On the first Sunday after Easter Rev. Roger Baker considered the events following Christ’s
resurrection. Norma Buckley read to us from Acts 2, Peter’s understanding of Christ’s conquering
of death and our forgiveness. Hillary Johnson read from John 20, Jesus appears twice to his
disciples.
John’s purpose in writing his gospel was for us to encounter the living Jesus. In chapter 20
evidence of Jesus’ resurrection mounts up: the empty tomb, his appearance to his disciples except
for Thomas who courageously asked for proof. When Jesus came to help him to believe he was
convinced. Many come to faith by testing the evidence and trusting in what they find when Jesus
responds. In all these encounters Jesus is gentle and reassuring. It’s OK to ask questions, then to
reach out with an open heart to receive him. Our faith is strengthened by the testimony of others
past and present. Roger encouraged us all to reach out for Jesus to be in our lives and prayed for
knowledge and peace for questioners, thanking God for giving us hope in him.
Encountering the living Jesus
