Whom?

Acts 10:1-17, 34-48

It’s a long story, I appreciate Pastor Laura reading it with me and your patient attention to it.  I’ll try to be brief in my interpretation of it, but I begin with a bold statement.  This is the most important story in the earliest history of the fledging Christian church because it answers the most important question:

Who can be a member of the family?  Who can eat at this table?

Sermon for the Second Sunday of Easter: Operating Instructions

Delivered by the Rev. Shannan Hudgins

Matthew tells the resurrection story with crazy drama.  If the other three gospel accounts are an intense passion play filled with intrigue, mystery, and confusion, Matthew is a full blown, three-dimensional extrava­ganza, complete with an earthquake on cue, an angel that looked like lightn­ing who scared the guards literally to death (and, by the way, then tells the women not to be afraid), and finally Jesus himself boldly announces, “Greetings!” for all to hear.  They grab his feet and worship him.  This is spectacular drama.

There is nothing subtle in Matthew’s account of the resurrection.  It is thrilling.  Life has overcome death, and it is time for the whole world to know.  The first gospel’s account of the resurrection leaves the reader, as we would say back in the mountains of North Carolina, slackjawed and amazed. That’s how I hope we will approach Easter morning this year—slackjawed and amazed.  I look forward to seeing you there.

Blessings,

Pastor Ron