All across the world in the coming week or so, Christians will focus afresh on the death and resurrection of Jesus. For Christians, Easter week (Holy Week) reminds afresh of the amazing love of God and the hope there is for this world since Christ is alive.
“Really?” might be the response of some to such words when there seems so much turmoil in the news right now and all kinds of things to give concern. Isn’t this just some tale from the past, just a myth that Jesus is alive? Isn’t it nonsense?
Well, if you are cynical as you read this, then you are in good company with even some of Jesus’ followers on that first Easter morning. In Luke’s Gospel we read of some of the women going early in the morning in order to put spices onto Jesus’ body in the tomb. Yet when they got there, an empty tomb, no body. They have a dramatic encounter in which they are asked,
“Why do you look for the living among the dead? He is not here; he he has risen!”
Luke 24:5-6 New International Version
They rush back to tell the others yet they don’t get the response that perhaps they hoped for:
“But they did not believe the women, because their words seemed to them like nonsense.”
Luke 24:11 New International Version
Luke goes onto record how their thoughts that it was all nonsense would get challenged and changed!
Another person who was very cynical about Jesus to begin with, was the apostle Paul. Before his conversion to being a Christ follower, Saul, as he was known then, oversaw other Christians being imprisoned and even killed. Yet his life would be transformed by Jesus (you can read about this in Acts 9). In one of his letters, Paul writes this about Jesus:
For God was pleased to have all his fullness dwell in him, and through him to reconcile to himself all things, whether things on earth or things in heaven, by making peace through his blood, shed on the cross.
Colossians 1:19-20 New International Version
For me, words like these give much hope for this world.
Easter – does it make sense (even if somewhat extra-ordinary!) or is it nonsense? Are you open to the possibility that not only is Christ alive but calls you and me to follow Him?
All are welcome to join us for our ‘Holy Week’ (Easter week) services – whether you have been a Christian for many years, are new to following Jesus or curious to find out more. Below are the service times.
Happy Easter!
Andy
Services:
(All at Buurthuis Op Eigen Wieken, Valkenpad 5, 2317AN Leiden unless stated otherwise. Nearest bus stop: Valkenhorst)
Palm Sunday (13 April): 11.00 – morning service including communion
Good Friday (18 April): 19.30 – contemplative service including communion
Easter Day (20 April):
06.15: Sunrise service in the dunes along with St James Church – Meet at the car park opposite Fletcher Boutique Hotel Duinoord, Wassenaarseslag.
11.00 – All-In Easter Celebration service – kids, youth and adults together. Followed by meal and egg hunt.