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 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 Julianna Shults.
A few years back a family with four young children joined the congregation I was serving and decided to have all the kiddos baptized. Our church family was thrilled, and I made sure my camera was ready from the front pew to mark to occasion.
Pastor set everything up including a step-stool for the older boys to stand on so they could comfortably put their heads over the baptismal font. From oldest (around 6) to newborn youngest, they stepped up in their fresh dress clothes and were brought through the waters of baptism into God’s family. The first two baptisms went off with great joy and little complication. However, my stomach dropped when I saw that despite being up in front of everyone, the 2-year-old was very obviously picking his nose.
Mom and Dad were focused elsewhere, and by the time they noticed, they hesitated to publicly correct him. Without a pause, before anyone could stop it, he was receiving Jesus’ forgiveness and the promise of new life through water and God’s Word with his index finger fully up his left nostril.
If that isn’t the best reminder of who is doing the work in baptism, I don’t know what is.
When Jesus sent the disciples with the Great Commission, he was under no illusions about their sinful human nature. He knew them inside and out, nose picking and all. Yet, that didn’t diminish what He called them to do. Jesus entrusted the future of the church to these broken people because he knew they weren’t going alone.
Soon the Holy Spirit descended on the disciples at Pentecost, giving them the ability to speak other languages. They preached the Gospel, and many came to faith and were baptized. As they lived out Jesus’ command in the years to come, the Holy Spirit provided everything they needed.
Through our baptism, we are sent as well. We are God’s hands and feet through our everyday roles and responsibilities. Being sent to share Jesus can seem like a task better suited for those who have their lives together, the well-educated, and the Instagram worthy who are #blessed. Yet, God chooses to work his will through you and me, redeemed sinners.
In our baptism, the Holy Spirit empowers us to share the Gospel and offers us forgiveness when we fail. God’s call isn’t limited to those who have already got it figured out. It’s for the ordinary, broken but baptized who are empowered by God to go out and share his good news.
Prayer: Dear Heavenly Father, we are reminded all the time of the way we fall short. We are sorry for the ways we fail to love others in your name, when we focus only on our needs and fail to share the Gospel. Forgive us and send your Holy Spirit to work through our brokenness that we might point others to your saving love. In Jesus’ name, 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)