Acts 10:34-43, John 20:1-18
Jenny’s house is situated on a little country lane, which is often used in rush hour by drivers who want to avoid the nearby main road and traffic lights. A few weeks ago workmen arrived to repair the badly damaged road surface, bringing with them large barriers and “No Entry” signs. “I was really worried at first,” said Jenny, “thinking that I would be unable to get my car out until the road work was finished. But then I went to look at the signs more closely and realized that they said ‘No Entry: Access for Residents Only.’ No detours or barriers for me. I had the right to go in and out whenever I liked because I lived there. I felt very special!”
In the Old Testament, access to God in the tabernacle and the temple was strictly limited. Only the high priest could go in through the curtain and offer sacrifices in the Most Holy Place, and then only once a year (Lev. 16:2-20; Heb. 9:25-26). But at the very moment Jesus died, the curtain of the temple was torn in two from top to bottom, showing that the barrier between man and God was destroyed forever (Mark 15:38).
Because of Christ’s sacrifice for our sins, all those who love and follow Him can come into His presence at any time. He has given us the right of access.
Lord, thank You for paying such a price to enable me to have unrestricted entry into Your presence!
Access to God’s throne is always open.
Peter in his speech speaks of the access they had to Jesus after his resurrection. Mary was the first to experience this when Jesus her friend greeted her in the garden.
There is much about forgetting and remembering in our readings.
From forgetfulness to remembering
Forgetting …
How many of us habitually forget our keys, our spectacles, our spouse’s birthday? And sometimes, we forget things that are even more important… our grandkids’ names, today’s appointments or what happened this morning.
The women who came to the tomb were puzzled to see the stone rolled away and the tomb empty. They had forgotten Jesus’ words about his resurrection (Matthew 17:22,23).
When the disciples all came together in Galilee, Jesus said to them, “The Son of Man is about to be handed over to those who will kill him; but three days later he will be raised to life.”
The disciples became very sad.
They became very sad because they didn’t get what Jesus meant. They didn’t get it until after Jesus had risen and had met them. Only then did they get the picture and figure out what had happened and what it meant.
On a spiritual level, we are often perplexed, confused, afraid, anxious. Have we forgotten, or chosen to ignore, Jesus’ words and promises? Do we just not understand or believe what he said? Whenever you feel afraid remind yourself of what Jesus said, of what is written in the Bible, of the truth that applies to your situation. Then, and only then, will you be able to whistle a happy tune.
… Remembering
The angels reminded the women of Jesus’ words (verse 6) and they were reassured (verse 8).
The angels reminded the women; but who reminds us? The Holy Spirit (John 14:26) speaks through the Bible, through people and situations, and deep within us – Jesus’ words heal and reassure; they inspire hope and joy.
The disciples scoffed at the women’s words (verse 11) but Peter went to tomb to see for himself; he returned ‘marvelling’ (verse 12).
We sometimes ignore or doubt reminders God sends our way. If we take the trouble to find out for ourselves, we too may ‘marvel’ at what God has done.
… Reminding others
The women were the first carriers of Jesus’ words to others, although the disciples initially considered the women’s news to be ‘nonsense’.
We are called to share the glad news of Easter, regardless of our hearers’ responses. The women are our first examples and Peter reminds us that this is for all those who have witnessed his resurrection by spending time with him after he rose from death. If you’re a friend of Jesus you have access to the members’ only area and you’re his witnesses as well to testify that God has appointed him the judge of the living and the dead and that all who believe in him will have their sins forgiven through the power of his name.
At Easter
Don’t forget: Jesus is among the living (not the dead); he is in our midst!
Remember and celebrate: Jesus’ triumph over death, by which we may enjoy eternal life.