Experience Easter: Joining Jesus’ JourneySample

As you can see from the Scriptures, the eyewitness of the resurrection describe what happened outside - not inside the tomb. Like many of Sieger Koder’s paintings, this one puts us right into the experience Jesus was having. Outside of the tomb, for Mary Magdalene, Joanna, Salome, Mary the mother of James, and the others whose names we sadly don’t know, this entire experience was a complete shock. They had already accepted the fact that Jesus had died - after all, not only did they see Him die but they had watched Joseph and Nicodemus burying the body the night before. Outside of the tomb, there was confusion, terror and disbelief. Outside was chaos.

Imagine being one of the women.

Maybe there is a situation in your life that you have accepted as dead and done for. How do you feel when you’re faced with the finality of things?

Maybe there is a situation that is confusing or frightening, because things haven’t gone the way you expected them. How do you feel when the unexpected happens?

Contrast the chaos outside to the calm inside. 

Inside this tomb, we are looking at the moment just before Jesus rises and the stone is rolled away. It looks serene and calm, even beautiful. There is a sense of anticipation, like something wonderful is about to happen. Light is just starting to appear as the stone seems to be moving. Perhaps the artist is reminding us that resurrection is about life, wholeness and peace that is birthed right out of the darkness, into the chaos of our world. This is what Jesus brings with Him when He appears to the women in the garden. Joy, wonder and awe. The women share their joy with the men, but the disciples don’t believe them.

Imagine being Peter.

Have you ever doubted Jesus because your external circumstances don’t make sense?

Have you, like Peter, ever been left confused by what God is doing?

Perhaps this Easter Sunday, you will allow yourself to be surprised by God.

Perhaps you will realise that Jesus’ presence is real, and He appears to us regardless of our doubts, fears, confusion. 

Perhaps this Easter, when you hear the words, “He is Risen!” you will draw from them a hope that is attached to Christ in you, not chaos around you.

Happy Easter! May you be filled with deep empathy, profound gratitude, and the power of the Spirit as you follow Jesus onwards.