Savannah Guthrie Reflects on Jesus' Suffering and Despair in Easter Message

The 'Today' show host opened up about her personal struggles and how Jesus' experience on the cross resonates during difficult times.

Apr. 7, 2026 at 1:22am

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A blurred, out-of-focus photograph in warm, soft tones depicting an empty church interior with a single beam of light shining through a stained glass window, creating a sense of contemplative solitude and spiritual reflection.Savannah Guthrie's Easter message at her New York City church offered a window into her personal struggles and a deeper understanding of Jesus' experience of darkness and despair.NYC Today

In an Easter Sunday message at her New York City church, 'Today' show host Savannah Guthrie reflected on how Jesus' suffering and despair on the cross can provide comfort and hope, even in the darkest moments of life. Guthrie, who was dealing with her mother's recent abduction, acknowledged that the joy and positivity often associated with Easter can feel far away when facing deep personal pain and uncertainty. However, she found solace in the idea that Jesus fully experienced the range of human emotions, including feelings of abandonment and not knowing the answers. Guthrie's vulnerable and honest questions about Jesus' experience in the tomb led her to a deeper appreciation for the darkness that makes the light of resurrection so profound.

Why it matters

Guthrie's Easter message resonates with many people who struggle to reconcile their faith with the realities of suffering and despair in their own lives. By openly grappling with her doubts and fears, she provides a model for how to authentically engage with God during difficult times, rather than trying to maintain a stoic or superficial faith. Her reflections on Jesus' experience of darkness and uncertainty offer comfort to those who feel alone in their pain.

The details

In her Easter message, Guthrie acknowledged that the joy and positivity often associated with the holiday can feel far away when facing deep personal pain and uncertainty. After her mother was recently abducted in Arizona, Guthrie found herself questioning whether Jesus truly understood the anguish of "not knowing" what would happen. However, as she reflected on Jesus' final moments on the cross and the three days between his death and resurrection, Guthrie realized that Jesus did in fact experience feelings of abandonment and uncertainty. This revelation provided her with a deeper appreciation for the darkness that makes the light of resurrection so profound.

  • On April 5, 2026, Savannah Guthrie shared an Easter message at her church in New York City.
  • Guthrie's mother was abducted in Arizona 46 days prior to her Easter message.

The players

Savannah Guthrie

The co-host of the 'Today' show who delivered an Easter message at her church in New York City while dealing with the recent abduction of her mother.

Michael Rudzena

The pastor of the Good Shepherd New York City church who introduced Guthrie as a "beloved parishioner" and invited her to share a message.

Jesus

The central figure of Christianity whose suffering, death, and resurrection are celebrated on Easter.

Joseph F. Smith

A former president of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints who reflected on Christ's activities in the spirit world between his crucifixion and resurrection.

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What they’re saying

“Easter is happy. It is flowers and pastels and baby bunnies. It is sunshine and joy and hope. It is rebirth and second chances and new life and fresh starts.”

— Savannah Guthrie, Co-host, 'Today' show

“But standing here today, I have to tell you, there are moments in which that promise seems irretrievably far away — when life itself seems far harder than death.”

— Savannah Guthrie, Co-host, 'Today' show

“As I stared at yet another incongruently luminous desert sunset amidst my spirit's utter darkness, suddenly, I remembered the grave — what did he actually know after breathing his last breath?”

— Savannah Guthrie, Co-host, 'Today' show

What’s next

Guthrie's reflections on Jesus' experience of darkness and uncertainty during the three days between his death and resurrection may inspire further theological discussions and personal reflections on the meaning of Easter and the nature of Christ's suffering.

The takeaway

Guthrie's vulnerable and honest Easter message reminds us that even in our darkest moments of despair and uncertainty, we can find solace in the knowledge that Jesus fully experienced the range of human emotions, including feelings of abandonment and not knowing the answers. Her willingness to grapple with her doubts and fears provides a model for how to authentically engage with God during difficult times.