An Unlikely Lent: Extraordinary People of the Easter Story

by Rachel Billups

Notice the unexpected in Easter.

The crucifixion and resurrection of Jesus are at the heart of the story of Easter. But the resurrection was not witnessed in isolation; it unfolded before a crowd. What might the stories of those women and men teach us today? How will they help us step into the story of Easter? Here, we can see what has been overlooked, not just in the grand moments but in the the silence, the side characters, and the questions.

Gain new insight from the crowd on the themes
-Devotion
-Opposition
-Freedom
-Courage
-Companionship
-Alliances

By seeing the Easter story through their eyes, we may discover that the resurrection is not just a past event, but an invitation into something new, unexpected, and unlikely. Walk through this season with eyes wide open, ready to see where God is moving, even in the margins. Since the cross is not the end of the story, embrace every unlikely moment along the way.

In addition to the book, other study components include a Leader Guide and DVD.

144 pages, Kindle Edition

Published December 2, 2025

Reviews

[Chelsea Hopkins · Rating 3 out of 5]

Sparked some good discussion in my Sunday school class from week to week this Lenten season, but some of it was a little too speculative for my taste. The discussion is the point, though, so I can’t fault it too heavily for that.

Bookstagram - @chelsealikesbooks

[Marti · Rating 4 out of 5]

Read this for a book study at Grace United Methodist Church. I know I would enjoy hearing this pastor preach.

[Jennifer Barten · Rating 3 out of 5]

This was my churches Lenten Bible study this year. It created some great conversation and I felt like everyone who participated in the study learned a few things.
I loved some of the chapters of this book and others were just OK. I did like that she picked people we don't normally think of as being big parts of the Easter story and told their story in a big way.
I agreed with her overall end message that we are to let go of temporary things that the resurrection is about starting fresh.
I hated that she decided to go political in the one chapter. While I agree with her views, I felt like it was forced. She had that one point she wanted to make sure she got in there. I didn't appreciate that.

[Marilyn · Rating 4 out of 5]

This book is about extraordinary people of the Easter story, and Rachel Billups did a great job of showing us some of the most unlikely people. She used scripture as comparison from all four gospels. She encouraged us to see God moving in the margins of our lives - in those unexpected places. And, she wrapped it up by challenging the reader to let go of things that were never meant to be permanent. Resurrection is about moving forward. Let's go!

[Marie Mann · Rating 4 out of 5]

0pens up eyes and minds about the role women and others played in writings about lenten events. Why were they there? What was the reason. for them being chosen at this point and time. Was their reaction to events defiance, love or planned for another event? Very good read and great for group discussions. Planning to read again during lent next year

[Deborah · Rating 4 out of 5]

The author picks some interesting people to make her points. I read this in a Zoom book club setting and it worked well. We did find we needed to set some specific questions for discussion to keep discussion within our allotted parameters.

[Kathleen Brandt · Rating 4 out of 5]

Using this theme for Lent 2026.

[Kelly · Rating 4 out of 5]

I know this is meant for group study, but I'm using it for a sermon series. I'm really excited, this was a fantastic book.

[Jerry]

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[Pam · Rating 5 out of 5]

Offers a lot to think about!

[Kristeen McKenzie · Rating 4 out of 5]

Lenten study book.

[Bren L Feutz · Rating 4 out of 5]

The author is engaging (video). Not always in agreement with her imagining of the subjects' thoughts but interesting.

[Pam · Rating 5 out of 5]

A devotional book looking at the actions of the people that surrounded and interacted with Jesus during His last days on earth.

[Jamie · Rating 4 out of 5]

We read this for small group Bible study - there are some interesting insights.