This Sunday’s Worship Theme, “Accepting Jesus”
Acceptance of the Risen Savior
The post-resurrection accounts in the Gospel of John all point to one thing: identity; specifically, our acceptance of the risen Savior. Through Thomas (week 1) and the disciples at breakfast (week two), we are challenged to see Jesus for all that he is – and then to put that belief to work as we live out our faith. These beautiful and well-known texts help us faithfully question how believing and following intersect to form a way of discipleship in which we confidently share the good news of resurrection. Resurrection is a daily reality, and we live as those marked by the life, death, and resurrection of Jesus! The third week after Easter is traditionally know as Shepherd’s Sunday, and, based on the John text, we’ll “get our hearing checked” as we consider the voice of the Good Shepherd. Are we listening? Do we know who we’re listening to or for? How do we know it’s the voice of Jesus? After all, sheep are pretty dumb. Just sayin’! Find out what listening sounds like and what following looks like.
Easter Sunday
It’s the first clue to the resurrection of Jesus Christ: that the stone had been removed. The theological implications are enormous! When Jesus was buried on Friday, a giant stone was placed between Jesus and the people who loved him. Though Mary went to visit Jesus’ grave, she wouldn’t be able to see him, because the stone was in the way. She wouldn’t be able to touch him, because the stone would prevent her. It was like a barrier that she – and each of us – is incapable of moving. Somebody had to do that for her. And Somebody did.
