Do conflicts between various accounts in the Bible lead you to doubt their credibility? Take the time to read all the accounts of the resurrection: Matthew 28:1-10 (our scripture for this week), Mark 16:1-8, Luke 24:1-11, and John 20:1-18.

In each Gospel account, the core story is the same: the body of Jesus is placed in a tomb, one or more of Jesus’ female followers visit the tomb early on the Sunday morning following his crucifixion, and they find that the tomb is empty. They see a vision of either one or two angels who say that Jesus is risen.

Yes, they disagree on the timing, which women were at the tomb, how many angels were there, etc. So? I once spoke with a police officer who stated that, if various witnesses to a traffic accident all agreed in the details, he would suspect there had been some collusion. He would mistrust the account. We all see and experience things differently, especially when they are earth-shattering. We all place emphasis on different elements of the event, especially as we retell it to others.

What’s important to me is: what is your take-away? As you read the account, when do you stop and ponder? What strikes you this year with some impact, some power? Can you put yourself into the story somewhere to feel what it was like — the utter surprise, the underlining fear, the awesome amazement, the overwhelming joy, the calling to tell others?

What calls you to see things differently? To DO things differently? How is your world ‘upside down’ from this story?

I look forward to seeing you in worship in one of our three services this Sunday — the pivotal story of your faith, outstanding music, and a message of hope!