Easter - The Directors Cut
This Ascension Day, read about the Easter scene too often left on the cutting room floor…
Today is marked in the church calendar as Ascension Day! It falls 40 days after Easter Sunday, and is the day that we celebrate the ascension of Jesus back into heaven. This moment is described in most detail by Luke in his gospel (Luke 24:50-53) and in the book of Acts (Acts 1:9-11), as well as featuring in Peter’s sermon at Pentecost (Acts 2:32-36).
Steve Page has written a blog to commemorate the day, you can read it below.
Sometimes a movie gets edited down to a nice neat 3 acts, but you just know you’re missing something. There’s a story line that has no neat conclusion. Someone’s back story seems a little off. The ending feels – well, it feels unfinished, despite the high drama.
[I could add a pop culture reference here about Zack Snyder’s Justice League, but that will probably lose most of you, so I’ll keep quiet about that.]
Easter got great reviews this year – time off in the sunshine; lots of references to new starts; plenty of chocolate and a few bunnies thrown in for good measure. It gave us a much-needed lift.
But it wasn’t the director’s cut.
Triumphant entry into Jerusalem – check.
Last Supper – check.
Horrific torture and death scene on the cross – check.
Disillusioned disciples – check.
The miracle of the resurrection on Sunday morning – check.
Then what?
There’s a scene missing that fell on the cutting room floor. It’s a scene some 40 days after Resurrection Sunday and it’s celebrated by the church on 13th May this year (the 6th Thursday after Easter Sunday).
After his resurrection, Jesus spent 40 days meeting with his friends, walking with them, fishing with them, eating with them, explaining what his death and resurrection was all about. Then he re-joined his father in heaven. The Apostles Creed describes it like this:
“He ascended into heaven, and is seated at the right hand of God the Father almighty.”
This is one of the fundamentals of the Christian faith. It’s why we pray to Jesus Christ and we don’t simply remember a great teacher and miracle worker. Jesus ascended to heaven.
No chocolate, no bunnies – but a resurrected and ascended God.
If you see a Christian with a smile on their face this month – it might be because we’re celebrating the Ascension. You see, it was worth waiting for that post credit scene in the director’s cut.
Easter Devotionals - Matthew 27:57-66
Today, as we prepare for Easter Sunday, Kayla reads from Matthew 27, reminding us of the silence and stillness of the grave.
As we approach Easter Sunday, we will be hearing readings from members of the Redeemer family, which we hope will help to prepare our hearts.
Alongside these readings we’ll be publishing blogs which make use of a Lenten Devotional published by Redeemer Presbyterian Church. We hope these devotionals and readings will help to reveal the comfort, challenge and joy found within the passages of scripture.
Today’s passage is read by Kayla, and the passage is Matthew 27:57-66.
The Grave
The central claim of the historic Christian message is that Jesus Christ was raised from the dead. Tempting though it may be for us to jump quickly from Friday to Sunday, from cross to resurrection, Matthew pauses and brings us through the silence and stillness of the grave.
Many have tried to dismantle the hope of Christianity, suggesting that Jesus had not really died or that eager disciples had stolen his body to substantiate their claims of a risen Savior. Yet Matthew’s interlude between final breath and first appearance speaks unequivocally of a death that was real, a grave that was silent, and a situation that appeared beyond hope.
Romans were thorough in carrying out capital sentences, particularly for those accused of treason. That Joseph was able to retrieve Jesus’ body meant the executioners were satisfied with their handiwork. Jews, throughout the Old Testament, would heap rocks on the vilest of criminals to represent that for some, there would be no life beyond the grave. That a great stone would cover the entrance of the tomb meant that there was no expectation of life beyond this grave. The tomb is still, dark, silent.
This is the fate that should have been ours and the destiny of humanity. And yet, our hope is that through the one who went into the tomb before us, there is a way through and out into a new world of God’s creating. It is the hope that because one transcended the grave itself, we too may experience new life with him. Matthew’s description of the grave is a reminder that the tomb was silent and yet the silence would only last one more day.
Prayer
Our Father, remind us that the darkness of the grave will soon be overcome by the brightness of the third day. In Christ’s Name, Amen.
Copyright (c) 2012 by Redeemer Presbyterian Church.
Easter Devotionals - John 19:1-37
On Good Friday, Ross reads from John 19, take some time this morning to focus again on the cross.
As we approach Easter Sunday, we will be hearing readings from members of the Redeemer family, which we hope will help to prepare our hearts.
Alongside these readings we’ll be publishing blogs which make use of a Lenten Devotional published by Redeemer Presbyterian Church. We hope these devotionals and readings will help to reveal the comfort, challenge and joy found within the passages of scripture.
Today’s passage is read by Ross, and the passage is John 19:1-37.
The Cross
Re-read today's passage slowly and prayerfully, engaging your imagination as each scene unfolds. What do you see, hear, feel, smell, in each scene? What is all this meant to mean to you? Allow the Holy Spirit to speak to you through the story of Christ’s death for you today.
Prayer
Lord Jesus, it was our sins that sent you to the cross. There we beheld our king. There you finished the work of our redemption. There we looked upon you, whom we had pierced. There redemption was accomplished. Thank you for your astonishing love. In Christ’s Name, Amen.
Copyright (c) 2012 by Redeemer Presbyterian Church.
Easter Devotionals - John 13:1-15 & Philippians 2:6-7
As we continue our Easter readings and devotionals, Ryan reads from John 13 and Philippians 2, reminding us that Jesus demonstrates his love for us by coming as a servant.
As we approach Easter Sunday, we will be hearing readings from members of the Redeemer family, which we hope will help to prepare our hearts.
Alongside these readings we’ll be publishing blogs which make use of a Lenten Devotional published by Redeemer Presbyterian Church. We hope these devotionals and readings will help to reveal the comfort, challenge and joy found within the passages of scripture.
Today’s passages are read by Ryan, and the passages are John 13:1-15 & Philippians 2:6-7.
The Washing
The NIV translates verse 1: “Having loved his own who were in the world, he now showed them the full extent of his love.” In this unexpected act of foot washing, Jesus was communicating something profound about the nature of divine love. Love is not simply what Jesus does, but love is who he is.
Often when we consider loving someone, we think in terms of actions and behaviors. We ask ourselves, “What’s the loving thing to do?” But Jesus’ unexpected, self-effacing act of service leads us to ask the antecedent question, “Who am I?” Without first asking this question, we can unknowingly place limits on our love because we are not operating out of a gospel-transformed identity. For example, if we functionally see ourselves as orphans needing to look out for ourselves instead of as God’s beloved children, we will limit our generosity towards others out of fear of not having enough. Likewise, if we think we are righteous by our own hard work, there will be boundaries to the way we are willing to serve others because our pride keeps us from serving those who “aren’t deserving.”
When we look to Christ we find a beautiful freedom to serve others, arising from the security of his identity: “Who, being in very nature God, did not consider equality with God something to be grasped, but made himself nothing, taking the very nature of a servant …” (Phil 2:6-7, NIV). Jesus was able to serve in a way that no one expected because he knew the Father’s love intimately. The same heart that led him to wash the disciples’ feet would lead him to the cross. Because of Christ we have the same privileged status and security with the Father, and so we become free to serve in the radical, loving ways in which he has served us.
Prayer
Heavenly Father, I forget each day who I am in Christ and the grace that envelops my life. My love has limits because I don’t embrace the truth of who you have made me to be. Help me to live out the reality of being your beloved child so that my love for others flows out of this new identity. Let me be a bewildering servant to those around me as you dismantle the limits I have placed on my love. In Christ’s Name, Amen.
Copyright (c) 2012 by Redeemer Presbyterian Church.
Easter Devotionals - Matthew 26:1-5 & 14-25
As we continue our Easter readings and devotionals, Flo reads from Matthew 26 about the plot to crucify Jesus, and his remarkable calm in the days approaching his death.
As we approach Easter Sunday, we will be hearing readings from members of the Redeemer family, which we hope will help to prepare our hearts.
Alongside these readings we’ll be publishing blogs which make use of a Lenten Devotional published by Redeemer Presbyterian Church. We hope these devotionals and readings will help to reveal the comfort, challenge and joy found within the passages of scripture.
Today’s passage is read by Flo, and the passage is Matthew 26:1-5 & 14-25.
The Plot
Even when Jesus’ life was slipping away from him, he remained remarkably in control. He predicted his arrest and crucifixion before the religious leaders met to conspire against him. He knew that Judas, one of his trusted apostles, would betray him. How disturbing that must have been to Judas to know that Jesus could see right through his charade. Though humans have their plots and schemes, it is God’s plan that always prevails. Nothing can interfere with what he has purposed to do. And nothing is more central to God’s eternal plan than that Jesus, the Son of Man, would be delivered up to be crucified. His final meal, the Passover, carried symbolic import and pointed to the purpose for Jesus’ death. The Passover was an annual celebration of Israel’s exodus from slavery in Egypt. Jesus’ death would be the new Passover. Those who trust in him experience the ultimate Exodus — deliverance from the slavery of sin. As a result, they enjoy the privilege of living in the freedom of his love forevermore.
When life seems chaotic, when things seem not to cohere, great comfort may be found in remembering Jesus’ own experience at the end of his life. Though humans plotted against him and succeeded in executing their plan, nevertheless they could not thwart the plan of God. What comfort there is in knowing that nothing can interfere with the plan of him who is in control! He is at work in all the particulars for his good purposes. By looking to Jesus, particularly his death for us, we discover what is central to God’s plan for us: through Jesus’ death we find life, through his blood shed for us, we experience the exodus from enslaving sin and the freedom of living in his love.
Prayer
Gracious Father, thank you for being in control of our lives, especially when we feel desperately out of control. Center us in the one who is central to your plan for the ages. Enable us, Holy Spirit, to trust in Christ that we might experience the true Exodus. And having experienced the forgiveness of sin, may we live daily in the freedom of your love, wholeheartedly devoted to you. In Christ’s Name, Amen.
Copyright (c) 2012 by Redeemer Presbyterian Church.
Easter Devotionals - Mark 14:3-9
As we continue our Easter readings and devotionals, Josh reads from Mark 14:3-9 about the anointing of Jesus, and our encouragement to be extravagant worshippers.
As we approach Easter Sunday, we will be hearing readings from members of the Redeemer family, which we hope will help to prepare our hearts.
Alongside these readings we’ll be publishing blogs which make use of a Lenten Devotional published by Redeemer Presbyterian Church. We hope these devotionals and readings will help to reveal the comfort, challenge and joy found within the passages of scripture.
Today’s passage is read by Josh, and the passage is Mark 14:3-9.
The Anointing
“What a waste!” That is the complaint made regarding the woman’s use of her expensive perfume to anoint Jesus. Jesus will have none of it. He finds a purely cost-benefit analysis of our actions to be inadequate and bankrupt. Even though the money from the sale of the perfume could have been used to do a lot of good things, Jesus considers her act to be completely appropriate. Why? Because it is an act of worship. And he knows that life begins with what you worship.
Worship the wrong things and nothing else will come out quite right. But worship the living God who has given himself for us in the sacrifice of Jesus and you have a new sense of what matters and you will prioritize your life accordingly. Suddenly you find yourself “wasting” your life on Jesus by giving your life to his agenda rather than your own. That will include caring about justice for the poor.
Contrary to what is sometimes assumed, Jesus is not minimizing our responsibility to the poor in this passage. He actually is quoting from Deuteronomy 15, which encourages radical generosity to the poor. However, such generosity flows from worshiping God. First things first! Put God ahead of all else as the only one worthy of your worship and you will find you are pouring yourself out in all sorts of beautiful ways in service to the world.
Prayer
Lord, too often I worship the wrong things. Help me to see that my life is to be “wasted” on you and only then will it become something beautiful for you to use in your world. In Christ’s Name, Amen.
Copyright (c) 2012 by Redeemer Presbyterian Church.
Easter Devotionals - The Cleansing
As we continue our Easter readings and devotionals, Toby reads about the cleansing of the temple, revealing how Jesus’ death changed the way we worship!
As we approach Easter Sunday, we will be hearing readings from members of the Redeemer family, which we hope will help to prepare our hearts.
Alongside these readings we’ll be publishing blogs which make use of a Lenten Devotional published by Redeemer Presbyterian Church. We hope these devotionals and readings will help to reveal the comfort, challenge and joy found within the passages of scripture.
Today’s passage is read by Toby, and the passages are Mark 11:15-19, John 2:19-21 & Mark 15:38.
The Cleansing
Every year at Passover thousands of Jews came from all over Israel and Judea to offer sacrifices at the temple in Jerusalem. Since many traveled long distances, they often purchased their animal sacrifices in Jerusalem rather than hauling them from home and risking an injury or a blemish that would make them an unworthy sacrifice. It was a convenience for Jewish worshippers to purchase their sacrifices once they arrived. However, the market for these transactions had been set up in the Court of the Gentiles, where non-Jewish seekers of God came to worship. Thus, at Passover, the temple courtyard was filled with livestock, sellers of livestock and money-changers, who exchanged regional currencies for Jewish money.
When Jesus saw this, he was angry — so angry that he overturned tables and placed an embargo on merchandise. But why? Weren’t the merchants just trying to help the travelers worship God? Perhaps. But they were doing it at the expense of those from “all nations” who were seeking God, counting their worship as insignificant. In calling them “robbers” Jesus may have been referring to their greedy financial transactions and the way they were robbing Gentiles of their place of worship.
Yet something else is going on. In a similar account of his cleansing the temple, Jesus was asked for a sign of his authority. He replied, “Destroy this temple, and in three days I will raise it up” (John 2:19). But he wasn’t speaking about the building; “he was speaking about the temple of his body” (John 2:21). In other words, when he died, the temple and its entire system — the priesthood, the sacrifices, the glory — died with him because he himself was the Passover Lamb, high priest and Shekinah glory. Thus, when the temple curtain split at the death of Christ (Mark 15:38), the barrier between God and humanity came down for everyone. Jesus became the “house of prayer for all nations.” Today there is no need to travel to the temple in Jerusalem to worship. Nor is there any distinction between Jewish and Gentile worshippers. Worship is no longer attached to a place, but a person. Jesus is the temple. He is where we meet God.
Prayer
Lord, we worship Jesus as the final sacrifice, priest, glory and temple. Therefore, let us join ourselves to him so that we may love his name and be his servants (Isaiah 56:6). In Christ, may all nations — those near and far — come to you in prayer (Isaiah 56:8). In Christ’s Name, Amen.
Copyright (c) 2012 by Redeemer Presbyterian Church.
Easter Devotionals - John 12:20-33
As we continue our Easter readings and devotionals, Arlette reads John 12:20-33, we hear how Jesus’ predicted his own death on the cross, and the impact that death should have on our own lives.
As we approach Easter Sunday, we will be hearing readings from members of the Redeemer family, which we hope will help to prepare our hearts.
Alongside these readings we’ll be publishing blogs which make use of a Lenten Devotional published by Redeemer Presbyterian Church. We hope these devotionals and readings will help to reveal the comfort, challenge and joy found within the passages of scripture.
Today’s passage is read by Arlette, and the passage is John 12:20-33.
The Prediction
John devotes much of his Gospel to the last six days of Jesus’ life. In John 12, Jesus predicts “what kind of death he was going to die” — one that would loosen Satan’s death grip on the world, raise Jesus in victory from the horrors of the crucifixion and grave, and draw people from all over the world to him (v. 32). But here he also reiterates his sobering template for all who would follow after him and be known as his disciples.
From the early days of his ministry in John, Jesus has been alluding to his “hour” — the appointed time when he would undergo suffering and death for the sins of the world. But through this humiliation Jesus also strangely radiates the “glory” of God to humanity. God “glorifies his name” not only through the earthly ministry of Christ but also his death. John foreshadows this reality early on by concluding “we have seen (or ‘beheld’) his glory … full of grace and truth” (1:14).
Equally striking is the very human Jesus we encounter here, honest enough to admit “now is my soul troubled” (v. 27) as he starts to feel the agony he is about to undergo. It is an amazing picture of a person completely abandoned to God in the face of unspeakable pain, knowing that God’s glory ultimately is the only thing that matters. And it becomes a teaching moment for the disciples as well.
Seeds are living things that must die in order to reproduce; they carry the promise of future life. On the surface, Christ’s death looks to the world like a disaster, but by falling “into the earth” (v. 24), he is able to raise up followers and bring “many sons to glory” (Hebrews 2:10). However, following Christ carries a cost: many of the original disciples were to die excruciating deaths themselves, leading Tertullian to conclude that “the blood of the martyrs is the seed of the church.” Christ’s disciples must always “die” to themselves to find “living hope” (1 Peter 1:3-5) in Christ. Here Dietrich Bonhoeffer’s observation on discipleship rings true: “when Christ calls a man, he bids him come and die.”
Prayer
Risen Lord, you loved us so much that you died to save us from sin. We pray that this reality gives us humility, leads us to praise you always, and gives us a boldness to live fully abandoned to your loving will. In your mercy make these things so, for we pray them in your name. Amen.
Copyright (c) 2012 by Redeemer Presbyterian Church.
Easter Devotionals - Luke 9:18-27
As we continue our Easter readings and devotionals, Barny reads Luke 9:18-27, and we learn about God’s call on our lives.
As we approach Easter Sunday, we will be hearing readings from members of the Redeemer family, which we hope will help to prepare our hearts.
Alongside these readings we’ll be publishing blogs which make use of a Lenten Devotional published by Redeemer Presbyterian Church. We hope these devotionals and readings will help to reveal the comfort, challenge and joy found within the passages of scripture.
Today’s passage is read by Barny, and the passage is Luke 9:18-27.
The Call
After spending days and nights with Jesus, witnessing his words and works first hand, Peter could make an absolute confession that Jesus was the Christ, the promised one of God. Those further from Jesus were less resolute in their faiths, often believing him to be a prophet, but those who followed him regularly knew that he was not simply a messenger, but the message itself. After Peter’s confession, Jesus tried to help them understand his mission and what it looked like to follow him, but Jesus was not the kind of Messiah they were expecting, and following him was not what they thought it was going to be like.
Jesus issues a clear call to those who might follow him, that allegiance to him requires denying yourself, taking up your cross daily and following him. Then and now his words are difficult. We live in a culture that teaches us to glorify ourselves and to pursue comfort, control and the satisfaction of our desires above all else. To deny oneself and pursue the things of God can feel like death, but that is what Jesus calls us to. He tells us that to follow him we will have to relinquish all control and endure suffering and rejection, but he also promises that this will make us like him. In him, triumph will come through suffering. Jesus is calling us to lose our lives as we know them, but only so that he might give us real and eternal life in him. Do you hear him calling you? Are you willing to deny yourself and take up your cross in order to follow him? Do you trust that he will lead you to life?
Prayer
Gracious God, we thank you that you have revealed your Son to us, that Jesus is the Christ, the deliverer we all need. Please give us the grace we need to follow you. You alone are worthy and we want to give you our lives, but need your help to do so. In Christ’s Name, Amen.
Copyright (c) 2012 by Redeemer Presbyterian Church.
Easter Devotionals - Matthew 4:1-11
Today Shirley reads from Matthew 4, about Jesus’ time in the wilderness.
As we approach Easter Sunday, we will be hearing readings from members of the Redeemer family, which we hope will help to prepare our hearts.
Alongside these readings we’ll be publishing blogs which make use of a Lenten Devotional published by Redeemer Presbyterian Church. We hope these devotionals and readings will help to reveal the comfort, challenge and joy found within the passages of scripture.
Today’s passage is read by Shirley, and the passage is Matthew 4:1-11.
The Fast
Here, we learn about three specific ways that Satan sought to tempt Jesus, each one more significant, by challenging his desire for food, urging him to display power sensationally, and encouraging him to use political power to establish God’s kingdom. In this third instance, he was tempting Jesus to bypass the cross. The devil was more than willing to give us all back to Jesus, if only Jesus would worship him instead of God. Skip the suffering, save the people, deny God, do it the easy way. For each response, Jesus relied on Scripture, the “sword of the Spirit” (Ephesians 6:17), to resist.
These temptations occurred following Jesus’ baptism. Right after Jesus was anointed for ministry, the Spirit led him into the wilderness for 40 days and nights of fasting “to be tempted by the devil.” Jesus’ time in the desert reminds us of Moses fasting for the same period on Mount Sinai (Exodus 34:28). After Moses’ 40 days and nights, God gave him the Ten Commandments for the Israelites. Thus, here we see that Jesus is the new Moses come to fulfill the law that Moses was given.
Prayer
Gracious God, we praise you that you know what it is like to be tempted in every way, as we are. Thank you for showing us how to resist temptation and thank you for enduring the cross and for fulfilling the law, for our sakes, on our behalf. In Christ’s Name, Amen.
Copyright (c) 2012 by Redeemer Presbyterian Church.
Easter Devotionals - John 8:1-11
Today sees the first of our blogs to run alongside the Easter readings being posted on our YouTube, keep an eye out for more readings as we approach Easter Sunday!
As we approach Easter Sunday, we will be hearing readings from members of the Redeemer family, which we hope will help to prepare our hearts.
Alongside these readings we’ll be publishing blogs which make use of a Lenten Devotional published by Redeemer Presbyterian Church. We hope these devotionals and readings will help to reveal the comfort, challenge and joy found within the passages of scripture.
Today’s passage is read by Isaac, and is from John 8:1-11.
The Adulteress
The Law was clear — adultery was a capital offense with two guilty parties: “If a man is found lying with the wife of another man, both of them shall die” (Deuteronomy 22:22). In accordance with the Law, therefore, the scribes and Pharisees came to Jesus with an adulterous woman to be stoned. Where was the man? They didn’t care. After all, their concern wasn’t really with the Law. Their concern was with testing Jesus.
But Jesus wasn’t fooled. He said, “Let him who is without sin among you be the first to throw a stone at her.” Of course, Jesus wasn’t making a recommendation for a new judicial system; no criminals would be held accountable if judges had to be without sin. Jesus was making a point – a point he frequently made to the Pharisees. He often said things to them like, “Go and learn what this means, ‘I desire mercy, and not sacrifice’” (Matthew 9:13; c.f., Matthew 12:1-8; John 7:21-23). In other words, he was telling them that they were missing the most important part of the Law – that its foundation was love (Matthew 22:34-40; Matthew 7:12; Galatians 5:14). Thus, although they appeared interested in upholding the Law, they were actually breaking it because they weren’t acting on the basis of love, grace, humility and compassion.
So they went away. And Jesus told the woman, “Neither do I condemn you; go, and from now on sin no more.” He didn’t say, “It doesn’t matter whether you sin.” Instead, he said, in effect, “I myself am establishing your righteousness on the foundation of love and grace. Therefore, don’t sin — not because you fear its punishment, but because you have met me and have been saved by grace.”
Prayer
Lord, We exalt the name of Jesus because his righteousness has been imputed to us through grace alone! Therefore, even as we seek to sin no more, let us long for holiness and righteousness out of a deep recognition that we have been saved by grace. In Christ’s Name, Amen.
Copyright (c) 2012 by Redeemer Presbyterian Church.
Resurrection Monologues - Thomas
Jesus didn’t stay in the grave! Celebrate his resurrection with our four resurrection monologues, the fourth of which is from the perspective of Thomas.
On Good Friday we published ‘The Golgotha Monologues’ four monologues written from the perspectives of people who would have been there on the very first Good Friday. But we know that after Good Friday comes Easter Sunday, after Jesus’ death comes his resurrection, and so, today we are publishing ‘The Resurrection Monologues’!
The fourth is from the perspective of Thomas.
It had been a week since Passover. We were still staying behind locked doors. There were all kinds of rumours and we couldn’t be sure what would happen next. And the others had me worried.
We’d all been through a lot. Two weeks previous it seemed like Jesus was going to overturn Roman rule, it was like he’d been taken off the leash – telling the authorities exactly what we thought of them.
Then - Judas! I can’t believe he set Jesus up like that -
It happened so fast, one minute we were celebrating Passover – God’s great deliverance of his people - and then within a few short hours our world fell apart. I thought I was ready to die for him, but we ran - and we left him to face the soldiers alone.
It was a mockery of a trial. They couldn’t wait to get rid of him.
Seeing Jesus flogged and nailed to that cross; hearing his cries, seeing his mother break down - we we’re devastated. I admit I couldn’t hang around, I went off by myself, to get my head straight.
And then the others started going crazy. First the women and then the guys. Even Peter, I hadn’t expected him to lose it. They said the tomb was empty - that they’d seen the Rabbi – but that was impossible, we all saw him die.
Part of me was tempted to believe it, but I told them – unless I saw with my own two eyes, I couldn’t accept it; it was too fantastic.
I’d seen him – I saw his body – lifeless and beaten. So, unless I saw the same nail marks, unless I put my hand into his side, where they’d pierced him, I couldn’t believe it.
They continued to try and convince me, but I wouldn’t have it. I was such as fool.
He came.
He stood there – in our locked room - and he looked straight at me. I was dumbfounded.
And then he had me place my hands on his scars – they were real – just where I saw them pierce him, just where the nails went in – but his flesh was now warm and very much alive.
What do you think I did?
I exclaimed, “My Lord and my God!” It was true – he wasn’t our Rabbi – he’d shown himself to be our God.
And he stayed. We spoke with him, peppering him with questions, and he ate with us, he fished with us. Those were the best days.
I’m not sure he wanted to go – but in the end he did; he went back to his Father.
So that leaves us to tell our story – to tell his story. And even though you didn’t get to see him, you can believe it – we are his first-hand witnesses:
Jesus of Nazareth, teacher, healer - the man who was sentenced to death and who died – he is the Son of God and his Father has raised him to life.
And because he lives, we can start a new forgiven life. Even fools like me. Believe me – it’s true.
Resurrection Monologues - Mary (Mother of Jesus)
Jesus didn’t stay in the grave! Celebrate his resurrection with our four resurrection monologues, the third of which is from the perspective of Mary the mother of Jesus.
On Good Friday we published ‘The Golgotha Monologues’ four monologues written from the perspectives of people who would have been there on the very first Good Friday. But we know that after Good Friday comes Easter Sunday, after Jesus’ death comes his resurrection, and so, today we are publishing ‘The Resurrection Monologues’!
The third is from the perspective of Mary the mother of Jesus.
O Lord, my Saviour, my spirit rejoices in you, for you....
-
Oh, Jesus. This isn't as easy as I thought it would be. Oh, my son, my child, my beloved child - now my Saviour. My whole being worships you, and yet… in my heart I still treasure those times when it was just you and me. Holding you close, hearing your first words, shepherding you as you took your first steps, watching over you, binding your first scrapes - you were sooo adventurous; it was always a challenge keeping you out of your father's workshop.
And now you watch over me.
Son, my heart still aches when I recall your body arched in pain, bleeding. Your cries still haunt me. It's hard to shake the image of your lifeless body wrapped in cloth and lying - in a tomb.
Forgive me, dear son; I almost lost my mind with grief. I was blinded with my tears, and in my fear I didn't understand. All I could feel was the sword piecing my very soul, just as old Simeon promised.
And then, when I saw you again, whole, restored.... Oh how I loved to see that smile again, to feel your arms around me once more, to hear your laughter, to draw in your warmth as we shared a simple meal, just like we used to.
But you were taken again so soon. I know you had to go, but oh, how I missed you – to lose you again. (Deep breath)
But I'll tell your story - so many want to hear my story. The boys promise to write it down, but I'll still tell. It thrills me every time I tell it, for how can written words capture you, your love, your presence.
Son, you spoke of a gift. Well, as you probably know, it arrived right on time. You said that if we waited here in Jerusalem, we would be bathed in YOUR Holy Spirit.
And now I see.
I almost weep with joy when I hear young John and the rest of your friends – your disciples - speaking in your name. I recognise your voice, you see, I recognise your heart, in their words.
It's -
it's just like you're still here.
Thank you for not leaving your old mum alone.
I'll see you soon, my Jesus.
Resurrection Monologues - Mary Magdalene
Jesus didn’t stay in the grave! Celebrate his resurrection with our four resurrection monologues, the second of which is from the perspective of Mary Magdalene.
On Good Friday we published ‘The Golgotha Monologues’ four monologues written from the perspectives of people who would have been there on the very first Good Friday. But we know that after Good Friday comes Easter Sunday, after Jesus’ death comes his resurrection, and so, today we are publishing ‘The Resurrection Monologues’!
The second is from the perspective of Mary Magdalene
‘Why are you crying?’
What a simple question – but oh, how complex the answer.
We had spent so much time with him – we thought we understood. We thought we knew where this was all going. How wrong could we be.
After the devastation of Friday, after the silence of the sabbath, early on the first day - me, Joanna, Mary, Salome and the others had gone to the tomb with the spices. We’d prepared them not really knowing how we were going to move the stone. And there it was – the gapping entrance, revealing the empty tomb.
You can imagine our confusion. We were in tears, and still crying when Peter and the others arrived. They were no better. And then it was just me – sitting there trying to piece it all together.
Then the angels were there, seated quite calmly, where Jesus had been laid, and they asked me -
‘Why are you crying?’
I tried to explain and then in a moment he was there. He was different, and at first I didn’t recognise him. He asked me the same infuriating question.
‘Why are you crying?’
And then, as I was still blubbing, trying to tell him – he spoke my name.
And everything changed.
He told me to go tell the others – but it wasn’t til he showed himself to them too, that they really believed. I can’t blame them. Something this wonderful, this miraculous… It’s hard to get your head around.
And he explained it to us - what he’d been telling us over the previous years, it all fell into place.
“The resurrection and the life.”
So, believe me when I tell you – I was there.
Jesus, our Jesus, is alive. He is our Lord and God and you can know him for yourself.
Resurrection Monologues - Simon Peter
Jesus didn’t stay in the grave! Celebrate his resurrection with our four resurrection monologues, the first of which is from the perspective of Simon Peter.
On Good Friday we published ‘The Golgotha Monologues’ four monologues written from the perspectives of people who would have been there on the very first Good Friday. But we know that after Good Friday comes Easter Sunday, after Jesus’ death comes his resurrection, and so, today we are publishing ‘The Resurrection Monologues’!
The first is from the perspective of Simon Peter
Three times! Three!
I know I’ve been a hot head at times – an act-first, straight-in-the-water, think-later kind of bloke, but I have my good points too.
I’m strong – I can seem physically imposing I guess and I’m a little older than the others – maybe not as educated as some, but I’ve got a good memory and I’m not shy to tell people the truth, whether they want to hear it or not.
I’ve got a voice – I can hold a crowd and they listen. I’ve always been one who can make myself heard.
I’m not afraid to ask the obvious questions and say things plain – sometimes things need to be said out loud and not just assumed.
I’m not afraid to break taboos. There can be too much talk about tradition and the way things have always been done. Sometimes things must change.
And I thought I could add ‘reliable’ to that list – ‘loyal’ – a ‘rock’.
When Jesus called me Rock, when he said that in front of the others, when he said he had a job for me, building his church - well I was humbled, but I could see it. I saw myself as a leader – someone others could rely upon.
How wrong I was.
Three - times!?!
Three times I was asked – and three times I answered that I never knew the guy. I lied just to save my own hide. And I ran – trying to out-run my betrayal.
And later, when he came back – he didn’t just gloss over it, he asked me three times, there by the lake with the others watching - my Lord asked me and I told him. And I meant it.
He asked me three times – ‘Do you love me?’
And I can tell you what I told him – I love him. As my brother, as my friend, as my Lord.
He knows how much I love him.
And with those three questions it was just as if with each ‘Do you love me?’ and with each repeated answer – ‘I love you’ - he undid my shame.
And three time he said to me: ‘Take care of my sheep.’
Three times. That means something.
So, I’m telling you – not on my own authority; I’m telling you as one who witnesses his death and his resurrection and as a forgiven man, as a man commissioned to speak - I’m telling you confidently:
God raised Jesus to life, and we are witnesses to that fact – God has made this Jesus who was crucified and died, both Lord and Christ. And every one of you can be forgiven and can receive the gift of his Holy Spirit.
Take that from a man who’s been forgiven.
Just as He Said
He is risen!
Just as he said.
This Easter Sunday was different to many past Easter Sunday’s at Redeemer, but we did still get the blessing of hearing something from our resident poet - Steve Page. In case you missed it, or if you just want to read and enjoy the powerful truth again, it’s below.
P.S. I know it’s Tuesday now, but he’s still risen. Isn’t it great?!
"Didn't He tell you
Wasn't it clear
Did you not realise
Did you not hear?
He is now risen
He is not here
He's gone on ahead
Please hold back your tears.
We won't need your spices
Don't look so amazed
Go tell everybody
His body's been raised."
So shocked and bewildered
They left the cold tomb
And ran to the others
Who hid in a room,
"Jesus has risen
He's body's not there
Let's go now and meet him
In Galilee where
He'll explain it all to us
Make clear what He said
Please don't look so worried
No need to be scared.
Jesus has risen
I tell you it's true
Let's go now and meet Him
Let's start life renewed."
Written by Steve Page
Easter - A Change in Perspective
Adele shares what Easter means to her, and how that’s changed somewhat over the years….
I shall never forget spending Easter with my sister, at my gran’s.
Even though I was only ten years old and my sister was nine (which was many years ago), we still remember it clearly! Why?
Was it because she spoiled us with her home cooking?
Was it because we were allowed to do fun things we weren’t allowed to do at home?
No! In fact my sister and I were not allowed to do ANYTHING!! Except pray, of course… After all, this was Holy Week…
On Good Friday we spent the whole day indoors, being reminded not to raise our voices and keep a solemn quiet! At 2.30pm our gran turned on the radio and we all sat together round her little table and listened intently to it. The speaker described the passion and crucifixion of Jesus in such detail and so vividly, that Marie and I could not stop bawling our eyes out! Our gran was so pleased that she said we could have something light to eat after 6pm!
Since the last time any food had passed our young lips was 10am, we were thrilled…
Well, on reflection maybe that isn’t the best way to explain Easter to young children, but our grandmother, a strict, staunch, traditional Catholic, obviously didn’t know any better. I like to think that God knew her heart though…
Since then, I’m glad to say, my perception of Easter has changed, as has its focus.
Yes, I do still remember the pain endured on that terrible cross by Jesus, but I also know the real reason for it being known as ‘GOOD Friday’. Because on that cross Jesus paid the penalty for my sin, dying in my place so that I, a sinner, can now stand before God the Father and be declared innocent! (Romans 6:23 says, For the wages of sin is death, but the gift of God is eternal life in Christ Jesus.)
So that was indeed a GOOD Friday!
And it doesn’t stop there… after Friday came Saturday and then Sunday – EASTER SUNDAY - the greatest day of all for fallen humanity!
For not only did Jesus Christ die for me and you, but He was raised to life again on that Sunday! And because He lives, I too am assured of everlasting life with Him when I die!
Wow! It can’t get better than that!
Death has been defeated and our King is now reigning victorious! As the apostle Paul says ‘Death, where is your victory; where is your sting?’ (1 Cor 15:55)
It’s gone!
So now when I think of Easter I can’t sit quietly as my gran would have wanted. I rejoice. I celebrate together with millions of other people throughout the world who understand that the unimaginable happened on that Easter Day over 2,000 years ago - The sinner gets set free, the gates of heaven are opened wide. The Father welcomes us with open arms! I shall be there one day –
How about you? What’s your perception of Easter?
A time of solemnity? Or a time to rejoice?
If you’d like a new perspective – please join us at Redeemer London this Easter. You’ll find people for whom death holds no fear - because Jesus’ death changed everything for us.
Adele Dabrowski
A Greater Lent
As we look towards Easter, Steve Page’s poem challenges us to think about what lent is really about…
A week ago Shrove Tuesday marked the beginning of lent, and as we look forward to Easter here at Redeemer we’ll be publishing a series of blogs produced by Redeemer Creatives, the first of which comes courtesy of our resident poet, Steve Page.
A Greater Lent
Lord, save me from empty lent abstinence
Protect me from light hearted choco-resistance
And stir in me a longer lasting adherence
A dig down deeper resonance
That falls in step with your insistence
to follow a path of greater resilience.
Lord, save me from a temporary temperance
And lend me your eternal Spirit of endurance
That I might take this lent as a growth accelerant
And so come to stand a little closer
to your post-Easter presence.
Therefore, since we are surrounded by such a great cloud of witnesses, let us throw off everything that hinders and the sin that so easily entangles. And let us run with perseverance the race marked out for us, fixing our eyes on Jesus, the pioneer and perfecter of faith. For the joy set before him he endured the cross, scorning its shame, and sat down at the right hand of the throne of God. Consider him who endured such opposition from sinners, so that you will not grow weary and lose heart.
Hebrews 12:1-3
What. A. Weekend.
Why was the Easter weekend so important?
Wow.
What a weekend.
Without doubt the most important weekend of the year when it comes to the church calendar. This weekend we celebrated the death and resurrection of Jesus Christ, events which despite occurring over 2000 years ago, still shape each and every moment of the life of a christian. Without this weekend, if he never died as a sacrifice for our sins and then rose, conquering death and winning an everlasting victory, followers of Jesus Christ would quite simply have no foundation for their faith in him. But we believe that he did do that, we believe that he still lives today, and is seated on a heavenly throne, at the right hand of God the Father, interceding for us, which makes the Easter weekend one worth celebrating!
The weekend started with a day we now call Good Friday, but a day which seemed altogether less ‘good’ all those years ago. Jesus Christ of Nazareth hung on a cross and died, seemingly defeated. While we know now that this was in fact the beginning of his victory, a moment when all of our sin and shame was paid for, it is important as christians that we remember the cost of our salvation, that Jesus suffered in our place, that he felt our pain. This was the first time we have met together on Good Friday at Redeemer and it was an amazing service, meeting together for an hour, we sung songs which reminded us of the power of Jesus’ blood, we heard monologues read which reinforced the message that Jesus suffered for us, and we took communion together to mark the sacrifice that was made. I personally was incredibly moved by the whole service, and it was stirring to hear so many voices lifted up in praise to their king, even on such a sombre occasion.
Then, on Easter Sunday, it was time for a celebration! We had the opportunity to sing songs together which allowed us to rejoice in the victory won as Jesus walked out of his tomb! We were led by a fantastic choir, heard truth proclaimed, and were able to celebrate with three individuals who took the opportunity this Easter Sunday to be baptised and to begin their own journey of walking with Jesus, out of the darkness, and into his Glorious Day!
But what does this weekend mean for us as christians? Is it just a once a year celebration, after which we go back to our routines….? No! We believe that this truth, this celebration of Jesus’ victory is something to be celebrated all year round! So we’ll be celebrating next Sunday too, and the Sunday after that, and not just on Sundays! Every day of the rest of our lives is now lived in the knowledge that we walk in the everlasting victory that was won on the first Easter! This truth we believe is not just for ourselves, but is true for all people, of all ages, all across the world. If you’re reading this and you aren’t currently celebrating this truth, why not come and find out more by visiting us on a Sunday morning at Ealing Town Hall, or join us on Thursday the 9th of May as we launch our next Alpha course with an evening of live music and poetry at Artisan Coffee. As you reflect on another Easter weekend, whatever that means for you, don’t miss a chance to come and join in the celebration which continues all year round!
He is risen.
He is risen indeed!
“Don’t be alarmed,” he said. “You are looking for Jesus the Nazarene, who was crucified. He has risen!
Mark 16:6