The Church of the Resurrection

by: Jill Ver Steeg

On the evening of that first Easter day, the disciples have locked themselves away. They fear the Jewish leaders and are both confused and astonished by this resurrection business. What should they make of these eyewitness accounts of the risen Jesus appearing to some women? And if they are true, then what do they do next? How would they convince those who had not seen the risen Lord? Could they even convince themselves? Could they overcome the hostility of the religious authorities? Into this confusion enters the Risen One himself. He speaks a simple yet profound word of assurance: “Peace.”

Jesus then explains the reason for his visit. It is more than to reassure; it is to commission. “As the Father has sent me, even so I am sending you” (v. 21). The mission of the church springs from this great moment. Jesus calls the disciples to unlock the door, leave their hiding place, abandon their fear, and go out to the world with the gospel of forgiveness.

The risen Jesus calls the church to be visible. Like the disciples, we are called to step out of our safe places and into the world. Jesus Christ came in the flesh and now the church is called to be the continued embodiment of his mission. If we are to be the church of the resurrection we must follow the disciples into the world to proclaim the good news of Jesus Christ. We must pass on what we have received, saying to the world, “Peace be with you.”