“Go and Tell!
Then Jesus said to them, “Do not be afraid. Go and tell my brothers to go to Galilee; there they will see me.” – Matthew 28:10
“Jesus has left the building and the church has decided to follow Him.” – Rev. Traci Blackman, words on her church’s online picture
It has been five years since the Covid-19 pandemic lockdown and the experiences we’ve had then while on lockdown, reminded me that church is primarily about the gathered people of God, not the building. Our church building is important and holds a special place in our church life, but we don’t stop being church just because we are not inside the building. In fact, the word church is derived from the New Testament Greek word, ekklesia, which literally means, ‘assembly’ or ‘people assembled for a common purpose.’ Ekklesia was a secular word that was repurposed by the New Testament writers and made it a religious word. The Jewish followers of Jesus, including the apostles Peter and John, still went to the Temple in Jerusalem to worship and pray; but they also met for prayer, worship and study in homes, sometimes by the river or in jail!
In Matthew’s account of Jesus’ resurrection, we are told that Jesus’ instructed the women not to be afraid, but to “Go and tell” his brothers (the apostles) that he was alive and he will meet them face to face in Galilee. Jesus’ resurrection appearances were in the garden (near his tomb), a room at someone’s house (twice, one without Thomas, and the other with Thomas present),on the road (to Emmaus) and by the beach, and where he served breakfast to his eleven disciples. Not once did the risen Jesus show up in a synagogue, a palace, or the Temple. On the day he ascended to heaven, he was on a mountain (the Mount of Olives, near Bethany). What does this tell us? Does it mean that church buildings and worship sanctuaries are not necessary? I don’t think so. As I said earlier, physical places such as church buildings have a special place in the life of the church. It is in these sacred spaces that we can encounter God and experience a meaningful time of worship and communion with God. It is a place where the church (meaning the people of God) gather, worship and are sent out to “Go and Tell” about Jesus and the Good News of God’s salvation and reign has come to earth through him.
Just like the women, Jesus sends us out to be witnesses of our risen Lord. Right now, right where we are, we are the church commanded by Jesus to ‘Go and Tell,’ not just our family and friends, but everyone that God has placed in our lives, that Jesus is risen! He is risen indeed! Amen!
A Blessed Easter to Everyone!
Yours in the love of Jesus, our Risen Lord,
Pastor Carla
April 2025 Preaching Schedule – Central Baptist Church of Woodbury
2025 Annual Theme: “Living with Hope Into God’s Future”
Jeremiah 29:11 – For I know the plans I have for you,” declares the Lord, “plans to prosper you and not to harm you, plans to give you hope and a future.”
April 6 (Communion and Fifth Sunday in Lent)
Scripture Readings: Isaiah 43:16-21; John 12:1-8, NRSVUE
Sermon Title: “Serving Jesus: Mary’s Lavish Love”
April 13 (Palm Sunday)
Scripture Readings Psalm 118:1-2, 9-16; Luke 19: 28-40, NRSVUE
Sermon Title: “A Different Kind of King”
April 20 (Easter Sunday, The Resurrection of Our Lord)
Scripture Readings: Psalm 27; Philippians 3:17-4:1, NRSVUE
Sermon Title: “Easter Sunday: What Do Bunnies and Eggs Got to Do With It?”
April 27 (Second Sunday of Easter)
Scripture Readings: Psalm 118:14-29; John 20:19-31, NRSVUE
Sermon Title: “Wounded Witness”
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