SOME OF MY favourite stories in the Bible are of Jesus’ encounters with his followers on the day of, or soon after, his resurrection out the hated Roman occupiers (imagine Ukrainians longing for someone to drive out the Russians). But their dreams had been shattered. Instead of a great victory they had seen their beloved leader arrested, whipped, mocked and crucified, and his lifeless body laid in a tomb. Their dreams lay in ruins, and they were fearful the same fate might await them.
Then we read of Jesus’ encounters with his friends. On the Sunday morning, Mary Magdalene weeps outside the tomb because the stone which covered its entrance has somehow been shifted and Jesus’ body is missing. Her grief is compounded. But, as she weeps, a person she doesn’t recognise asks her gently, “Woman why are you weeping?”
Meanwhile, two more dejected followers of Jesus were leaving Jerusalem on the road to Emmaus, talking together about the disastrous events of the previous Friday. A stranger walking alongside them asks what they are talking about. Incredulous, they ask, “Are you the only one who doesn’t know about the things that have just happened in Jerusalem?” “What things?” asks Jesus.
A few days later, on the shores of the Sea of Galilee, the risen Jesus asks Simon Peter, his closest follower – who had vowed to follow Jesus even to death but who, when it came to it, had denied he even knew who Jesus was – “Simon, son of John, do you truly love me more than these?”
We might expect that the newly-risen Jesus would burst from the tomb shouting, “It’s ok! I’m back from the dead! I’m alive!” Instead, he meets his traumatised followers in their grief, disappointment, and guilt. But he doesn’t leave them there. He calls Mary by name and her sorrow is turned to joy. The disciples on the road to Emmaus realise who the stranger is when he breaks bread, and rush back to tell their friends. Simon Peter is forgiven, restored, and recommissioned to be a leader of the flock.
The risen Jesus is still doing this kind of thing. Meeting people in their sorrow, depression and doubt, walking alongside the dejected, affirming worth, renewing hope, and giving renewed purpose to lives. We may not recognise him at first, but when we do it’s completely lifechanging. He’s alive, and it’s such good news.
Penny Cuthbert – Associate Vicar, St John’s Caversham
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