2nd Easter Sunday (2020) - Bible versions for the sermon text below

Old Testament Reading     Zechariah 8(6-88)                  Revised Standard Version

Thus says the Lord of Hosts: if it is marvellous in the sight of the remnant of this people in these days, should it also be marvellous in my sight says the Lord of Hosts?

Thus says the Lord of Hosts: behold, I will save my people from the east country and from the west country ; and I will bring them to dwell in the midst of Jerusalem, and they shall be my people and I will be their God in faithfulness and in righteousness.

The Epistle Reading    1Peter 1(3-9)               Reverend Professor William Barclay

Blessed be the God and Father of our Lord Jesus Christ, who, according to his great mercy, has brought about in us that rebirth which leads to a living hope through the resurrection of Jesus Christ from the dead, an inheritance imperishable, undefilable and unfading, kept safe in heaven for us who are protected by the power of God through faith until there comes that deliverance which is ready to be revealed at the last time. Herein you rejoice even if it is at present necessary that for a brief time you should be grieved by all kinds of trials, for the object of these trials is that your tried and tested faith , more precious than gold ,which  perishes though it is tested by the fire, may win praise and glory and honour when Jesus Christ shall appear. Although you never knew him, you love him; although you do not see him you believe in him. And you rejoice with unspeakable and glorious joy because you are receiving that which faith must end in--- the salvation of your souls. 

The Gospel Reading    John 20 (24-31)                            Rev. Prof. William Barclay

But Thomas who is called Didymus, one of the twelve, was not with them when Jesus came. The other disciples told him, ”We have seen the Lord.” He said to them “Unless I see the print of the nails in his hands and put my finger in the print of the nails, and unless I put my hand into his side, I will not believe.”

Eight days later the disciples were again in the room, and Thomas was with them. When the doors were locked, Jesus came and stood in the midst of them, and said, “Peace be to you.” Then he said to Thomas; “Stretch out your finger here and look at my hands; stretch out your hand and put it into my side and show yourself not faithless but believing.” Thomas answered,; “ My Lord and my God!” Jesus said to him; “You have believed because you have seen me. Blessed are those who have not seen and who have believed.”

2nd Easter Sunday 2020 - Sermon Text from Georgina

The Old testament lesson tells us of God’s message through the prophet Zechariah’s words to the people of Jerusalem 519  BC (approx..) Babylonian exile is over . Jerusalem is  a run down city .The Temple is in a sorry state. The people are disillusioned. They who come back are weak from the journey . Sad that many of their old folk and families with children had not the strength to make the journey .Those who had been left in Jerusalem were third class citizens(at least in the eyes of their conquerors .) Poor, hungry .Zechariah’s project is to get the people to rebuild the Temple.. which is a symbol of God’s presence. He encourages them with the promise God gives “ I will save. I will bring them back. They will be my people and I will be their God in faithfulness and righteousness.” Faithfulness. Trust in these words .

Thomas ,  dear Thomas is so disillusioned so spiritually shattered. I believe he must have been devoted to Jesus. Jesus is dead, buried , gone. The whole  experience of being one of the chosen ones was meaningless. The disciples tell him Christ is risen and he says …more or less…”no way!!” It is such a strong picture of a man who is broken by grief. He has been with Jesus and his disciples for three years. He has seen what Jesus could do….heard his voice…felt his love for humanity, . Surely he should rejoice at the news but he could not trust their witness. Why?? It was just too much. A total impossibility. No way! Humanly impossible! He presents an impossible  condition to belief.

He more or less demanded  to see for himself. Not only see but feel! Feel the scars of the truth of the crucifixion. 8 days after this ,they are all together again in a locked room. Locked to keep them safe from “what was outside” Jesus appears and in His love says “Peace be with you.” and in his understanding gives Thomas the chance to overcome his doubt. “Here you are . Look! Feel!” Result of this very personal meeting? Thomas confession…My Lord  AND my God” His trust is now in his own faith . Jesus words “Blessed are those who believe and do not see”. Words to strengthen Thomas  and us !Jesus is not just his Lord but God!

The author of  Peters letter addresses his words to people who are in great danger just because they believe in the risen Christ. Danger of Roman persecution; and Orthodox exclusion from Temple ; imprisonment, torture, death. But his faith  and trust in the risen Christ makes him say” even if it is necessary that for a brief time that you should be grieved by all sorts of trials….you rejoice” rejoice because the Prize is salvation of our souls. In our present situation with disease, war, inhumanity, faithlessness our hope should be in our God through faith in the EASTER  MESSAGE.

A short time ago I asked a young man what he was intending to do in a certain situation. “I must pray about it. Ask God to lead me” This surely is the message to us. Have trust in the truth of the resurrection and live with God.

“He lives! He lives! Christ Jesus lives today. He walks with me and talks with me

Along life’s narrow way.

He lives! He lives! Salvation to impart. You ask me how I know he lives.

He lives within my heart!

(go to youtube write in these words and the hymn will pop up. Sing along and trust in the Lord our God through his Son the Risen Christ) .

Amen

Previous  Sermon:

- Easter Sunday mini sermon