws—the Olsons and true believers everywhere treasure the testimonies of eyewitnesses to His resurrection.”

The accounts of teenagers Wendy Bennion and Jami Palmer, both battling cancer with extraordinary faith, provide modern examples of enduring suffering with Christ’s help. Their courage reminds us that Easter isn’t simply about Christ’s victory over death but also His ability to sustain us through life’s most challenging moments. As Wendy encouraged another cancer patient, “it’s not the end of the world and people do get better”—a message that echoes Easter’s promise of renewal and hope.

President Monson’s references to Isaiah’s prophecies about the Savior are particularly meaningful at Easter. “Surely he hath borne our griefs, and carried our sorrows: yet we did esteem him stricken, smitten of God, and afflicted. But he was wounded for our transgressions, he was bruised for our iniquities: the chastisement of our peace was upon him; and with his stripes we are healed.” These words, which we reflect upon during the Easter season, remind us that Christ’s suffering had purpose—our healing and salvation.

The story of the widow of Nain, whose son Jesus raised from the dead, provides another powerful Easter parallel. President Monson described how the Savior, filled with compassion, touched the bier and commanded, “Young man, I say unto thee, Arise.” This miracle foreshadowed Christ’s own resurrection and the promise that all will be resurrected through His power.

As we prepare for Easter Sunday, President Monson’s concluding testimony offers perfect perspective: “In the world ye shall have tribulation: but be of good cheer; I have overcome the world.” This is the essence of Easter—celebrating Christ’s victory that enables our own. Through His resurrection, we gain assurance that our current challenges, however difficult, are temporary.

This Easter, as we gather with family and participate in sacred worship, we can find renewed strength in President Monson’s message. We are invited to follow the Savior’s example of compassion while drawing upon His power to overcome our personal trials. By doing so, we not only honor His sacrifice but also experience the transformative power of His resurrection in our daily lives.