I Am With You In the Dark | I AM... The God Who Gets Close | Phil EuBank

In this Easter message from Menlo Church, Pastor Phil EuBank delivers a deeply personal and vulnerable reflection on the resurrection of Jesus, framing it not as a historical event or religious ritual, but as a profound act of intimate love. He begins by acknowledging the skepticism, exhaustion, and pain many in the audience carry—those who have been hurt by church, disillusioned by religion, or simply unsure if faith still matters. Drawing from the Gospel of John, he centers the story on Mary Magdalene at the empty tomb: not in triumph, but in grief, confusion, and expectation of more loss. The pivotal moment comes not with a dramatic appearance, but with Jesus simply saying her name—Rabboni—transforming her despair into recognition and hope. EuBank argues that the resurrection is not primarily about doctrine or tradition, but about a personal, relational God who knows us by name and meets us in our darkest moments. He calls listeners to move beyond institutional religion and instead encounter the living Christ, who is still whispering our names today, inviting us into relationship. The message ends with an invitation to explore faith without pressure, through a new series called 'God If You're Real,' emphasizing that God's love is not earned but freely offered.