May 1st

In this season of Easter, I have been pondering a question: how do we talk about the resurrection of Jesus?

Some of the first Christians, like Paul, sent letters. The Gospel writers told stories. Churches hold ceremonies – baptism and communion. Academics write books. Preachers preach.

John, the gospel writer, told a story, about Peter and his friends who returned to their lives in Galilee (chapter 21). They went fishing one night but caught nothing; a stranger suggested they cast their nets over the other side of the boat and then there were too many fish to haul in. “It is the Lord”, said John. Peter got dressed and jumped into the water; the others pulled the boat ashore; then they all ate breakfast with Jesus. You are invited to imagine yourself as the unnamed disciple in this story – fishing, eating, listening in on the conversations with the risen Jesus.

Tom Wright, the historian and theologian, talked about resurrection in a big book (The Resurrection of the Son of God). He analysed death and resurrection in ancient cultures, the Old Testament, the New Testament gospels, the letters of Paul and the early church. In laborious detail he argued that the first Christians believed in the bodily resurrection of Jesus. The reason for these beliefs? The resurrection of Jesus actually happened. You are invited to study his arguments, agree or disagree, stretch your mind.

So, how do you want to talk about the resurrection of Jesus? Share your thoughts on Tyndale’s Facebook page. Go on, give it a try.

Let’s talk about resurrection.

Ian Waddington