Jesus Keeps Showing Up
Preacher: The Rev. Andrew Van Kirk
Scripture: Luke 24:1-12
The first Easter didn’t begin with faith—it began with disbelief. The women returned from the tomb full of wonder, but to the disciples, their words “seemed like an idle tale.” These were not gullible men. They were tired, traumatized, heartbroken, and skeptical. And in every one of them, we can see ourselves.
Simon the Zealot couldn’t believe the message came from women. Bartholomew was too weighed down by grief and unanswered prayers. James wanted to understand how it all worked before he could trust it was true. Each of them had a reason not to believe. And yet—Jesus kept showing up.
He met them on the road, at the table, by the shore, in locked rooms. He didn’t shame their doubt; he walked with them through it. That’s the grace of Easter: not that the disciples believed immediately, but that their resurrected Lord didn’t give up on them.
If Easter still feels like an idle tale to you—if it feels hard to believe, too good to be true—you’re in good company. And you are exactly the kind of person Jesus loves to meet again and again.
So here’s the hope: Jesus keeps showing up. In our doubts. In our pain. In our confusion. And one day, even in our death. The question isn’t how. The question is who. And the answer is Jesus.
Reflection Questions
Where do you most feel like an Easter morning disciple—doubting, unsure, or overwhelmed?
Which disciple’s reaction—Simon, Bartholomew, James—feels most like your own?
What “idle tale” about Jesus have you dismissed that he might be inviting you to reconsider?
How has Jesus already shown up for you in unexpected ways?
Where might he be showing up now, patiently walking with you from doubt to faith?
