A recurring theme on this blog has been that of respecting and honoring different perspectives. In the four gospel narratives, there is perhaps no greater point of deviation than what is told in the post-resurrection accounts. Each book seems to have an entirely different take on what happened after Jesus was buried.
In the first written gospel, attributed to Mark, there is a shorter ending from the earliest known manuscripts that leaves much mystery and ends on a startling note of fear. (Mark 16:1-8) The longer ending gives us a more solid sense of hope. (Mark 16: 9-20)
In the Matthew text, there is a continued focus on the political powers of the day, mentioning an attempt to cover up the resurrection reality. Those in power realize that the themes of resurrection present a major threat to their control over others. (Matthew 28)
Meanwhile, Luke’s journalistic mission continues past the end of his gospel account (Luke 24), as he goes on to write a follow-up book: The Acts of Apostles (which really should be placed right after Luke’s gospel, in the opinion of this blog writer).
And the gospel of John gives us some of the most novelistic and personal encounters with the risen Christ. Here, Jesus connects with his followers in an intimate fashion and the writing poetically ties everything up beautifully. (John 20-21)
While the stories are quite different, certain common threads emerge across these gospels. We find doubt and fear transforming into hope and faith. We find a Jesus who continues to surprise even the closest of followers. We find a gospel of expansion and inclusion. We find diverse stories bigger than ourselves and our time, and yet uniquely for us and our present moment.
When there are differences in these books, we discover new realities of Jesus and new aspects of God’s character. The differing points of view encourage us to embrace a spiritual headspace and heart-space of wonder and multiple realities. Where we come to find that others see Jesus in different ways and that is okay. In fact, we can often learn from these other viewpoints, and in so doing see Jesus even more clearly, in and through them.
May we during the Easter season—and onward—look to the abundant perspectives of others to see God more fully, and to fully live out the abundant life God desires for us.
Relevant Reformation 