“Believing the Unbelievable” – John 20:1-18 – March 23, 2008

So why should we believe this story is true? How can we be sure that Jesus did in fact rise from the dead? The whole event seems illogical. We experience death all the time and no one we know has come back to life. How can we believe the unbelievable?

When something extraordinary happens we always ask if there were any witnesses. In the gospel Mary was the very first witness. Her statement, “I have seen the Lord,” was announced to the disciples as Jesus had instructed. But, would anyone believe her? Apparently some did since the church continues to be a vital presence in the world. Unbelievable but thankfully some believed.

We were driving through the little town of New Knoxville, in central Ohio, last Sunday and we happened to notice the marquis in front of the high school. The sign read, “Congrats, state champs!” For the first time in their history the boys basketball team had won the state championship. Those three words will forever change the landscape of the people of New Knoxville. Amazingly, a school with only 59 boys managed to defeat everyone they played during the 2007-8 season. For the residents of New Knoxville, those three words will have a profound affect on them for years to come. The word is out, now the community will never be the same.

In the gospel of John a five word phrase has forever changed the course of human events. Mary Magdalene said, “I have seen the Lord.” Those words had a profound meaning for the early church. The followers of Jesus were anxious and afraid because Jesus had been crucified. All their hopes and dreams had been shattered. But these five words made a world of difference for the faith community. Their anxiety had ceased and now they were filled with joy.

There are other times when a few words can be a life-changing phenomenon. Perhaps you say to someone for the first time, “I love you.” Maybe you have wronged someone you care about and you finally find the courage to say, “I’m sorry.” What Mary heard from Jesus were the words, “I forgive you.” When we believe in these short phrases our lives are changed.

Glenn Van Ekeren tells abut an experience he had with his son during a family vacation. Matt seemed to misbehave constantly and Glenn was constantly rebuking him. He made in clear to his son that in no uncertain terms he expected improvement in his behavior. Matt tried very hard to live up to his father’s standards. The last day of their vacation Glenn didn’t have to correct his son a single time. That night, after Matt had gone to bed, Glenn went into his room to say good night. He noticed that his bottom lip began to quiver. “What’s the matter son?” his father asked. Matt looked up at his father with tears in his eyes and said, “Daddy, haven’t I been a good boy today?” At that moment his father realized what had happened. He had been quick to criticize his son and admonish him for the things he had done wrong, but he failed to say some good words about what he had done right.

A few words of appreciation and encouragement can make a big difference in the lives of a child, or anyone for that matter. When we hear positive affirmations from others we are much more likely to believe the unbelievable.

As this story opens we find Mary grieving over the disappearance of Jesus’ body. What she saw in the tomb were two angels standing where Jesus had been laid. They asked her why she was crying. She replied, “They have taken away my Lord.” Then she had an encounter with Jesus but assumed him to be the gardener. He also asked why she was weeping and who she was looking for.

I believe the two angels in the tomb represent the presence of God. God is always present, especially in the most difficult times of our lives. Recently Lin and I had to deal with the death of her sister. My wife received word at work that her mother had found her sister lying on the floor and believed she was dead. My wife immediately drove to her mother’s house and when she arrived the rescue squad was already there. Thankfully in the midst of crisis, my mother-in-law was able to dial 911. The rescue squad determined that my sister-in-law was indeed dead. A few minutes later a young police officer, who happened to be from Sidney, arrived on the scene. He stayed with my wife and her mother for over two hours although he didn’t have to. His presence provided an assuring presence for them in their grief, much like the angels provided for Mary in hers.

God is always present for us in every circumstance. When we experience a loving presence we can believe the unbelievable.

When Jesus spoke to Mary she didn’t recognize him. But, when Jesus said her name she then realized that it was him. Calling her by name affirmed the relationship that Mary had with Jesus.

A name is a powerful thing. Mary Magdalene is the central figure in John’s story. She is also included in each of the other gospel stories as well. Mary had experienced newness for her own life. Since she had received forgiveness from Jesus she showed her gratitude by anointing Jesus’ feet with precious ointment. Jesus gave back to Mary the very life that she had lost.

When Mary heard Jesus say her name she heard the voice of God calling her. It was that voice that moved her to believe. Immediately she responded by saying, “Rabbouni,” which means teacher. It was a familiar voice, a voice filled with compassion, love and hope.

Beyond that it was an invitation. Jesus knew Mary personally just as God knows everyone of us personally. God knows our likes and dislikes, our abilities and our limitations. And, God is forever calling us to be God’s witness.

Jesus told Mary to tell the others the good news. She answered that call and announced to the disciples, “I have seen the Lord.” Her response to the call was an affirmation of her faith. She believed the unbelievable and set out to share it with others.

We all hear the call every day. It may be a call to be generous to a stranger. It may be a call to be more loving toward someone you do not like. It may be a call to forgive. It may be a call to change your life and walk in a new direction. It may be a call to be faithful, because the loving, caring voice of God has spoken.

Dr. Keith Wagner. St. Paul’s United Church of Christ, Sidney, Ohio