April 2005 by E. Louise Williams
(Click here for downloadable artwork)

Following Christ
Matthew 28:5–10

“Indeed he is going ahead of you to Galilee; there you will see him.” —Matthew 28:7b

Christ is risen! Christ is risen indeed! Alleluia!

The shouts of joy echo in our churches as we celebrate this season of resurrection and new life in Christ.

It might be tempting for us to gather around the empty tomb, amazed at what has happened. We might also be tempted to focus on the signs of resurrection in our own lives or in the life of our congregation and to think that is what Easter is all about. The empty tomb, the announcement of resurrection and the signs of new life are only part of the message of Easter.

The rest of the message moves us into the future. The angel at the tomb said the risen Christ is going ahead to Galilee. Following Christ does not end at the empty tomb. Following Christ always takes us on to another place, to where we are not yet, to some “Galilee” where Christ goes before us.

To live the resurrection is to be called to movement, to change, to transformation—as individuals and as congregations. Sometimes it can be frightening to leave behind the places where we have already seen signs of resurrection. It can be scary to step out into the unknown, into ventures of which we cannot see the ending, as one prayer puts it.

But this is not just change for the sake of change because we are bored or want something new. Our trip to “Galilee” is for the sake of the world, for the sake of those who still need to know Christ’s resurrected life.

How can we dare to do this? Because Christ is already there. The one who has gone ahead of us into the tomb and triumphed now goes before us into “Galilee” and promises to meet us there.

Let us then not hang around the empty tomb but let us go on to “Galilee” where we can expect to find the risen Christ in the most unexpected places.

For reflection and discussion: Have you ever risked going to some new place and met Christ there? To what “Galilee” might the risen Christ be inviting you or your congregation now?

Prayer: Gracious God, give us good courage to follow you to places we have not yet reached. Amen.