Witnesses to What?

April 26th 2009
Third Sunday of Easter
Rev. Mark R. Bradshaw-Miller
“Witnesses to What?”
Luke 24:36-48

“Is it true?” On the first Sunday in Easter it was this question with which we were faced. The answer I gave to that question, was to simply ask another question; “What have you seen?” It is not that I was playing games or trying to avoid the question. Instead, it was my attempt to remind us that our calling is not to provide pat answers but to give a witness to how we have seen God at work in the world.
Last week, as we gathered around the table and the smell of fresh baked bread surrounded our celebration, we learned of Jesus’ elusive presence whenever bread is broken and shared. It was a poignant reminder as to the surprising ways and places where God’s presence is made manifest. But, in many ways, it was really a continuation of the question: “What have you seen?” In order to be a witness we must train ourselves to expect God’s presence in the most unusual places. Today’s reading is not only an extension of these passages but the culmination of Luke’s gospel. Like any good culmination, or conclusion, this passage points us backwards so we can move forward with confidence.
“Peace be with you!” It is with these words that Jesus makes his presence known. To the disciples locked behind closed doors, these words are welcome news. However, a greeting of peace, in the Gospel of Luke points us all the way back to the beginning. In this greeting we must remember the visitations of the angels to Zechariah, the father of John the Baptist, Mary, the mother of Jesus, and the shepherds keeping watch of the flock by night. From the beginning of the Good News, God is doing a new and earth shattering thing. The mighty will be brought down from their thrones, and the lowly will be lifted up and filled with good things. It is a good news story which causes everyone who hears to fear.
That reaction should not be all that surprising. After all, even positive changes can elicit a reaction of fear. Fear is the response to God’s good news. So just imagine the fear of finding the empty tomb and hearing that Jesus is not dead. Fear of Rome is one thing but fear of what this might mean is entirely different. Standing in the presence of the disciples Jesus speaks words of peace and the response is joy, disbelief, fear, and doubt. Into the face of the disciples doubt, Jesus does not challenge, but instead teaches, but not before eating some fish.
The request for fish could almost be considered a “throw away” line. Or, it could be to prove that Jesus was not a ghost. It might be both, but it is also much more. In the gospel of Luke, fish play an important role. Or maybe a better way of putting it is that when Jesus eats fish here, it should remind us of something important. On two occasions in the Gospel, Jesus takes fish and bread, just enough for a few people, and feeds thousands. I simply cannot imagine that when Jesus eats fish he is simply hungry or trying to prove a point. Instead, he is showing the disciples the importance of shared meals and shared resources. Disciples know how to eat and to make sure no one goes hungry.
In this encounter, Jesus teaches first with his actions and then he opens the scriptures to them. When all is said and done he tells them the most important thing: “You are my witnesses to these things.” It is in those words that the disciples of all ages are set to the task of being witnesses. But the key to it turns out to be the words: “These things.” When Jesus uses those words he is calling the disciples to remember what they have seen. Being a witness means that we cannot remain behind closed doors. Being witnesses to these things means we have something to share. And being witnesses to these things, means that we must be in touch with the reality of the fear, joy and doubt that are all part of being an honest disciple.
When Jesus says we are to be witnesses it means simple to tell what we have seen. The good news about being faithful witnesses is that we are not called to be superhuman. God wants our passion, not our perfection. Above all else being faithful is about being honest. We must acknowledge the places of fear and doubt and remember the words of the angels and the words of Jesus. Peace be with you, do not fear! So we are most faithful and believable as witnesses when we acknowledge the fear, welcome the doubt, rejoice like crazy in the joy. When we do this, when we share what we have seen and share what we have, then we are truly witnesses to “these things!” So, tell me… What have you seen? Amen? Amen!