PostScript: The Resurrection is everything!

Through his resurrection, Jesus becomes all that we – and everyone else – need him to be (John 20.19-31).

Introduction

The stories of Jesus' appearances to his disciples are full of ambiguities: they experience him physically able to break bread and even to be touched, but also able to pass through locked doors, and appear and disappear at will. Some of the disciples believe that they are experiencing the presence of the risen Jesus, while others – such as Thomas in today's Gospel reading – have doubts. As 21st century Christians, we encounter both beliefs and doubt, our own and other people's

Context

The Prime Minister's announcement of a snap General Election has been greeted with delight by some, anxiety by others, and perhaps apathy by many. It comes at a time when the world is full of doubt and uncertainty: over the policies of hugely powerful nations like China, Russia and America on the international stage, of unpredictable nations like North Korea and groups like Daesh (also known as 'ISIL' or 'ISIS'), and the outcomes of election campaigns between left, right and centre parties in other European countries, notably that in France starting this weekend.

Outside these immediate events, refugees continue to flee from homes where it is no longer possible to live or which no longer exist, and while many people redouble their efforts to provide the victims of conflict and drought with food and shelter, there is mounting reluctance in other quarters to continue to meet what often appears to be an unending demand for humanitarian aid. And in our own country, poverty and homelessness – not least among children – rise inexorably as austerity bites still harder into local social and healthcare services.

In among all of this, Christians met together last weekend to celebrate Easter, to encounter our risen Saviour in Word and Sacrament. Given all that is going on in the world, however, we might well wonder where Jesus Christ is to be encountered outside our church walls.

Reflection

The Gospel writers give us detailed accounts of what happened up to the moment when Jesus was laid in the tomb and the stone rolled across the entrance on Good Friday, and of what the first visitors found when they came to the tomb on the following Sunday morning. But about what happened inside the tomb they are completely silent. The nature of Jesus' awakening to new life, the resurrection itself, was as much a mystery to them as it is to us.

The mystery deepens when we compare the accounts of Jesus' resurrection appearances: some of which seem very physical, others much more spiritual, even mystical. The women clasp his feet (Matthew 28.9), but some of his disciples fail to recognise him (Matthew 28.17). Jesus walks, talks and breaks bread with Cleopas and his companion, but then vanishes, only to reappear in Jerusalem inviting his disciples to touch him, and then ascend into heaven from Bethany (Luke 24.15-51). Jesus tells Mary of Magdala not to hold on to him (John 20.17), but invites Thomas to touch the marks of his wounds (John 20.27), and invites them to breakfast on the lakeshore (John 21.9-14).

The spiritual aspect of these encounters invites us to share the first disciples' experience by meeting Jesus as they did, made known to us in the breaking of bread and sharing of wine. The physical aspects remind us that we are to recognise and serve our risen Lord in every person who needs to know the love of God in Christ. For, as Jesus said, ‘Truly I tell you, just as you did it to one of the least of these who are members of my family, you did it to me’.

Prayer

God of Love, we thank you for the resurrection
of your Son, our Saviour, Jesus Christ,
and for the promise it holds out to us
that sin and death shall not have the last word.
Grant that as we receive his risen presence into our own lives,
so we may bring it into the lives
of all those whom you have called us to serve:
knowing that in serving them, we are serving him.
Amen.

Questions

Which of the stories of Jesus' resurrection appearances speaks most powerfully to you, and why?
When have you experienced the resurrection in your own life, or in the life of someone you've met?

Action

Identify a situation in which hope of new life is needed and consider what an appropriate response might be for you and your Church, then take action on it by fundraising, holding a sponsored event, hosting a meal or whatever seems most appropriate.

Young people

Show pictures of as wide a variety of people as possible – e.g. world leaders, performers, scientists, farmers in developed and developing countries, members of the armed services, volunteers, refugees, families, homeless people – and ask where they might feel or need to feel new or renewed life, and whether the Church can help them towards such an experience.

The Revd Robert Beard is Pastoral Adviser with St Andrew's United Reformed Church, Sheffield, and a freelance writer.

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