It doesn’t need to be awkward, but it should be authentic. This is probably as good a time as ever to talk about Jesus. Easter is coming. Even “non-churchy” people often find themselves attending a church service during this season. Why is that? Why is this moment in history so important to understanding Jesus and his mission?

Before Easter— the day that Christians around the world celebrate a resurrection, there is a death. That’s Good Friday— the day that Jesus was hung on a cross to die. Since when was dying good? We should talk about that.

This is a current conversation for friends, not a history lesson. But consider how the historical writers described the Jesus of Good Friday:

• Despised and rejected

• A man of sorrows and acquainted with grief

• Wounded, oppressed, crushed

• Cut off from the land of the living

• The one who takes upon his shoulders the sins of many

This is a Jesus who brings meaning to anyone walking through pain, loss, rejection, fear, and any other darkness that is stealing life from you. In a day when the troubles of this world are always just a swipe away, let’s have a conversation about life, loss, and love.