We are witnesses!

By Deacon Timothy Siburg

Revised Common Lectionary reflection, Second Sunday of Easter, Year C
April 27, 2025

Key Verse: “But these are written so that you may continue to believe that Jesus is the Messiah, the Son of God, and that through believing you may have life in his name” (John 20:31).

The bells have rung. The trumpets have sounded. We have sung, “Jesus Christ is Risen Today.” The first witnesses have shared their story about Jesus. The word is spreading, and those who may not have believed are beginning to wonder and perhaps even believe. This is the work of Easter. And it’s only just beginning. But it begs the question, “Now what?”

The stories in this week’s Lectionary lessons point to observations, stories, and possibilities to respond to this very question:

• Acts 5:27-32: Peter recounts, testifies, and provides witness to God’s work through Jesus. “God exalted him at his right hand as Leader and Savior that he might give repentance to Israel and forgiveness of sins. And we are witnesses to these things, and so is the Holy Spirit whom God has given to those who obey him” (Acts 5:31-32). “We are witnesses.” This is our work as disciples and stewards. It’s work that takes on new meaning and urgency on this side of the resurrection. Now what? Now we are all invited, called, and sent into this work as witnesses.
• Psalm 118:14-29: The psalmist gives us the words to respond to the question of “Now what?” Together we praise God for what God alone can do and has done. “O give thanks to the LORD, for he is good, for his steadfast love endures forever” (v. 29).
• Psalm 150: The psalmist here, too, gives us the words to respond. Words of praise, in their many and various forms. “Praise him with clanging cymbals; praise him with loud clashing cymbals! Let everything that breathes praise the LORD! Praise the LORD!” (v. 6).
• Revelation 1:4-8: The writer of Revelation, to the events of the cross and resurrection, calls – and almost wills us – to believe. “I am the Alpha and the Omega,” says the Lord God, who is and who was and who is to come, the Almighty” (v. 8).
• John 20:19-31: The gospel story we always ponder on the second week of Easter brings us back to the disciples’ first experiences post-resurrection, with Jesus’ appearance and the reaction of Thomas, who was absent in that first appearance. At the end of the story we hear, “Now Jesus did many other signs in the presence of his disciples that are not written in this book. But these are written so that you may continue to believe that Jesus is the Messiah, the Son of God, and that through believing you may have life in his name” (vv. 30-31).

We are witnesses to these things. Like Thomas, we might have our questions, concerns or even doubts. Like the rest of the disciples, we too might still be trying to piece it all together and understand what God is up to and what this all might mean. Like the community Peter is speaking to in Acts, we might have our own wonderings and concerns. Nevertheless, we are witnesses to God’s saving work through the death and resurrection of Jesus. We are witnesses to what God alone has done, will do, and promises to do.

What will our witness be? That might just be the stewardship question of our time. In spite of a world that seems set on a “my way or the highway” attitude, Jesus shows us another way and meets us, as he did Thomas, where we are. In spite of a world that might say this is all just a story or “sure, it might be true, but it’s not for everyone,” the gospel reminds us that behind all of this is the hope and promise that “through believing you may have life in his name (v. 31).

What will our witness be? In a world that seems upside down in some ways right now – where the rich are getting richer and the poor, poorer, and where welcome, mercy and empathy might feel like sins of “diversity, equity, and inclusion” – we are reminded of the truth of the gospel. We are reminded that God in Christ came as one of us,  so that we and all of God’s beloved might have life. And for this, we join with the psalmist by giving praise. In spite of all that might weigh us down and feel like it’s too much, we still praise God because we know that God’s “steadfast love endures forever” (Ps 118:29).

What will our witness be? In a day where it seems this message of hope and promise of the gospel has been co-opted in some ways, we are invited back to this central story. Jesus dies. Jesus is resurrected. And this happens, for you and for me. This happens for all of our neighbors and siblings and is not limited. This happens not as a sign or act of claiming power in the world’s ways- of authority, rule, and fear. But as a sign of welcome, hope, and love.

As Acts reminds, “We are witnesses to these things.” In how we live out this story through word and deed, we are witnesses to God’s saving and life-giving work of love. May we be so bold to show our witness through rebelliously generous stewardship, and abundantly hopeful and all-in discipleship for the sake of all of God’s beloved. May we so boldly say through all that we have and all that we are, “Happy Easter! Christ is Risen! Christ is Risen Indeed! Alleluia!”

In Worship and Congregational Life

In many congregations, the Second Sunday of Easter is often celebrated as “Holy Humor Sunday.” It’s a chance to laugh with God and Jesus at overcoming death and the devil. Often, this might involve sharing or telling jokes in worship and even inviting a chance to have worship feel a little more light-hearted, especially after the heaviness of Holy Week. What might it look and feel like to incorporate this in worship in your context this week? In thinking about our identity as witnesses and our work and responsibility as stewards, what might it look like to lean in to worship and life in the congregation and perhaps not tell so many jokes, but take the spirit of “Holy Humor” as a chance to really lean in to the joy of the season? The witness that might come through genuine joy might be just the gift the world needs right now. Joy is a sign of abundance and faith, and through it there comes a deeper sense of gratitude, praise, and hope. What might this look like in your context?

Worship with Youth and Children

If focusing a bit on the gospel story this week, perhaps it might be a good week to find the game “Operation.” Think about the illustration that this old game might provide, especially during a Children’s Sermon. This week Jesus meets Thomas where he is at and tells him to put his hands in the holes in his hands and side. When you think about it, it’s kind of gross, if we’re being honest. Even so, like Thomas, we are witnesses to our Lord and Savior’s presence with and for us. Perhaps the game of “Operation,” where there are all sorts of holes in the fictional person’s body that need to be attended to and cared for, can provide a humorous but meaningful way to experience this story anew for young and old. After spending some time with it, perhaps invite the younger saints to name some things that they are joyful for this Easter season and then close in prayer by lifting those joys and things named up to God. If more laughing ensues because its “Holy Humor Sunday,” that might be fitting too.

Previous reflections for Easter 2C:
2019 – Faith, fear and doubt in an anxious age
2016 – Lighten up and let loose the praise
2013 – Doubt, belief and life in Jesus’ name
2010 – Concerning fear, doubt and belief