What Then Shall I Do With This Jesus Who Is Called Christ?

Matthew 28:1-15
March 23, 2008 8:00 & 10:30
Easter Celebration

What a remarkable, joyous, event we celebrate this morning. Easter. Resurrection. An empty tomb. When the body begins to move the funeral is over and let me assure you... Jesus is moving. The funeral is over and it is time to celebrate! Alleluia!

There are numerous accounts of the resurrected Jesus, stories of someone’s encounter with Jesus after he was crucified, died, was buried, and the tomb found empty. Numerous accounts of the reactions to both his appearing and the rumors of his appearing.

That is what we celebrate today...

...our own encounter with the resurrected Jesus. You see, it’s not an event that only happened 2000 plus years ago. It is not a one-time... frozen in a-moment-in-time proposition. It is a very present... very now... very real experience that is ours.

There was a question raised that is perhaps the most profound question in all scripture. A question that occurs before the death of Jesus. A question that is asked by a person who has no regard for Jesus, a question that is meant to wash one’s hands regarding any responsibility toward Jesus, and yet.... and yet... leads us directly toward responsibility.... responsibility to be aware of and respond to our own experience of this Jesus who we call Christ.

I am speaking of the question Pontius Pilate asked when Jesus is brought before the Sanhedrin to be condemned.
The custom, during the feast of Passover, was for the Governor to release a prisoner chosen by the crowd. When asked, the crowd shouted out for Barabbas to be released. “Barabbas, give us Barabbas” The crowd wanted Barabbas, a two-bit thief, released. Not Jesus. Confused by the incongruity of the crowd Pilate asks a question that for the rest of eternity none can ignore: “What shall I do, then, with Jesus who is called Christ?” None can ignore the question because inherent in the question is our responsibility to understand what a relationship with Jesus, who is called Christ, means. What a relationship with Jesus, who WE call Christ, means.

Make no mistake about it.... when you encounter the risen Christ you will be affected. In the resurrection account from Matthew the guards became so frightened they were like dead men. Riga Mortis of the living set in because they were really dead to the presence of the holy. They failed to grasp the life that had conquered death. In contrast are the Marys who were afraid, but also filled with Joy. They were filled with the joy of knowing that Jesus was, is, and always will be.

Mark gives a rather different account that suggests the Marys were filled with fear to the point of trembling and so afraid they spoke to no one.

Luke speaks of the disbelief of the disciples because the words of the women sounded like nonsense. Later as Cleopas and another disciple were walking down the road toward the town of Emmaus they encountered the resurrected Jesus but had no clue it was him. Their vision was faulty, their hearts clouded with despair.

John writes of the sorrow of Mary Magdalene being turned into joy and the doubt of Thomas being turned into belief.

Make no mistake about it.... when you encounter the risen Christ you will be affected. As the resurrected Jesus is encountered by each person... as the Christ who is no longer dead but alive is experienced... a gamut of emotions flooded the women, the guards, the disciples, the religious authorities... you and I... and each of us has to ask the question: “What shall I do, then, with Jesus who is called Christ?

Let me share with you what Jesus says we should do. Turn with me to Matthew 28 verse 10: “Do not be afraid.” Jesus says, “Go and tell my brothers to go to Galilee; there they will see me.” In Matthew 28: verses 19 & 20, he directs his followers to “Go and make disciples of all nations, baptizing them in the name of the Father and of the Son and of the Holy Spirit, and teaching them to obey everything I have commanded you.”

Turn now to Mark chapter 16 verse 15 and you will find these words: “Go into all the world and preach the good news to all creation.” In chapter 20 verses 22 & 23 of the book of John, Jesus tells all the disciples, except Thomas, to "Receive the Holy Spirit. If you forgive anyone their sins, they are forgiven; if you do not forgive them, they are not forgiven."

And in John chapter 21, over a meal of fresh grilled fish, Jesus admonishes Simon Peter to take care of others saying “Feed my Sheep.”

What shall you do then with Jesus who is called Christ?

Recognize the fact that he is present... now... in this moment... in your life... and do not be afraid to live the experience of faith. Go to others and share with them the good news that Jesus, who we call Christ, can be a part of their lives also. Then, being open to the indwelling of the Holy Spirit... living as one who has been forgiven... share your experience of forgiveness with others... and, in the process, feed those who are spiritually hungry.

What shall we do then with Jesus who is called Christ? Take responsibility for the spiritual person you are becoming in Christ. Base your decisions... your actions... your relationship with others... on what God has done in the resurrection of Jesus Christ. Live as if the funeral is over and life has just begun. Alleluia, Jesus the one we call Christ lives! AMEN.