Discussion of lectionary texts for year C Easter, John 20:1-18 and Luke 24:1-12 by Robb McCoy UMC pastor and Eric Fistler UCC pastor.
Primary scripture Luke 24:1-12 and John 20:1-18?
Decision to go with Luke or John can be a decision to treat Easter as the end of Lent – in which Luke was the primary gospel, or as the start of the Easter season, of which John is the primary gospel in year C.
John is sneaky trying to take all the good days in the lectionary- give Luke a chance!
Luke 24:1-12 and John 20:1-18
Two major themes in Easter:
a. Jesus lives
i. Pigs can fly – we believe in the impossible
ii. Hope for the hopeless
iii. Life triumphs over death
iv. Nothing is sure except death and taxes – resurrection
b. God has vindicated Jesus
i. Rome/Pharaoh/Herod/corruption/cancer/corporate injustice/economic injustice – never have the final word
ii. Life everlasting – hope beyond hope
iii. Jesus’ life is vindicated by the resurrection- it is God seal on Jesus’ teaching and actions
1. Resurrection is inextricable tied to crucifixion, life and teaching
Witnesses- John and Luke offer witnesses- without the witness there is no resurrection, without the witness there is no Good News – we have to tell the story
a. Angels witness to the women
b. The women remember
c. The Women witness to the disciples
2. Sometimes we cannot hear the words of angels or see the empty tomb for ourselves- we need to be told, we need to remember
3. We are invited into the story- we, humans, finally “get it” (cf. Luke 9:45; 18:34b).
Feasting on the Word: Preaching the Revised Common Lectionary - Feasting on the Word – Year C, Volume 2: Lent through Eastertide.
4. Skeptics- don’t believe
a. Mary Magdalene – possessed by seven demons - perhaps she is babbling incoherently
b. They have forgotten Jesus’ words and his actions (healing of Mary)
c. Their lives are not transformed – Jesus is dead
d. Crucifixion – erase a person
e. Easter/resurrection – transforms the person- transforms the community – transforms the world
f. You cannot erase a resurrected world
g. Easter is about transformation! 1 Corinthians 15- you either believe Jesus was raised from the dead- or you don’t.
Acts 10:34-43 – Witness!! We are the continues ministry, the hands and feet of Christ
Breaks the silence of Good Friday and Holy Saturday
Dr. Bill Long Article on Luke 24:1-12
Barbara Brown Taylor Article on John 20:1-18
