First Words

The view from the kitchen window of Stacey's aunt and uncle's house in Maine. We had a lovely Easter!
Thinking about the meaning of Easter lately has me wondering what Jesus’ first words to his followers were after the resurrection. What were Jesus’ (God’s) first words to humanity following the event that redeemed the world? But before searching out an answer to that question, I wanted to first find out what God’s first words to humanity were following the event that ushered sin into creation: the Fall.
Immediately after the Fall in Genesis 3, Adam and Eve hid; naturally then, God’s first words to the newly fallen humanity were “Where are you?” (Gen. 3:9). From this point until the resurrection, this question defines everything that happens in human history. It makes complete sense then when we discover in Matthew’s gospel that Jesus’ first words to his followers following his resurrection was “Greetings!” (Matt 28:9). The once lost humanity is now found thanks to the empty tomb.
Scripture records the story of God’s search for us, not our search for God. There is nothing left for us to do other than believe. So often we feel as if there is more to do in order get God’s attention and approval. We can to keep to the list of do’s and don’ts, we can stay incomparably busy for God in ministry, etc, but due to the empty tomb, we’ve already been found! Happy Easter to all! -Matt