Easter: Facts and Fiction 5
Easter People
Matthew 28:16-20
Throughout Matthew’s gospel the “authority” of Jesus is a central theme. After the sermon on the mount the people noted that Jesus taught as one with authority and not like their usual teachers. A story of healing for a paralytic man is said to have happened to demonstrate Jesus’ authority. And when Jesus sends out the disciples in pairs, he gives them authority over sickness and unclean spirits. When Jesus is put on trial for what his accusers describe as heretical claims, the religious and civil authorities want to know on what authority he bases these claims.
All authority on heaven and earth has been given to me and now I give it to you. Go and make disciples – baptize and teach.
You and I are given this authority. This is not like Eric Cartman on South Park who wields a fake badge and pulls people over on his tricycle with the directive to “respect my authoritay!” Rather, I believe this particular call holds a special grace for GLBTQ people and anyone who has been pushed to the margins for any reason. I have noticed over the years how often our people have had their sense of purpose and authenticity squeezed out of their lives by the subtle and not so subtle reminders that our lives hold less value to those in power. Our relationships are not honored as legitimate. Our children are subject to legal obstacles that other families don’t have to endure. Churches teach that thinly-veneered hate can be hidden behind religious sounding platitudes. The result is that we often give away our power – we give away our authority to those who would use it as a weapon against us or dangle it as a carrot to entice our compliance.
Jesus calls us to straighten our shoulders, lift up our heads, look ‘em in the eye and remember who you are. All authority on heaven and earth had been given to him and now he gives it to you.
If the Bible is going to speak as a book that transforms lives it will be through your voice. If Holy Spirit is going to heal the wounded, raise that which is dead, overcome the obstinate, it will be through your resolve. If deadly systems and oppressive structures are to be toppled it will be through your strength. If resurrection means anything to our world, it will be when others see new life, new hope, new joy, new possibilities streaming from those who had no name, who were considered previously as not “my” people. Resurrection can only come from that which is assumed dead. Easter means something because the body of Christ continues to live – yes, sometimes scarred, sometimes scared, sometimes uncertain, but always confident that the authority to live as whole, beloved, valued and empowered disciples of Jesus Christ has been given to you.
I am with you until the end of the age. In the gospel of John Jesus says, “because I live, you shall live also.” Claim your authority as Easter people.
Sources:
www.homileticsonline.com Crystal Commission, May 2008.