April 12, 2020

Breaking Open the Scripture Scriptures for April 12th: Acts 10:34-43; Psalm 118:1-2, 14-24; Colossians 3:1-4; John 20:1-18; Matthew 28:1-10; Theme: Easter Sunday! Matthew: This is the most important Sunday of the year, and this scripture tells the most important story of the year. Our faith begins at the end of the story, at the end of a life. It always starts in darkness and then moves to the light. Each of the 4 gospels tells of a slightly different version of the resurrection story. Matthew’s account begins at dawn. Mary Magdalene is at the tomb. An earthquake happens and Jesus appears. Jesus must have been social distancing, because he tells Mary not to touch him, he has not ascended. Mary runs to tell the disciples what has happened. Jesus greets the disciples, but he tells them that there is still work to do, that they are to meet him in Galilee. After all that disciples did to sabotage Jesus, he still had faith in them. He was determined to stay with them and to continue to lead them into ministry not only in Galilee, but throughout the world. Acts 10:34-43: This is the point that the disciples have to come out of their comfort zone. The gospel has called them to accept new and different people that are not like them. Peter is at the house of a Roman officer, and realizes that he will be fed food that his upbringing does not allow him to eat. It is in that house that Peter announces that he is concerned that God does not show favoritism. God cares for all people no matter who they are. God loves the jews, but God also loves gentiles. And if God loves all people the same, then the disciples must also love and accept all people. This is the beginning of a whole new religion. Everybody all over the world must know Jesus. And we all have to be able to tell the story to all who are listening. Questions: What is your favorite part of the gospel story? What would you have done had you seen the empty tomb? Who is it in the world that still does not know the gospel story? How can you tell them the story in a way that makes sense to them?