Pre-Ascension Encounters of the Risen Christ
The Bible records that, beginning on the third day after his death, Jesus physically appeared to his disciples and many others. These earliest accounts of encountering the Risen Christ have several common characteristics:
- Unexpectedness: The appearances of Jesus often occur when people are in a state of grief, confusion, or doubt. The disciples on the road to Emmaus, for example, do not recognize him at first (Luke 24:13-35).
- Recognition is Gradual: People don’t always recognize Jesus immediately. Mary Magdalene mistakes him for the gardener (John 20:14-16). Recognition often comes through a specific action, word, or revelation (e.g., the breaking of bread on the road to Emmaus).
- Physicality: Jesus is not a ghost. He invites his disciples to touch him (Luke 24:39) and eats with them (Luke 24:42-43).
- Continuity and Discontinuity: Jesus is both the same and different. He has the wounds of crucifixion, but his resurrected body transcends the limitations of his earthly body. He can appear and disappear (Luke 24:31, 36).
- Commissioning: Jesus often gives his followers a specific task or mission. For Mary Magdalene, it is to tell the disciples he has risen (John 20:17). For the disciples, it is to make disciples of all nations (Matthew 28:19-20).
- Peace and Reassurance: Jesus often speaks words of peace (John 20:19) and reassurance, calming the fears of his followers.
- Theological Significance: The encounters serve to confirm key theological points about Jesus’ identity, his victory over death, and the inauguration of a new age.
These characteristics highlight that the resurrection appearances were not merely hallucinations or wishful thinking but transformative encounters that confirmed Jesus’ identity and launched the mission of the church.
On day 40 of the Great 50 days of Easter, the church marks the Ascension. The Ascension marks the end of Jesus’ physical appearances to his disciples and commissions them to carry on his work.
Post-Ascension Encounters of the Risen Christ
While the dramatic appearances of the risen Christ recorded in the Gospels were unique historical events, the Christian tradition affirms that encounters with the living Christ are indeed possible in our lives today. These encounters may not be easy easy to describe, but they can be deeply real and transformative. Here are some ways in which one can encounter the risen Christ in their lifetime:
- Through Scripture: The Bible, especially the Gospels, is the primary witness to Jesus’ life, death, and resurrection. When we prayerfully read and reflect on these texts, the Holy Spirit can illuminate the words, bringing us into a deeper understanding of Jesus’ person and work. It’s not just reading about him, but encountering his living voice and presence through the inspired Word.
- In Prayer: Prayer is a direct line of communication with God. Through intentional and heartfelt prayer, we can encounter the risen Christ in a personal way. As we open our hearts to God, we create space for his presence to be known.
- In the Eucharist/Communion: For many Christian traditions, like the Anglo-Catholic tradition of St Barnabas’ Church, the Eucharist is a central means of encountering the risen Christ. Believing that the bread and wine become the body and blood of Christ, partaking in this sacrament is seen as a direct participation in his resurrected life and a powerful encounter with the Risen Christ.
- In Christian Community: Jesus promised that where two or three are gathered in his name, he is there among them. Authentic Christian community, marked by love, fellowship, and mutual support, can be a place where the risen Christ is present and experienced through the interactions and relationships of believers. We recently asked people why the continue to come to St Barnabas’ Church, the sense of Community was the primary reason for many.
- Through Serving Others: Jesus identified himself with the poor, the hungry, the sick, and the marginalized. When we serve others in his name, demonstrating love and compassion, we encounter Christ in those we serve and experience his presence in our own lives.
- In Moments of Transformation and Revelation: Just as the disciples on the road to Emmaus recognized Jesus in the breaking of the bread (Luke 24:13-35), we too can encounter the risen Christ in moments of personal transformation, spiritual insight, or profound revelation. These can be unexpected moments where God’s presence becomes strikingly real.
- Through the Holy Spirit: The Holy Spirit is the presence of Christ indwelling believers. Encounters with the risen Christ often happen through the work of the Holy Spirit, bringing conviction, comfort, guidance, and a deeper awareness of God’s love.
It’s important to approach these avenues with an open heart and a posture of faith, trusting that the risen Christ desires to be known and encountered by those who seek him. These encounters may not always be dramatic, but they can be deeply personal and life-changing, strengthening our faith and drawing us closer to the living Lord.
A Call to Action: Ask for, expect and put yourself in a position to encounter the Risen Christ.
St Augustine teaches that humans have an innate desire for God, and this desire can only be satisfied by God’s presence and love. This Easter season offers a fertile time to express that desire to God in prayer, to build up our expectations by exploring how others have encountered the Risen Christ, and by putting ourselves in a position that offers the least resistance to encountering the Risen Christ.
Join Us
Experience the warmth and support of a community of faith at St. Barnabas. We invite you to join us in worship, fellowship and service as we journey together in the light of the Risen Christ.
Watch the full sermon to learn more about how we can encounter the Risen Christ.