“First Steps” by Rev. Dr. Shane Green

April 15, 2024

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.  I am going to send you what my Father has promised; but stay in the city until you have been clothed with power from on high.”

During the third week of Eastertide, our focus is on the witness of Jesus appearing to his disciples after his resurrection.  Amid fear and disbelief, Jesus offered them peace and assurance.  Then, he commissioned them to proclaim forgiveness and repentance.  

The resurrection of Jesus is not only a triumph over death but a testament to the power of forgiveness.  Through his death and resurrection, Jesus offered reconciliation and restoration to all who repent and believe.  Notice that the disciples first received and then sent out to preach what they received.  As we live each day as if it is Easter, we celebrate his victory and the power of forgiveness in our lives.  Likewise, we extend that same love and forgiveness to others.  We are Easter people, and we live in the shadow of the Resurrection.  Go Easter the world!!