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
“Jesus said to Thomas, ‘Have you believed because you have seen me? Blessed are those who have not seen and yet have believed.’” John 20:29
Meditation
Today’s meditation is by Jeff Cloeter.
There are times in Scripture when you show up. Yes, you are in the Bible. You may be removed by two millennia, but nonetheless Jesus has seen fit to put you in the story.
Thomas was absent the first time the risen Jesus showed off his transformed body to the disciples. When he returned, they told him, “We have seen the Lord.” Although outnumbered ten to one, Thomas could not bring himself to believe the word of his brothers.
What happened next is comical. Jesus returned a week later. The elephant in the room was Thomas, the one who said, “Unless I see the nail marks . . . Unless I put my hand on the scars, I will never believe.”
I imagine a grin on Jesus’ face as he extended his hands to reveal the scars. Could there have been a chuckle when he pulled back his robe to show the mark on his side? Thomas had no defense, no grounds for resistance. He melted, “My Lord, and my God!”
Then Jesus talked about you. “Blessed are those who have not seen and yet have believed.’” You have not had the privilege (yet) of physically touching Jesus Christ. Still, you are reading or listening to this meditation. Why? At some point Jesus has made his case to your heart. He compelled you into believing. You have heard the words of Jesus, wrestled with them, and surrendered to them.
Sure, you may have your doubting days, but Jesus finds a way to prove himself to you in every season. You are under the spell of his grace. Frail as you are, you are one of “those who have not seen and yet have believed.” You have yet to find such love. You have a feeling that even if you wanted to turn and run, he would chase you down. You are left to join Thomas in confessing, “My Lord, and my God.”
Sit with this awesome wonder: You are in the Bible, included in God’s salvation story.
Risen Jesus, my Lord and my God. I have yet to see you with my eyes, and yet I know you as if I have touched you. I have only you to thank for such belief. I cannot bring myself to it on my own. I offer you my life as an instrument that others might come to believe you. Use me as you see fit. Amen.
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)