John 20: 1 - 8 (Common English Bible)

Early on that first Easter morning, Mary Magdalene expected to find a dead man, but instead she found a new life. One of the important features of this Gospel is that a number of key events are made to women. The Samaritan woman recognized that Jesus is the Messiah. And Jesus told Martha that he is the resurrection and the life. Martha and her sister Mary confessed that Jesus is the Messiah. Women disciples of Jesus in later centuries have prayed to Mary Magdalene when they faced resistance from the male hierarchy controlling the Church.

Jesus’ resurrection is about loving people so much that he is willing to go to any length to find them, even if they’re in all the wrong places. Like Mary, we go looking for God in familiar places like a church, but the reality is God could be in Gaza giving spiritual support to the Palestinian people facing genocide. 

In Jesus’ resurrection God finds us when we are depressed and when we’re about to give-up with lost hope. But God rolls back the stones that bind us. God stands waiting with a voice that calls us to a new life with a mission to tell others to trust God.

Jesus opened a new relationship for humankind through his death on a cross and his resurrection from death. No longer do people have to go through a High Priest to seek atonement, or as Edgar DeJean called it, At Oneness. Jesus became the final sacrifice for the world’s sins - Hubris (self elevation, pride & arrogance), Unbelief (turning away from God) and Concupiscence (when a person dominates and exploits everything and a lust for material things and power).

There is something about a living testimony that gives us courage. We can see someone else emerging from life’s dark tunnels and we too can overcome the darkness of our own life. In the eyes of humanity, death was still the black veil that separated people from joy.

Jesus revealed the true nature of death. It was on the Cross the showdown occurred. Jesus entered that dark tunnel of death to prove there is an exit. As the world darkened, creation held its breath. Jesus wanted the people to know there is a better existence after death and nothing to fear. Jesus emerged from the tomb in triumph and the Roman guards panicked and ran away.

Later in the same day, John saw the empty tomb that Mary Magdalene told the disciples about. John was convinced that Jesus was alive somewhere. Later Jesus appeared to the disciples in his spiritual body, and he explained the Scriptures to them in a deeper way. But they were confused because the resurrection was something they didn’t expect. People in the 1st century knew only a small part of God’s purpose and their faith was not complete until they encountered the risen Jesus.

Jesus’ appearance to the disciples was meant to show them that no matter their previous doubts, they are raised to complete peace with God, if they continue his teachings. 

One of the confusing things about John’s Gospel was Jesus telling Mary not to touch him after he left the tomb. But the way I look at it, Jesus wanted Mary to contact the disciples ASAP. Don’t stay here with me, share the Good News as soon as you can. You have already seen me, now it’s the disciple’s turn.

Jesus commanded his followers not only to pray but go out and serve others. Through his resurrection, Jesus broke the bounds of sin, eternal death and the limitation of space, time and the weakness of earthly existence. Jesus has brought forth a new creation and a new way of living.

We do not worship a dead god but a living Lord. We worship a God who has placed all of our burdens on God. We don’t have to find God, because God never leaves us. We might not see God, but God is always there, no matter where we are.

So how do we get close to God? First, we do so by prayers. The person doing this is talking to God. Second, we do it by a constant study of the Scriptures and I would recommend an up-to-date Study Bible. Third, we share our faith with others. We should share what God is doing for us with Christians and non-Christians.

All Jesus wants for us is our heart. In return he will be with us everywhere and at all times. Jesus doesn’t promise we will be immune from the problems of life. But, he does tell us he will be ahead of us during our difficult times, just like the story of the beach with two sets of footprints in the sand. Jesus meets us along the way of life’s journey. Sometimes the harsh realities of life are so overwhelming we forget Jesus is with us during the darkest times. Jesus has conquered eternal death and our future is safe in his hands.

Karl Barth, one of the most famous theologians of the 20th century, once asked this, “We come to worship to answer this one simple question, Is it true that God exists. Is it true God created a perfect world, and humans were part of that creation? Is it true that God wanted us to love him as God loves us? Did God want our love to be given freely or not given at all? Is it true that God loves us so much, that God gave his Son to die so we can be reconciled to God? Is it true this same Son not only died, but conquered death to forgive the sins of the world and give us eternal life?

Karl Barth was a Christian genius. He wrote hundreds of books on theology and religion. When he died in 1968, he was working on the New Testament book “Romans.” Barth had already written 900 pages of his book and more to come before he died. He made a statement in his later years about Jesus which could’ve been very cerebral, but Barth made it very simple, and I quote Barth, “Jesus loves me this I know for the Bible tells me so.” 

The resurrection of Jesus is not something just for the past. Resurrection lives in our hearts today, tomorrow and forever. And with celebrating the Eucharist today it makes resurrection even closer. 

AMEN