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Luke 20:1-31
Indiana is in the first, fine waves of spring. The temperature is becoming moderate and rain clouds fill the skies. Robins perch high in every tree, claiming their territory, building their nests. But the sure sign of spring’s arrival is found on the ground. The beautiful crocuses are in full bloom.
I do not know how the crocus does it. It is a mystery to me. There can be two inches of snow on the ground. Yet, the small, delicate flower pushes through the snow and into the daylight. It opens its buttery pedals to the fading winter sun. As the temperatures drop at night, the flower slowly closes to await another day.
How is this possible? How can they grow in snow? How do they blossom on a late winter’s day? How do they survive all summer, fall, and winter, only to rise before the robins have even returned? Thankfully, my inability to understand does not prevent it from happening or being true.
The followers of Jesus experienced the same reality. They did not understand that Jesus could, would, and did rise from the grave. They saw it. They touched him. They heard him. But it remained a mystery. Thank God, their inability to comprehend did not prevent Jesus from conquering death and rolling away the stone.
The entire chapter of Luke 20 reports the followers of Jesus and their struggle to comprehend his resurrection. Mary, Peter, John, and Thomas all face the reality and yet, they resist its truth.
Mary sees her risen savior and thinks he is a gardener. She implores Jesus, “Tell me where you’ve laid him.”
The disciples hold the empty death wrappings in their hand. They see him, touch him, hear his voice, and they touch his side. But the resurrection remains a mystery.
Thomas missed the show. He boldly proclaims, “I have to see it to believe it.” A week later, when Jesus offers proof, Thomas is humbled and awed at the mystery before him. Jesus reminds him that those who do not see, and still believe, are even more blessed.
Every year, as the crocus breaks the frozen ground, I shake my head in wonder. I snatch my camera and attempt to take a picture of this miracle. I want to see it, touch it, smell it. I want proof that it has happened.
Easter is the highest point in the Christian Calendar. It is the day in the life of the church which represents hope. It is the promise that there is life beyond the grave. It holds the hope that God is big enough to overcome death. It offers, to those who believe, a message of new life. It is a mystery that has been retold in little country churches and mighty cathedrals for two-thousand years.
Easter is the promise that Life will overcome Death, that spring will always follow winter. In spite of our inability to understand, the crocus will break through the frozen ground. Jesus will rise from the tomb. Jesus is risen! Christ is risen, indeed!
Dear God,
Thank you for your Amazing Grace and your amazing power that overcomes death and the grave. We know we will never understand the mystery that is the resurrection. We realize we will never comprehend the awesome power that is before us. We can only accept and be thankful.
For those who struggle today with difficulties in their lives: cancer, heart failure, financial burdens, family crisis, personal failure, emotional disorders, we pray for your power. The power that brought your son from a hillside tomb can surely bring direction and healing into the lives of those who struggle. We ask you to bring your life-giving power into each situation. We thank you and trust you. AMEN & AMEN.
copyright 2005, C. Curtis Austin, a 2BlackDogs Production
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