HD Homilies- Jesus

This past Sunday our church kept an Easter tradition of many years by celebrating the Resurrection of Jesus with a sunrise service at Airlie Gardens.  Airlie is a beautiful garden located near Wrightsville Beach that blooms with tulips, azaleas and many other flowers during the spring.  In the center of Airlie is a 200 year-old oak tree, surrounded by a large grassy area, where we gathered to worship.

The Sunrise Service featured a brass quartet, scripture reading, an affirmation of our faith and a brief message.  I had the honor this year of bringing the message, so I chose to do something a little different.  I presented a monologue of Simon the Cyrene, the man who was grabbed from the crowd and forced to help Jesus carry his cross.  To add a touch of realism to the message, I asked a man in our church if he would portray the person of Jesus and carry a cross through the crowd.

In preparation for Easter Sunday, my “Jesus” friend grew his beard and hair for several months.  He made a very convincing “Jesus” as he made his way across the dewy grass wearing a burlap robe and leather sandals.  I enjoyed watching the eyes of people in the crowd as they followed his walk.

Most interesting, however, were the comments I heard after the service.  “Jesus showed up at our service this morning!”  “Our pastor walked with Jesus today.”  And one little girl who watched as “Jesus” made his way along the path to the parking lot told her mother, “I want to follow Jesus!”

These comments made perfect sense in the context of the morning.  I would hope they are just as appropriate every time we gather as a church.  We should acknowledge that Jesus shows up when we meet together as a church.  Jesus said, “Where two or three gather in my name, there am I with them.”  (Matthew 18:20)  I hope each of our pastors - and members - walk with Jesus every day.  And I pray that people of all ages will respond to Jesus’ invitation, “Come, follow me.” (Matthew 4:19)

The Jesus we proclaim is not pretend.  He is real!

-Dr. Jim Baldwin