March 27, 2016: I Have Seen the Lord!

Prayer:  On this Easter Day, help us to see Jesus.  Amen.    
 
Reading:  John 20:1-18 (Click to read text)

Stop and GROW:  After reading the text, discuss/ponder the Evangelical Lutheran Church in America's Book of Faith questions, which are part of Camp Mount Luther's GROW Time with campers.

QUESTION 1:  What scares, confuses, challenges, or doesn’t make sense to me in this text?
QUESTION 2:  What delights me in this text or is my favorite part of the story?
QUESTION 3:  What stories or memories does this text stir in me? 
QUESTION 4:  What is God up to in this text? 
 
Reflection: “He is Risen!  He is Risen Indeed!  Alleluia!”  It’s Easter Sunday.  The chorus of those words, the old familiar hymns, the spell of lilies and other flowers are all part of our celebrations this day.  What a joy-filled day to remember that Jesus rose from the dead.  For us!
 
The disciples did not really understand at first what had happened.  Our text today says as much that they didn’t quite fathom what transpired.  But then, Mary saw Jesus.  But she didn’t know who he was at first.  It took a little bit of time to realize Jesus was there.  Alive!  Risen from the dead!
 
Are there times in your life where Jesus is there, but you do not recognize him?  There are many stories in scripture that we see that happening.  I think particularly of the Road to Emmaus story, where Jesus wasn’t recognized until the breaking of the bread.  Sometimes, it takes a look in our “rearview mirrors” to see how Jesus was with us in times when we didn’t really acknowledge his presence.
 
As we begin the season of Easter, I challenge you to look for Jesus.  Our Risen Lord is there with you, every step of the way.  Announce to others, “I have seen the Lord!”  Happy Easter!  --Chad Hershberger