This five-week sermon series, following the Revised Common Lectionary for Year C, invites us to spend time with some of the characters that pop up after the resurrection of Jesus. These “Easter people,” from the famous to the barely-mentioned, show us how ordinary people responded to Christ’s new life, and encourages us to imagine how we can do the same.
Week 1: “Thomas”
Scripture: John 20:19-31
For those who follow the Revised Common Lectionary, the Sunday after Easter is always “Doubting Thomas Sunday.” But who was Thomas, beyond his moment of doubt? From other moments in the gospels, we know that Thomas was loyal and courageous. Real experiences fill Thomas with faith and courage, but it is harder for him to understand other, less tangible or less explainable things. It’s not that Thomas is a skeptic, but that he is a questioner, and he craves real experiences—being there first hand matters to him. Thomas is also chosen as one of the Twelve by Jesus just as he was, both before and after the resurrection. How can Thomas be a model of an Easter person for those of us who prefer the literal, researchable, and concrete?
Week 2: “Paul”
Scripture: Acts 9:1-20
The conversion of Paul is a dramatic story. Saul walks into the pages of the Bible breathing threats and violence, with an active plan to do harm to Jesus’ disciples. Yet an encounter with the Holy Spirit, and with an understandably anxious man named Ananias, changes his entire perspective. Paul becomes a prototype for the possibility of change, leaving behind hatefulness and bigotry and embracing new life. Whether your congregants feel more like Saul, Paul, or Ananias, invite them to find themselves in this story of transformation.
Week 3: “Tabitha”
Scripture: Acts 9:36-43
Tabitha (also called Dorcas) belongs to a rarified club–those who are literally raised from the dead. Tabitha was known and loved for living out Jesus’ command in simple ways, like making clothes for those in need. Although less famous than preachers like Paul and Peter, when she dies, her community weeps for the loss of her ministry (and demands her return–which is more than either Paul or Peter received!). Encourage your congregation to value their own simple, daily ministry to their communities.
Week 4: “Peter”
Scripture: Acts 11:1-18
Besides Jesus, Peter is perhaps the best developed character in the gospels, and yet he can still be hard to pin down. By turns rash and wise, oblivious and insightful, Peter’s greatest virtue is his willingness to keep working at his faith. In this passage, a dream shows Peter that his thinking needs to change once again. Instead of holding onto a dichotomy of holy and unholy people, Peter learns he is sent to everyone. Even more importantly, he learns that everyone has a share of the Holy Spirit to share with him! When have we, as Jesus’ disciples now, needed to readjust our perspective on who is holy?
Week 5: “Lydia”
Scripture: Acts 16:9-15
Lydia receives just a few verses in the gospel of Acts, yet she is critically important to Paul’s mission to spread Paul’s message among the gentiles. A businesswoman of some wealth and status, Lydia uses her intelligence, authority, and influence to baptize her whole household, and give Paul a home base while he is in Thyatira. Lydia receives the word–but she also acts on it, meaningfully and insightfully! How can we translate hearing the word into such action?
Ministry Resources
Easter People Liturgy
Easter People Graphics
Deep Well Worship 