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
Word
That very day two of them were going to a village named Emmaus, about seven miles[a] from Jerusalem, and they were talking with each other about all these things that had happened. While they were talking and discussing together, Jesus himself drew near and went with them. But their eyes were kept from recognizing him. (Luke 24:13-16)
Meditation
Today’s meditation is by Jeff Cloeter.
One thing about masks: it is now socially acceptable to hide your face. You can go under cover and no one will question you. I could be making a sarcastic face, or laughing, and you may not really know. If I put on a cap and sunglasses, I’m truly undercover. In disguise.
We’ve been looking at resurrection episodes when the risen Jesus appeared physically to the first Christians. One thing we notice is that he was often in disguise. On numerous occasions, his friends don’t recognize him. Why is that? Furthermore, why does it seem like God is hiding sometimes? He seems disguised when we need him most. Silent when we long to hear from him. God can seem to be a stranger when we need a friend. Why does Jesus hide?
Luke recorded what happened with two followers of Jesus the Sunday he rose from the dead. They journeyed back home from Jerusalem to Emmaus. Along the way they shared the road with a stranger. In hindsight, we know the stranger to be the risen Jesus.
Luke records: “While they were talking, Jesus himself drew near and went with them.” (24:15) Later, in verse 29 the two disciples say to the stranger: “Stay with us . . .” (24:29)
Notice this important detail: Jesus drew near and went with them, when they didn’t know it. He stayed with them when they didn’t know it. Where is Jesus? Is God hiding? NO! He was there all along. In the hospital. When the pregnancy test was negative, again. When the job fell through. In the violent streets. When the child rebelled. When the friends stopped talking to you. When there was an insurrection. He was there all along.
Think of a time when you wondered if Jesus was hiding, far away, disguised. Now look again. He was there all along. And he always will be.
Lord Jesus, stay with us. It is evening and the day is over. We’re tired and we long for you. Stay with us. 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)