Title: Too Good To Be True

Date: 2008-04-13

Reference: Luke 24: 36-46

A Hanoverian countess, who lived about 150 years ago, was a noted unbeliever and was especially opposed to the doctrine of the resurrection. Before her death she gave orders that her grave should be covered with a slab of granite; that around it should be placed square blocks of stone, and that the corners should be fastened to each other and to the granite slab by heavy iron clamps. Upon the covering this inscription was placed: “This burial place, purchased to all eternity, must never, ever be opened.”

Many, over the years, have believed that death is the end of our existence and the grave is the last stop. The finality of life is sealed with concrete, a rock, or boulder or some other impenetrable substance so the body should never come out of it’s resting place.

Judging from their actions, this is what the disciples of Jesus believed. They had watched Jesus die on the old rugged cross. They had seen his body placed in the cold, rock tomb. They had observed as a huge boulder was rolled into place to seal Jesus’ body away.

The disciples were all familiar with the Old Testament Genealogies. Each of them ended with the words.”and he died.” They thought of Jesus as another person who had died. They were heartsick, discouraged, fearful, and doubtful. They really had no hope for the future.

If any group of people ever needed a miracle it was the disciples.

That first Easter Sunday the women came to the grave sight to perform one last duty of anointing the body of Jesus with oil and spices. They expected to find the grave sealed with a stone covering the entrance. As they walked along they wondered who would roll the stone away for them. As they arrived they discovered the stone was already rolled away. The body was gone. Angels said “he had risen.” Over the course of the days ahead Jesus appeared to all of his disciples. Their lives were changed forever. They needed a miracle and they received one.

The grave had last it’s power. In the case of the countess, I spoke of earlier, all that human power could do to prevent any change in her grave was done. But a tiny little elm tree seed sprouted and the root found it’s way between the side stone and the upper slab. It grew there. Slowly, surely, steadily, it forced its way up until the iron clamps were torn off, and the granite lid was raised. It is now resting upon the trunk of the elm tree which is large and flourishing. I believe this was nature’s way of saying the grave is not the final residence of the human being. There is so much more to life than we experience here in this world. That is the meaning of Easter.

A recent novel described the discovery of Jesus’ body still in his tomb. The novel contained a press release: Dateline Jerusalem. On the eve of the annual celebration of the resurrection of Jesus the one million inhabitants of the city were shocked by the announcement that a body, identified as Jesus was found in along neglected tomb just outside the city. The initial reaction of Christians here and around the world has been one of astonishment, bewilderment and defensive disbelief. It remains to be seen, the effect this discovery will have on the 2 thousand year old religion.

In the mind of this author, Christianity will have to take it’s place on the same level as other religions of the world. No longer can Christians claim that the tomb of it’s founder is empty. Evidently this two thousand year old lie has come to an end.”

The Bible says if this were true our faith in Christ is worthless and we are still under the curse of sin. On this 4th Sunday of Easter I wonder if our heats and minds have grasped the eternal significance of the resurrection of Christ. Because he lives we also shall live.

Today’s Scripture reading continues the narrative. So many exciting things had happened that Sunday. So much was unexplained. The Apostles plus other believers met together to share. The two Emmaus disciples were there sharing how they had met Jesus along the road. How he made himself known to them in the breaking of the bread. While the two were telling about their afternoon with Jesus, Jesus appeared in the room. The Bible says the doors were locked and shut. And suddenly Jesus was there with them.

Even after all they had heard and seen the disciples were terrified, frightened, and troubled. They thought Jesus was a ghost.

In Romania, several years ago, two girls were in a serious car accident, one was killed. 12 hours after her funeral and burial a 17 year old girl was found alive in the hospital. The two girls had been mixed up. The family believed their child was dead and buried her. Imagine how they felt to learn that she wasn’t dead after all. It must have been a similar feeling in the Upper Room the day Jesus appeared.

The first thing Jesus did was to bless them saying: “Peace be unto you.” He showed them his wounded hands and feet.

He even ate some honey and fish to prove to his doubting disciples he was alive and well. Finally, he invited them to feel his body.

The disciples were so glad and amazed that they could not believe it. This seemed too good to be true. Jesus taught them from the Scriptures as he had earlier done with the two travelers on the road to Emmaus. Jesus not only enabled them to understand the law, the prophets, and the Psalms. He reminded them of all he himself had taught them.

He explained how it all fit together. What a privilege it would have been to sit and listen to Jesus teach. But with privilege comes responsibility. They were to be Jesus’ witnesses to all the earth, telling everyone all Jesus had said and done.

Seems like a big job for a group of common folks. How were they to fulfill the commission to share Jesus in all the world? God promised to provide the power which he did on the day of Pentecost when he sent His Holy Spirit to live among them.

The job description has not changed in all these years. It’s good ro remind ourselves of our core values as a church from time to time. We are called to introduce people to Jesus in positive ways. We are to disciple believers and help them grow in their faith. And to relieve suffering in Jesus’ name. In short we are called to know Christ and to make Christ known by serving others around us.

We can become as overwhelmed as the first disciples were. Jesus has promised to provide the power we need as well. We are to carry the message with us wherever we go. Evangelism, sharing must be done where God’s people are. An old farmer was seen fishing in a tub of water in his back yard. A neighbor said: “Come on, what are you doing? There are no fish in that tub.”

The farmer responded: “I know there are no fish in this old tub, but fishing here is just so powerful convenient.” Many Christians are engaged in convenience evangelism which usually means no sharing at all.

God also expects us to share immediately. I remember a Sunday School teacher saying: “a candle doesn’t begin to shine when it’s half burned up. It begins to shine as soon as it’s lighted.” He would go on to say: “We are called to let the light shine right away.”

There is a parable entitled “The Great Commission”. The parable says: “When Jesus ascended to heaven after his mission on earth the angels asked him if he had accomplished his task. “Yes” said Jesus, “it is all finished.” “So, the whole world has heard of you?” “Not yet” said Jesus, “but I have a plan. I left my disciples and some other followers to carry the message to the whole world.” “What is your plan B?” Jesus responded: “There is no plan B.” Jesus desires to reach the whole world through men and women like us.

Our adult Sunday School Class has been reading the book of James. James says “Faith without works is dead faith.” We’ve had some interesting discussions about what the Apostle James meant by that. One thing we all agree on is “too many Christians are ready, willing, and eager to argue about their faith but fail to demonstrate their faith in loving works. James said: “Any declaration of faith that does not result in a changed life and in good works is a false declaration.” That kind of faith is dead. True saving faith always provides good works.

It’s not enough to know all the right words. We must back up our words with our works. Faith in Christ brings life and where there is life there must be growth and fruit. No person can come to Christ by faith and remain the same. When the disciples first met the risen Christ they were changed completely, and they never looked back. In a single generation the entire world heard of Christ.

The very best way we have to tell the world about the risen Lord Jesus is through the sacrificial service of our church members. Jesus is Risen from the dead. Because of that we have hope for living, hope we are called to share with the world around us.