You Are Witnesses

Opening Prayer: Good morning Lord. The Easter Lilies have been offered. Our rejoicings of “Alleluia” and “He is Risen. He is Risen Indeed” have now echoed out and have become dim by the silence and the monotony of “sheltering in.” Help me to remain physically distant but with a revived, resurrected spirit, reach out into the world of fear, loneliness, and mistrust bringing the light of the Resurrected Christ.

Reading: Luke24:35-48 New International Version (NIV)

Then the two told what had happened on the way, and how Jesus was recognized by them when he broke the bread. While they were still talking about this, Jesus himself stood among them and said to them, “Peace be with you.” They were startled and frightened, thinking they saw a ghost. He said to them, “Why are you troubled, and why do doubts rise in your minds? Look at my hands and my feet. It is I myself! Touch me and see; a ghost does not have flesh and bones, as you see I have.” When he had said this, he showed them his hands and feet. And while they still did not believe it because of joy and amazement, he asked them, “Do you have anything here to eat?” They gave him a piece of broiled fish, and he took it and ate it in their presence. He said to them, “This is what I told you while I was still with you: Everything must be fulfilled that is written about me in the Law of Moses, the Prophets and the Psalms.” Then he opened their minds so they could understand the Scriptures. He told them, “This is what is written: The Messiah will suffer and rise from the dead on the third day, and repentance for the forgiveness of sins will be preached in his name to all nations, beginning at Jerusalem. You are witnesses of these things.

Message: The early Post-Resurrection stories of Jesus have common elements. Jesus appears and greets them with peace. Afraid, the disciples believe he is a ghost. Jesus proves he is incarnate. The disciples believe. Jesus teaches them from the scriptures. There are a few items that I want to highlight in this reading. The first is the inability of the disciples to trust, and the last is our responsibility as witnesses.

           After all that Jesus had been to the disciples, why were they unable to trust his words? According to Dr. Jeffrey A. Simpson, "Trust involves the juxtaposition of people's loftiest hopes and aspirations with their deepest worries and fears." This description makes it clear why so many people have trouble trusting. The possibility of pain and betrayal overshadows the benefits of intimacy sought through the offer of trust.

           Simpson's conclusion applies well to this situation. The lofty aspirations of the disciples included the overthrow of the Roman Empire. There may have been hopes for individual fame and economic benefits as well. Perhaps for the disciples, the events of Palm Sunday confirmed the possibility that their hopes and dreams would be realized. The arrest, trial, torture, and crucifixion of Jesus would have all but deflated those hopes and aspirations. The ensuing fear that they would be next to be tried and sentenced to death further eroded any hope that Jesus' promises were worthy of trust. The disciples are situated between their hopes and aspirations and their deepest worries and fears.

The disciples left their families, homes, and means of income to follow Jesus. They learned to love Jesus and what Jesus stood for. The disciples witnessed the resurrection of Lazarus. Admittedly, this experience would have added weight to the possibility that Jesus could be resurrected. Jesus was consistent, believable. Whatever Jesus said he would do, he did. There is no conflict between Jesus' words and Jesus' actions. Jesus is trustworthy. And yet, when it came time to trust Jesus and His words, the disciples found it almost impossible.

Jesus is patient and kind. He gives them the physical, sensory-filled evidence they need. Jesus adds to that the spiritual food they need. 

It is important to note that Jesus tells the disciples that this comfort, this faith-building is not to be just for their benefit. "This is what is written: The Messiah will suffer and rise from the dead on the third day, and repentance for the forgiveness of sins will be preached in his name to all nations, beginning at Jerusalem. You are witnesses of these things." No, God comforts us, binds our wounds, and feeds us so that the health and strength we acquire through his care can be used to heal and strengthen others. We are to be witnesses to the things of God. In this time, as always, it is essential that we care for ourselves and our loved ones, then to look beyond the closed doors of our safe spaces to the world that is also in need.

Closing Prayer: Lord you know me. Knowing me, you also know how many times I have trusted only to have that trust betrayed. Offering trust, belief in trust is difficult. Help me to know that there is one place where I will never be betrayed. When I place my trust in you, I can be confident that you hear me and that your nature is to always offer me grace. Help my life, in all the ways I live it to bear witness to your resurrection power. Amen!