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 Jesus came and said to them, ‘All authority in heaven and on earth has been given to me. Go therefore and make disciples of all nations, baptizing them in the name of the Father and of the Son and of the Holy Spirit.’” Matthew 28:18-19
Meditation
Today’s meditation is by Jeff Cloeter.
C.S. Lewis once said, “Only a real risk can test the reality of a belief.” As the risen Jesus stood on the threshold of his ascension, his friends were about to be absent of his physical presence. His promise to be with them remained, but no longer would they see him with their eyes. No longer would he put his arm around their shoulder, or reach out to take their hands.
“Go.” It is a little word, a simple command. And it is a real risk. “What if I am told to go where I do not want to go? What if the road is uncertain or unstable? What if I am sent on a dangerous journey?” It is easier to stay than to go.
Jesus gives good reasons to take the risk. First, our deployment is of royal origin. He said, “All authority in heaven and on earth has been given to me.” When the King tells you to go, you go. You carry his authority. You bear his name. You possess his resources. You may ask, “Can I do this?” The King will give the ability to match the occasion.
Second, when you go you are simply to do what Jesus did. When we are sent we wonder, “What am I supposed to do?” Do what Jesus did. He was obedient to the Father’s “go.” He made disciples by living with them, loving them, and showing them the kingdom of God. So too, disciples of Jesus are to follow the pattern demonstrated by their Lord.
Finally, the risk is worth it because the promise is true. “I will be with you always.” Jesus will never leave his “sent ones.” There is no road we walk that Jesus has not already traveled. So “go.” Is it risky? Yes. But it is IN the risk that you see clearly the One who sent you. Only when you step into uncertainty do you really see his power and promise. So in the name and by the command of Jesus, go.
Lord Jesus, I am fearful of risk. Overwhelm me with your power and presence. Give me holy impulse to move at your word, when you say, “Go.” 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)