Bishop Nick's Easter Message
Political explosions are not a modern phenomenon and they are certainly not restricted to Bradford West. When Jesus entered Jerusalem with his friends he was seen to be implicitly challenging the power of the Roman Empire and the collusion of his own leaders. A political embarrassment, he did not indulge in triumphalism; he rode in on a donkey and set in train the events that would lead only to his death.
Easter is primarily about surprise. Surely God should look a bit bigger and a bit stronger than this man from the hill country of Galilee? Surely the ‘liberator of his people’ should make a bit more noise and, at least, collect around him some powerful people? But, Jesus collects around him a ragbag of ordinary people who, most of the time, have little idea of where this is all heading. He takes people like us and through them changes the world.
This Easter we face huge challenges in our own society. Economic struggle is accompanied by fear for the future - which looks uncertain for many people. But, the surprising Easter message is one of challenge and encouragement:
- Death, violence and destruction do not have the final word: God does – and that word is ‘resurrection’.
- God is in the business of bringing new life out of what is dead.
- On the cross Jesus opens his arms, embracing the world, absorbing all that we can throw at him and not throwing it back at us.
- In the empty tomb God quietly points to the power of love and hope and new life.
I pray that all of us will be surprised by Easter. Not by chocolate eggs or endless analysis of election results (and their implications), but by the renewed perspective that changes the way we see God, the world and ourselves: God has come among us, as one of us, and nothing in this world holds any surprise for God; the world might be wobbly, but God calls his people to hold those who wobble; we are loved to death and beyond.
No wonder the risen Christ says to his frightened friends: ‘Do not be afraid.’
Happy Easter (when we get there).
+Nick
The Rt Revd Nick Baines
The Bishop of Bradford