On Easter Sunday, we began our service by splitting into groups of mixed ages and shared events that changed our generation.
There were many varied suggestions:
- World War Two
- Twin Towers attack
- African Famine in 1980′s
We discovered that these events had impacted each generation in various ways:
- It changed behaviour for the rest of their lives
- Had emotional impact – traumatic events, even though far away, introduced fear
- Shaped attitudes and behaviour for many years later
- Immediate impact on current lifestyle (facebook makes us lazy!)
- Events from earlier generations continued to influence later generations who had no personal experience
When we consider the Easter events from 2000 years ago, the way that the disciples reacted to the events can tell us a lot.
- After Jesus was executed on Friday, they were scared – hiding away in fear and grief…
- After encountering the risen Jesus in the days following Sunday, they were joyful, empowered and motivated…
How do we respond to the Easter events in 2009?
Our society associates this time of year with chocolate eggs, daffodils, double-pay and family visits. The impact of Easter is one of consumerism and time off work.
How can we have an encounter with the living Jesus that changes our lives the way it changed the early disciples?
