"Questions"
The text of the mostly
unscripted version of the sermon delivered by Rev.
Kirk Moore on Sunday,
April 19, 2009 at Union Congregational Church, United Church of
Christ, in Somonauk, Illinois.
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They were still afraid
Last week’s Bible reading from Mark 16:1-8 left things hanging. In this week’s reading from John 20:19-31 . . . things are still unresolved.
Before we jump to the "Mark and John are written at different times and from different traditions" discussion, let’s ask some questions about the fearful disciples and their experience in this week’s reading.
Why were the disciples hiding?
Was someone searching for them? What kind of trouble were they in?
How did Jesus get into a locked room?
Did he ‘appear?’ Did the disciples open the door after hearing a ‘secret word?’
What did Jesus’ breath smell like when he breathed on the disciples?
What’s with the forgiving sins and retaining sins stuff here?
Jesus said "Peace be with you" twice in this week’s reading. That’s got to be important, right?
Why does Thomas get singled out for not believing? Didn’t the other disciples see first?
Did Thomas reach and touch Jesus hands and side? Was it ‘gooey?’
Why weren’t the other signs verse 31 talks about written in this book? Are they written somewhere else?
What else is unresolved?
Blah Blah Blah Blah Blah . . . .
(Throw papers in the air – scattering them across the chancel area)
I don’t care.
Here it is – the week after Easter – And I don’t care about any of these questions.
The disciples thought they were going to be arrested – even a week after Jesus crucifixion.
Jesus got in – open door - window – I don’t know
Jesus had bad breath – so did everyone
Forgiving sins? Retaining sins? That’s God’s stuff.
Peace be with you? It’s a calming and genuine greeting.
Thomas and the doubt – we all doubt – and God always loves us.
If Thomas touched Jesus hands and sides – yes – it was gooey.
The other things Jesus did that aren’t written – I don’t know – but we’ve got enough in the Gospels to get a good picture of how Jesus was when he was here on Earth.
I don’t care about those questions. But I still have questions. And I’m sure you do. Let’s ask some together.
Iowa – Vermont. Anything happen there over the last couple of weeks? How does our faith and our doubt impact the way we react? Let’s talk about it.
(Conversation with the congregation)
How does our faith impact what we do to care for the Earth?
(Conversation with the congregation)
What else is on your mind?
(Conversation with the congregation)
Continued conversation with the congregation . . .
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Great conversation today. Some answers. But as God continues to inspire, guide, speak . . . I hope we’re not afraid to – I hope we are encouraged to ask more and live the questions.
© 2009 Union Congregational Church, All Rights Reserved