Easter is an invitation to faith

​Easter Sunday brings a story that's less about bunnies and eggs and more about a kind of love and bravery that turns the world on its head. Picture this: Mary Magdalene, under the cover of darkness, making her way to the tomb of Jesus. While his closest followers are in hiding, she stands as a beacon of courage, ready to face whatever comes just to be near Him one last time.

Imagine the shock then, the stone rolled away, the tomb empty. Mary runs to tell Peter and John, sparking a footrace back to the site. Yet, despite the empty grave clothes, the conclusion jumps to grave robbery rather than resurrection. It’s a stark reminder of how often we look for the dead among the living, missing the miracle right in front of us.

It's here the story takes a turn that speaks directly to the heart. Mary, consumed by grief, doesn't recognize Jesus until he speaks her name. In that moment, everything changes. Her sorrow transforms into joy, and the reality of a living Jesus crystallizes. It's a powerful reminder that sometimes, in the midst of our darkest moments, we're on the cusp of an encounter that can redefine everything.

But let's not gloss over the questions Jesus asks Mary, questions that are just as relevant today. Why are we crying? Who are we looking for? Do we recognize the Jesus standing right in front of us, or are we too caught up in our search for what's been lost to see the hope of what’s been found?

This story isn't just historical; it's personal. It invites us to examine our own encounters with Jesus. Are we seeking a savior who fits our expectations, or are we open to the reality of who He is and what He’s doing in our lives right now? 

The evidence of Jesus' resurrection is compelling, not just as a matter of faith but as a fact of history. Yet, it’s not just about proving a point. It’s about the transformative power of realizing Jesus is alive, not just in the pages of scripture but in the here and now, working in and through us.

So, where does this leave us? Well, maybe with more questions than answers. But perhaps that’s the point. Maybe faith isn’t about having all the answers but about being willing to ask the questions, to seek, to knock, to find the living among the living.

Easter is an invitation. An invitation to experience a close encounter with Jesus that changes everything. To move beyond looking for the dead and to start living in the presence of the living King. It’s about finding our place in the story that’s still unfolding, a story of resurrection, hope, and a love that calls us each by name.

- Adapted from sermons preached across our 3 campuses on Easter Sunday 2024.