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
Father, Almighty, you alone are God. I submit to your care. I ask for your help. Defend me. Open your arms to embrace me; through Jesus Christ, your Son, who lives and reigns with you and the Holy Spirit, one God, now and forever. Amen.
Confession
Father, I confess all my sins and failings to you.When discouraged, I lose heart. When blessed, I only want more.When criticized, I get angry.When tempted by pleasure, I give in.When challenged, I cower in fear. When commanded by you, I choose my own way instead of yours. Forgive me. I have done wrong.
Word
“As they were talking about these things, Jesus himself stood among them, and said to them, ‘Peace to you!’ But they were startled and frightened and thought they saw a spirit.” Luke 24:36-37
Meditation
Today’s meditation is by Bobby Walston.
Have you ever seen an infant go from laughing to crying in seconds? The line between contrasting emotions is thin. As babies are discovering these new feelings and emotions they are not as adept at “controlling” them as adults do, for better or for worse. As we grow we learn to “hold things” and “keep it together.”
In the aftermath of Jesus’ crucifixion and the accounts of His resurrection, the disciples are riding an emotional roller coaster. Luke describes their range of emotions in chapter 24. Startled. Frightened. Thought they saw a spirit. Troubled. Doubting. Disbelieving for joy. Marveling. The adjectives describe a group of people who are dislodged, unmoored, drifting in a sea of uncertainty.
Enter Jesus. Physically appearing in the midst, right in their place of confusion, and pain, and loss, and mourning He offers the words, “Peace to you.” In that moment Jesus is not offering a pep talk or mindset therapy. Jesus offers the only thing that truly brings peace, Shalom wholeness in the midst of our out of control worlds, Himself. Nail scarred, pierced side, crucified and Risen self. Jesus is not afraid of your emotions or turned off by your doubts. He shows up, unexpectedly, on the roller coaster of emotions that is our lives, and says, “Peace to you.”
Resurrected Jesus, show up in the midst of the roller coaster of my life and give me your peace, Amen!
Benediction
Give thanks to the Lord, for he is good,for his steadfast love endures forever.Give thanks to the God of gods,for his steadfast love endures forever.Give thanks to the Lord of lords,for his steadfast love endures forever; (Ps. 136:1-3)