First Presbyterian Church                                           Rev. Dr. Michael J. Imperiale

Salt Lake City, Utah                                                           February 18, 2007

JUST WALK ACROSS THE ROOM

“The Great Co-Mission”

Matthew 28: 5-10, 16-20

Introduction

There is something particularly fitting that Mary Magdalene and the other women should be the first to receive the good news of the risen Lord and to encounter him. They had been there at the Cross (as we were in last week’s sermon); they had been there when his body was sealed away in the tomb; and now they were receiving what William Barclay called “love’s reward.” They were the first to know the joy of the Resurrection (and hopefully, that’s where you and I are today).

There it is in the Resurrection Window that glows on Sunday mornings, Resurrection Day here in our sanctuary at First Pres. The angel pointing to the empty tomb tells them to do three things. They are urged to believe; they are urged to share; and they are urged to rejoice. And urged to do the same are we. Believe, share, rejoice!

Later in the direct contact with the risen Savior, Jesus did three things for the disciples. He assured them of his power and authority; he gave them a commission; and he promised his presence in all times in all places. Jesus does the same for us as well.

Over the next six weeks, as we enter the season of Lent (this Wednesday is Ash Wednesday, the beginning of a forty day spiritual journey to celebrating the Cross and Resurrection of Jesus), God’s word will urge us to believe, share and rejoice. God’s word will assure, commission, and promise us. Then when Palm Sunday, Good Friday, and Easter Day come, we will be ready to celebrate the reality of “love’s reward” as individuals and as a congregation. “Just Walk Across the Room” is a church-wide program we will use, an experience to refresh our appreciation for the Holy Spirit’s work in the lives of people just like you and me. Hopefully, it will rekindle your passion for people in the same way that Jesus Christ always sought to help people come to a life-fulfilling faith. And it will revive your belief that the single greatest gift you can give to your friends or family members is an introduction to the God who created them, who loves them, and has a special purpose for their lives.

Sunday sermons, Sunday classes, and small groups throughout the week will focus on just how pointing to faith is something all of us can do by developing friendships, discovering the stories behind their life’s journey, and discerning what to do that best shares the good news of Christ. A DVD curriculum featuring Pastor Bill Hybels will be offered starting next Sunday at 9:45. Pastor Sue will introduce the discussion. Our adult discipleship leaders and I will lead the following weeks. We ordered 50 copies of the book for anyone who wishes to enjoy the full effects of this Lenten experience. I hope we’ll have to order another 50.

So, here we go.

I. Believe, Share, Rejoice (vs. 5-10)

The angel said to the women, “Do not be afraid, for I know that you are looking for Jesus, who was crucified. He is not here; he has risen, just as he said… Go quickly and tell his disciples.” The women hurried away from the tomb, afraid yet filled with joy.

This thing is so staggering that it seems beyond belief, too amazing to be true. But the Christian faith and the experience of Christ-followers down through the centuries even to today are based on the reality of this person Jesus who was dead and risen. The Cross and the Resurrection make up the essentials of the Christian faith. All of the other good things that come from Christianity (education, social work, relief agencies, libraries, helping the poor or homeless, peace movements, and so many other taken-for-granted approaches in western civilization), they all spring from the meaning of the Cross and Resurrection of Christ. In fact, when we engage in community outreach, social work, and helping those in need, the confident sharing of the gospel should also be present.

Why else would people give of themselves in these ways? Because we believe in Jesus, what he taught, what he did and what he offered. When we experience the forgiveness and mercy of God, how can we not extend that to others? When we experience the promise and hope of eternal life, how can we not want others to grasp it as well? When we see others in need whether it be physical, emotional or spiritual, how could we not reach out with help as we follow Christ in his ways?

When these disciples of Jesus discovered the fact of their Risen Lord, their first direction is to proclaim it to and share it with others. “Go and tell” is the first priority of the person who has experienced the wonder of Jesus Christ.

It is our hope that Just Walk Across the Room will help each of us know how to go about sharing Christ in our friendships ands contacts.

II. The Great Co-Mission (vs. 16-20)

Then as instructed, the disciples went to Galilee to the mountain where Jesus told them to go. It says that when they saw him they worshiped him; but some doubted. Then Jesus came to them and said, “All authority in heaven and on earth has been given to me. Therefore go and make disciples of all nations, baptizing them in the name of the Father and of the Son and of the Holy Spirit, and teaching them to obey everything I have commanded you. And surely I am with you always, to the very end of the age.”

Jesus’ mission was to walk across the universe that he created (One with the Father and the Spirit, One God) to redeem his very special creatures; that’s us, human beings. Although 2,000 years ago, God did come as one of us to live and teach, to love and die, to be raised again as proof of his saving plan.

Now it’s our turn to live for Christ. Each of us has 75 years or so in this life to come to know, love and serve the Lord and to share his grace with others. We have a co-mission with Christ to help make it possible for others to receive the hope and promise of eternal life. If you are a Christian, somebody did this for you. Several somebodies did it for me. The Lord wants you and me to be that somebody for others.

Notice what Jesus says in his last words to his followers. He assures us of his power. Nothing is outside the ability of the one who had died and conquered death. We are called to be servants of a Master whose authority on earth and in heaven is beyond question. And when we take this command seriously, step out of our comfort zone and share God’s grace with others, amazing things will happen.

Jesus gives us a commission to go out into our world in all of the relationships in our lives and try to win people for himself. And he promises to be with us always. To draw others to faith in Christ is the greatest task in history. But we also have the greatest presence, the greatest help. Jesus is with us every step of the way, even just walking across the room.

Conclusion

Four weeks from today, on March 25th, we will distribute beautiful postcards of that Resurrection window. On it will be an invitation to “Celebrate Life” at First Presbyterian Church on Easter Sunday, April 8th. Starting today, pray about the person or persons you would like to invite to come to church with you on Easter. Over the next few weeks, be in touch with them as you hear the messages on these Sundays in Lent, participate in classes or small groups with the Just Walk Across the Room program, continue to cultivate those relationships. Then, if you think it’s the right time, the right way, the right thing to do, take the risk: invite them to come to First Pres with you. It may be the most important breakthrough of faith for them.

Let’s pray for one another to make this an intentional, amazing outreach; an expression of love and care in the name of Christ this coming Lenten and Easter season.