Easter Joy

 This week, we will watch squealing children sprint through the grass, baskets swinging, in search of brightly colored eggs among the daffodils, crocus and tulips (or, if you are in Texas, bluebonnets, buttercups and Indian paintbrushes.). For the first time in three years churches will gather to celebrate Easter without Covid fears or restrictions.  Just as the scenic grounds at the Masters were packed with patrons, we look forward to churches filled with worshipers singing songs of joy!.

 But, that first Easter was much different. The followers of Jesus approached Sunday morning under a dark cloud of gloom.  Darkness had covered the earth on Friday, shadowing the three crosses that had been raised on a hill outside Jerusalem. Only two weeks before, Jesus’s disciples had tried to dissuade him from returning to Jerusalem. Unable to change his mind, Thomas spoke for them all when he said, “Let us go with him so we may die with him,” (John 11:16).

 They came trudging into the city keenly aware of the dangers they faced.  And now, as they feared, Jesus was dead. They had watched him die.  His body had been buried. Their hopes were smashed.  They huddled behind locked doors confused and discouraged. 

 At the first light of day, they heard a knock at the door.  Mary of Magdala continued knocking until the door was opened. She stumbled over her words trying to tell them what she had seen at the tomb.  But they would not believe her.

 Peter and John decided to investigate and raced to the garden where he had been buried.  John was faster, reaching the tomb before the older disciple who entered the tomb alone, still trying to catch his breath. When Peter exited, he looked puzzled and bewildered, John entered and found the tomb empty with the burial cloth folded and lying by itself.

 Later that day Cleopas and another disciple, not numbered among the 12, arrived panting for breath after having run 7 miles from the village of Emmaus. Like Mary, they too reported they had seen Jesus in the flesh. He had walked with them, discussing the events that had transpired and stopped to share a meal before they recognized who he was.

 That evening he appeared to 10 of his 12 disciples.  Judas, who betrayed him and committed suicide. Thomas was absent.  And a week later, he appeared to them again, offering his hands and his side for Thomas to investigate. He was no ghost.  He was no phantom. He ate with them. And then he vanished.

 These men whose hopes had been shattered, who trembled in hiding behind locked doors on Saturday, were transformed.  For forty days, with many convincing proofs, Jesus continued to show himself to them. After his final appearance, Luke says these men who had entered the city six weeks earlier under a cloud of gloom “returned to Jerusalem with great joy!” (Luke 24:52).

 This Sunday we celebrate the most significant event in human history, the day God raised Jesus from the dead. God has chosen that the final word for the human race will not be sorrow or sadness, confusion or despair. The final word for each of us who believe and surrender our lives to him is joy!  This is why on this Sunday, churches around the world will gather and will sing songs of celebration in every language know to man. He is risen!