Mark is building his case that Jesus resurrected. After the crucifixion, the tomb was found empty on Easter morning but there was no body. Who took the cookie from the cookie jar? We first looked at the report by Mary Magdalene on Easter morning reporting that she had encountered the risen Jesus. Matthew tells us that while the women are finding the tomb empty, the guards are reporting the event and are paid to spread the story that the body was stolen by the followers. The followers do not believe the women and send Peter and John who confirm the tomb is empty. Next Mark reports that on Easter afternoon that Cleopas and friend encountered Jesus on the road to Emmaus. We looked at that story last week. But they were not believed also. Then the Mark postscript tells of a third testimony.
Mark 16:14, “Later Jesus appeared to the Eleven as they were eating; he rebuked them for their lack of faith and their stubborn refusal to believe those who had seen him after he had risen.”
For more details about this evening gathering, we turn to Luke 24. It is Easter evening and the followers are gathered behind locked doors. Rumors are flying around town. The followers are being accused of stealing the body and spreading lies. The followers are grieving, are scared and don’t understand resurrection. Their whole concept of God, of the Messiah, of faith is being shaken to the core of their being. We are watching a major transformation in how people understand the religion that explains reality.
Rumors, news and truth – how do we tell the difference? When stories conflict and accusations fly, fear and suspicion grip our hearts. Everyone is trying to understand, “Who Took the Cookie in the Cookie Jar”? We snapped our fingers and said “Not me” with one hand and named another with the snap of the other hand. We don’t want to call anyone a liar and so we concede that there must be an element of truth in the report. Witnesses in a trial are cross-examined to not only know if they are credible but also if they are qualified to speak as an authority. We are just as skeptical today as people were at the time of the disciples. Easter season gives us space to digest just how we understand and assimilate truth about the resurrection.
What helps you believe that someone is telling you the truth? One of the qualities I look for is trustworthiness. Is the person known to be someone who tells the truth? I might also ask if the person has a vested interest and if there is a hidden motive in telling the story. Perhaps I might look for consistency. Are the basic elements of the story the same as the story reported by others. I listen as the report unravels and as the person remembers more and more about what happened? Figuring out truth is not easy and in our culture today where so many people are “experts” of different kinds, it is possible to be confused and fearful. Perhaps a lesson here is to ask myself if I am a reliable witness and friend as I tell my stories. Am I believable?
Into this midst of confusion and fear, Mark will report that Jesus steps into the followers three dimensionally. He is seen, heard, and touched. God wants us to be sure of his resurrection and presence in our lives. He reaches out to us. Thank you, Lord.
On the Way to Wonder 