After that day, everything was different. The first disciples witnessed a dead man walking. Their lives would be forever changed, defined by “life before Easter” and life “life after Easter.” On numerous occasions, Jesus showed up in resurrected form before he ascended. In the season of Easter we will examine six “after Easter” encounters with Jesus. What did he say and do? In what practical ways does resurrection change my daily life? Nothing will ever be the same.
Invocation
In the name of the Father, and of the Son, and of the Holy Spirit. Amen.
Invitation
Lord of the church, teach us to remember that we are but the dust into which your Spirit breathes the breath of life, earthen vessels you have selected to be the treasures of your grace. Lead us to be ambassadors of your kingdom. Show us how to love our neighbor selflessly. Form us into faithful servants. Mold us as obedient followers. Retrace our lost image and form us into the image of Jesus Christ. Love us and send us in your name. Amen.
Confession
Lord, I confess that I have not honored you as I should.
I have not been faithful to represent you in my life.
I have failed to glorify you and bear witness to your name.
I have been a hypocrite. I have claimed your name, but denied you before others.
I have been part of the church’s turmoil and tension.
Cause me and all Christians to walk together as people who know they are yet sinners. Help us to deal with one another not as the good or the bad but as the forgiven. Help us to love much because we are forgiven much by you.
Word
“And they went out and fled from the tomb, for trembling and astonishment had seized them, and they said nothing to anyone, for they were afraid.” (Mark 16:8)
Meditation
Of the four gospels, Mark is odd. The other three all record the resurrection account with some hope. Some good news. Mark ends abruptly and with fear. Almost like he didn’t finish the story.
“And they went out and fled from the tomb, for trembling and astonishment had seized them, and they said nothing to anyone, for they were afraid.” (Mark 16:8)
They said nothing to anyone, because they were afraid. Why were they afraid? Were they still in shock? Maybe resurrection was too wild of a concept to compute. Maybe the grief of losing someone was still pressing down upon them. Maybe they were still under the terror of Roman brutality.
What’s remarkable is that Mark 16 is recorded at all. We have the eyewitness account of Mary and the women. Which means they must have told someone. Which means that at some point, fear gave way to faith. Before and after. Before they were afraid. Dead is death and nothing changes. But then the reality of resurrection sunk in. They saw Jesus. With their eyes. Now it’s “after.” Fear turns to bravery. They are never the same.
We live in an evil age. Sin and death still rage on. The forces of evil are kicking and screaming right now because they know everything is changing. It’s easy to be fearful. But Jesus has his foot on the devil’s neck. Christ knocked his teeth out and he has no bite. GOD WINS. Jesus is the Champion! In the end, all is victory. We join the women at the tomb in repeating, “He is not here. He is risen.”
Benediction
Now to him who is able to do far more abundantly than all that we ask or think, according to the power at work within us, 21 to him be glory in the church and in Christ Jesus throughout all generations, forever and ever. Amen. (Eph. 3:20-21)