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
O Lord, your scars are your trophies, proof of your unfailing love for me. I am haunted by the guilt of my past, the sins of my present, and my fear of the future. Lord, at the cross you said, “It is finished.” So I cease my work and my worry. I rest in you. You have done it all. Amen.
Confession
“Jesus, remember me when you come into your kingdom.” Lord, forgive my fugitive ways. I turn and run from you. Forgive my criminal acts of hypocrisy and self-righteousness. Forgive my violations of arrogance and selfishness. Forgive me for denying you, ignoring you, and disregarding you. I am the one at fault. I have no other help but to turn my face to you and plead, “Jesus, remember me when you come into your kingdom.”
Word
And he said to them, “What is this conversation that you are holding with each other as you walk?” Luke 24:17
Meditation
Today’s meditation is by Johanna Lange.
One unfortunate side effect of having an education in literature is that it’s often difficult for me to read a novel or watch a movie purely for pleasure. Whenever I approach a text, my mind immediately hunts for symbols, motifs, and themes. I’m always analyzing.
In Luke 24, when Jesus appears on the road to Emmaus, one motif (or recurring concept) that I can’t help but notice is the constant gathering together for conversation. In these twenty-two verses, we read about five separate conversations among Christ’s followers. First, the two people on the road walk together discussing Jesus’ ministry and crucifixion. Then, Jesus, who they don’t recognize, joins their conversation and interprets scripture to help them understand the resurrection. During this conversation with Jesus, the two people recall yet another conversation they had with the women who found Jesus’ empty tomb. Later, the two people and Jesus sit down over a meal and talk again; this time, Jesus reveals himself in the breaking of bread. Finally, the two people seek out the eleven disciples who are also “gathered together,” and they swap stories about their encounters with the resurrected Christ.
Luke’s emphasis on conversation points to something significant, I think: Jesus reveals himself through Christian fellowship. He speaks to us through scripture and through the mouths of other believers—fellow witnesses of his grace and mercy.
I grew up in the church, but I had a hard time truly hearing the voice of Jesus until I connected with a community group shortly after college. Our group read scripture together, shared meals, encouraged one another, and exchanged stories of how we’d experienced the Lord moving in our lives. Similar to the two people on the road, the Holy Spirit opened my eyes and ears to Jesus over a shared meal with a community of believers who helped strengthen my understanding of scripture through words and gestures of kindness.
Even though the pandemic has made it difficult to gather with others, my prayer for the Church is that we still seek opportunities to live in community with one another, to uplift and encourage, to speak aloud the truth of the Gospel. Even when our conversations take place over Zoom or six feet apart on a picnic blanket outside, we can rest in the assurance that Christ is present.
Dear Jesus, thank you for community to love us and to speak the truth of the Gospel into our lives. Continue to open our hearts to your Word and use us as instruments of your grace and mercy in the world. Amen.
Benediction
Now may the God of peace who brought again from the dead our Lord Jesus, the great shepherd of the sheep, by the blood of the eternal covenant, equip you with everything good that you may do his will, working in us that which is pleasing in his sight, through Jesus Christ, to whom be glory forever and ever. Amen. (Heb. 13:20-21)