SERMONS

"The Emmause Disciples" Abraham Bloemaert, 1622 Several years ago in confirmation class, we were discussing the resurrection of Christ, and one student said with some exasperation, “Yeah, but how do you KNOW? How do you know for sure this is true?” Someone else looked at this student and said, “You just have to believe! Faith is the answer.” That answer, while true, caused the first student to sigh loudly and shake the head and say, “Easy for YOU to say.” Go now to the dusty

"My Lord and my God!" We single him out as the one who needed proof. He gets that name stuck to him forever and ever: Doubting Thomas. But notice--no one believes that Jesus is Risen until they have seen and touched him for themselves. When the angels tell the women who have come to the tomb bearing myrrh and spices that Jesus is risen, they do not really believe them. Only when Jesus himself appears to Mary Magdalene does she realize the power and reality

"The Resurrection" by Dirk Bouts " After the sabbath, as the first day of the week was dawning, Mary Magdalene and the other Mary went to see the tomb. And suddenly there was a great earthquake; for an angel of the Lord, descending from heaven, came and rolled back the stone and sat on it. His appearance was like lightning, and his clothing white as snow. For fear of him the guards shook and became like dead men. But the angel said to the women, “Do not be afraid; I know that