Jesus is, of course, the central character of the Easter story. Easter is all about our Lord’s crucifixion, burial and resurrection. Easter is the defining event for the Christian Faith and the faith of the Christian. But what about all the other characters of the Easter drama? What of the people who followed Jesus to Jerusalem, those who were drawn unexpectedly into the story, the ones who opposed Him or disposed of Him or just tried to get out of the way?

            Obviously there were many other characters in the Easter story, and the parts they played, whether minor or significant, whether for or against Jesus, are fascinating. In fact, their stories are worth exploring, not just so we can better understand the events of our Lord’s last days, but so we can see ourselves in the story. These men and women, dignitaries and commoners, are not just the supporting cast in the greatest story ever to happen, but are representatives of humanity, ordinary people whose lives intersected with the most extraordinary man of history. We in the 21^st century know their names and read their stories, not because they were better people, but simply because they had the opportunity to be there when “the time had fully come, [when] God sent His Son...” (Galatians 4:4-5). They encountered Jesus, and whether they believed in Him or not, their lives were never the same!

            And the same is true for us today. Just like those we read about in the Gospels we are never the same after we come in contact with Jesus! That’s why we can, we must, learn from those whose stories are part of Jesus’ story. Their decisions and responses to Christ help us believe in Him and live for Him today. Just like Lazarus (and his sisters) we are touched by Jesus and given new life simply because He loves us. Like Peter and Judas we desire to follow our Lord but too often fail Him, then wonder if He will take us back. Simon of Cyrene didn’t seek Jesus, but like him we stand in awe before the cross trying to make sense of what happened at Golgotha. Some are like Barabbas unsure of what the crucifixion means personally, and wondering if Jesus really died for their sins. Like Thomas we hear the Good News but may need more evidence to help us work through our doubts and hesitations. Then like Stephen we commit to following Jesus even though we don’t always know just exactly what that means or what sacrifices we may be called upon to make for Him.

            Yes, the stories of the people who met Jesus are also our stories. They were normal people with normal lives just trying to make sense of life—just like us! We can learn from their experiences, their mistakes, and from their faith. We can be encouraged that their lives now stand as an example and testimony for us. We can respond to Jesus just like they did, for the Jesus that loved and forgave and touched them is the same Jesus who comes to us and calls us to believe and follow Him. As we are told in Hebrews 13:8 He truly is the same yesterday (the 1^st century), today (the 21^st century) and forever.

            During March and April our worship themes will focus on The People of Easter so we can be reminded of what God did in their lives, and what He is willing to do for us today. We will find encouragement in the power of the resurrection to overcome our failures, our doubts, our insecurities. We will find confidence to live for Him, serve Him, and even suffer for Him. We will discover that we really are an Easter people, living imperfectly in this life, but holding to the promise of the perfect life still to come. The people who met Jesus, and responded to Him by believing in Him, who called Him Lord, are our examples and our teachers.

            And don’t forget that the people you meet who don’t yet believe in Jesus are just like those New Testament characters too. They just haven’t taken all the steps that lead to faith, they haven’t made Jesus’ story their story—but they can. The stories of Lazarus, Peter, Simon, Thomas and Stephen show us that anyone can embrace Jesus as Lord. We can help others come to faith by telling our story, the story of those who lived at the time of Christ, and especially the story of Jesus, the Story that makes all the difference, the Story that makes us The People of Easter!

Denis Whittet