Being the Body of Christ

Eastertide
April 29, 2017

Scripture Reading: Luke 24:13-35

Then one of them, whose name was Cleopas, answered him, ‘Are you the only stranger in Jerusalem who does not know the things that have taken place there in these days?’ He asked them, ‘What things?’ They replied, ‘The things about Jesus of Nazareth, who was a prophet mighty in deed and word before God and all the people, and how our chief priests and leaders handed him over to be condemned to death and crucified him. But we had hoped that he was the one to redeem Israel.
–Luke 24:18-21

Leaders are important as are followers. The people attracted to Jesus were longing for another Moses. They wanted a savior, but then what? The story of Moses is full of “What have you done for me now?” segments. “You bought us out into this desert and now we are starving.” “You climbed up a mountain and left us to our own devices so we turned to a golden calf.” Jesus knew well the adventures of the Israelites. From the beginning of his ministry, he worked to prepare them for the day when he would not be there and his work would continue. In the shock that accompanies grief, Cleopas was dealing with how to go on without our leader who fully expects us to continue his work.

Perhaps the single most important aspect of the Resurrection is the truth of Jesus’ continuing leadership through the enabling of each of his followers in their roles as part of the Body of Christ active and engaged in the world.

Prayer: Lord, here am I send me wherever and whenever you need me. Continue to prepare me for my next assignment. Amen.

All scriptures are quoted from the new Revised Standard Version Bible: Anglicized Edition, copyright 1989, 1995, Division of Christian Education of the National Council of Churches of Christ in the United States of America. Used by permission. All rights are reserved.