A few times in my life, I’ve read a news story involving someone who was shot by a friend while “testing” their brand new bullet proof vest. I’ve also seen videos of the same stupid stunt. I will say confidently that I would not test out a bulletproof vest if I owned one. This is mainly because every time I read about these “tests” they go wrong. It’s an example of when it’s easy to trust something when it doesn’t matter, than be put in a position where I have to act on that general sense of belief. While studying for the Easter sermon this year, I found myself reviewing all sorts of material that I have read time and again over the years. They have always sort of boggled my mind until I realized that the disciples, the ancient Jews who interacted with Jesus, and the religious authorities of the time were finding themselves in a position where the truth of the matter was in front of them, and they needed to make a decision on whether to “trust the vest” or not.
Over and over again, Jesus’ interactions with His followers included predictions of His suffering, death, and resurrection. They argued with Him, heard Him and mourned, and acknowledged their belief in the resurrection. In addition to the words of Jesus predicting events, the ancient Jews believed that God would resurrect the dead at the end of time. Those who were faithful would be brought back in glorified bodies to enjoy God in paradise forever. It was a cornerstone of their faith and folks discussed it with Jesus on several occasions. However, when the time came to lean on their faith in His words about His own resurrection, or their faith in the resurrection of all people, they faltered.
The truth is that saying we trust our beliefs is easier than actually doing it. When Jesus’ followers witnessed His public execution and burial, they could not accept that it was possible that anything else might come next. Thomas, who followed Jesus for years, said flatly that He would not believe that Jesus was resurrected until he put his fingers in the nail holes. That was moments before Jesus showed up on the scene and challenged Him to do so. Until they saw Jesus risen, those beliefs were like the bulletproof vest I wouldn’t test. Sure, I think it’ll save me, but I don’t want to test it.
The cool thing with Easter, and what makes it significant to us, is that it is the moment when belief turned out to be true. After they encountered Jesus risen from the dead, the disciples were changed men. They were bold and acted with the assurance of men who had a belief that was much more than wishful thinking. They not only saw Jesus risen, they spent 6 weeks in His company before He ascended into Heaven. A bit over 500 people interacted with Him. It was solid proof. For us, it is proof of our destination. I am getting older and am beginning to grapple with the idea that my time is not unlimited. I can continue in my calling because I know that there is a resurrection. Jesus was the “first fruit” of what is to come. When loved ones have passed, I know I will see them again. The resurrection is proof of concept, gives us hope, and tells us where we are heading in life. Easter is the day that frees us from fear that anything life throws at us, or takes from us, is permanent. It is a day worth celebrating.
