Easter Message 2019

20 Apr 2019 • From the Minister

Easter message 2019

When I was being interviewed about whether I was suitable to become a Methodist minister, I was asked how I would put the case for the resurrection if invited to argue against someone who said it was a load of rubbish.

I had just finished reading a book which gave the scholars’ answer to the question, so after a pause I stumbled through various points.

I explained that in Jesus’ time women were not considered to be reliable enough witnesses to be called in a court of law – so if you were choosing to make up a story, you would not have named women as the ones to have witnessed the event.

I talked about the fact that the four gospels give differing accounts of the resurrection and surely if you were making something up, you would have wanted all the gospel writers to get their stories straight.

I questioned the wisdom of showing the disciples bewildered and afraid at the empty tomb, if the early church were trying to paint a scene of perfect discipleship.

Our modern-day eyes might question the inclusion of angels in the story.

And how would you explain getting past the guards with Jesus’ body if the story were make-believe…

I added that without the resurrection there would be no Christian faith - just another story of a wise, courageous, kind teacher.

But I ended by saying that it’s not about trying to prove anything.

At the end of the day, it’s about faith

I may not have been present at the empty tomb, I may not have seen Jesus’ physical body scarred with the wounds of the crucifixion in the upper room, on the road to Emmaus, or on the beach…

But I have seen Jesus in the people I meet

…as I chat to the homeless man who tells me about the book
    he’s reading

…as I break bread with Messy Church as we recount the events
    of Holy Week

…as I witness the loyal service of the faithful in the churches
    in which I serve

…as I receive words of encouragement or concern in a busy week

I, like Mary, can tell you ‘I’ve seen the Lord’.

I know that as Jesus called Mary’s name in the garden, so he calls me by name, and he calls you by name too.

My prayer for you this Easter is that you might hear Jesus calling your name and that you might see him for yourself.