April 21, 2009
Christ is risen! He is risen indeed!!!
So what?
What difference did the Resurrection make to the Gospel writers? I think we are given clues by the Resurrection appearance stories they chose to record and how they told them. The record of appearances indicates there was some variation among the Gospel writers about what difference it made (and Paul references appearances not recorded in the Gospels). I think it would be a mistake to elevate any one of these and dismiss the others. I also have no interest in trying to force a "harmony" or recreate a time-line. But indulge me to focus on the Gospel of John.
The Gospel of John tells more about Post-Resurrection appearances than the other three Gospels (over 40 verses). These appearances are very personal.
First, Christ appeared to Mary Magdalene in the garden.(John 20:10-18) In that tender meeting, Jesus gave Mary a puzzling warning "Do not hold on to me, for I have not yet returned to the Father." Mary reported her unexpected encounter to the Disciples. She was the first evangelist of the Risen Christ.
Then he appeared to the Disciples (minus Thomas) who were in hiding.(John 20:19-23) Jesus showed his wounded hands and side as proof of identity. Then he commissioned them: "As the Father has sent me, I am sending you." He gave the Holy Spirit and admonished them to practice forgiveness.
Third, Jesus appeared to the Disciples with Thomas.(John 20:24-29) This was a direct, personal confrontation with unbelief. Jesus offered his body to Thomas and invited him to "stop doubting and believe." Thomas fell on his knees with the great confession—“My Lord and my God!" Jesus concluded the meeting with a blessing on those "who have not seen and yet have believed."
Finally, Chapter 21 of John records the painfully personal confrontation between Jesus and Peter. From a purely literary point of view, Chapter 21 does seem to be a second ending to the Gospel. The concluding verses of Chapter 20 really do sound like the end of the story. In that sense, Chapter 21 is a coda or postscript. It is as if the story teller thoughtfully paused and then continued "Oh, I almost forgot...."
You know the story about that breakfast on the beach, so I won't retell it.
Meetings with Peter are almost like bookends to the Gospel of John. Simon Peter was among the first Disciples in Chapter 1, and here, as the Gospel concludes, he is once again with Jesus.
But things are different this time. This Peter seems tame. Gone are the bluster and self-assurance. Peter has returned to his earlier life. This Peter has failed. The charcoal fire on the beach mirrors the charcoal fire by which Peter three times denied knowing Jesus. As if to drive it home, Jesus three times addresses him as "Simon," even though he had changed his name to "Cephas" (Peter) the very first time they met. It is as if they had never met and were meeting for the first time.
Peter's shame is almost palpable as he walks along the beach talking about sheep and Christ gives him the chance to counter his triple denial with three confessions. Then twice Jesus says "Follow me." Regardless of what is happening to others around you, "You must follow me." It reminds us of Jesus' initial invitation in Chapter 1: "Come and see."
For the Gospel of John, the "so what" of the Resurrection is personal. The Resurrection is not just some spectacular news event. If the Resurrection doesn't make a difference in individual lives, then it really doesn't matter.
A dead man doesn't go looking for someone else in order to restore them.
A dead man doesn't invite us to follow him.
The Risen Christ comes to us in our garden of pain with comfort and healing.
The Risen Christ comes to us in our fear with encouragement and sends us in the power of the Spirit.
The Risen Christ comes to us in our unbelief with open arms and blessing.
The Risen Christ comes to us in our shame with restoration and a second chance.
Christ is risen! He is risen indeed!!!
© American Baptist Churches
of the Great Rivers Region
Permission to copy for noncommercial use is granted
