Easter 2024 (MPLS)

Revelations 21:1-5a

Then I saw a new heaven and a new earth; for the first heaven and the first earth had passed away, and the sea was no more. And I saw the holy city, the new Jerusalem, coming down out of heaven from God, prepared as a bride adorned for her husband. And I heard a loud voice from the throne saying, “See, the home of God is among mortals. He will dwell with them as their God; they will be his peoples, and God himself will be with them; he will wipe every tear from their eyes. Death will be no more; mourning and crying and pain will be no more, for the first things have passed away.” And the one who was seated on the throne said, “See, I am making all things new.”

Mark 16:1–8

When the sabbath was over, Mary Magdalene, and Mary the mother of James, and Salome bought spices, so that they might go and anoint him. And very early on the first day of the week, when the sun had risen, they went to the tomb. They had been saying to one another, “Who will roll away the stone for us from the entrance to the tomb?” When they looked up, they saw that the stone, which was very large, had already been rolled back. As they entered the tomb, they saw a young man, dressed in a white robe, sitting on the right side; and they were alarmed. But he said to them, “Do not be alarmed; you are looking for Jesus of Nazareth, who was crucified. He has been raised; he is not here. Look, there is the place they laid him. But go, tell his disciples and Peter that he is going ahead of you to Galilee; there you will see him, just as he told you.” So they went out and fled from the tomb, for terror and amazement had seized them; and they said nothing to anyone, for they were afraid.

‘Text Message’ Reflection:
From Pastor Holly Johnson

In the four Gospels in the Bible, all of the resurrection accounts are different, but the one in Mark is particularly unique. Notice the ending: The women flee the tomb frightened and don’t say anything to anyone. That’s a far cry from the words that will start the worship service on Sunday morning: Christ is risen, He is risen indeed! In some ways, this is an understandable response. In other gospels, the women are not believed.

‘Text Message’ Reflection Questions:

• What do you think happened that got the story out? Imagine different scenarios that could have played out that led to people knowing about Jesus rising from the dead.
• Do you have any faith experiences that you’ve remained silent about?

Prayer:

Risen God, this story of Easter may surprise, terrify or confuse us, and those are all okay responses. Beyond those emotions, help us to find a voice to speak of resurrected life in you, so that the story remains known: That Christ is risen, indeed, and that resurrected life is all around us, ready to be named. Amen.