“Jesus Binds Us Together as One” 

“Jesus Binds Us Together as One” 
Reflection for 2nd Sunday of Easter April 7, 2024 
Churchill and Gilford United Churches 
Krista Moore 
Based on the Scriptures: 
John 20:19–31 Jesus appears to the disciples, and Thomas believes.
Acts 4:32–35 The community grows, and the believers share everything  in common. 

Introduction to the Scriptures  
Last Easter Sunday we heard from Peter Paul and Mary  (Magdalene) that Christ had risen. It was a hope-filled day.  You would think the disciples would be jumping for joy! But not yet.  

When Mary first ran from the empty tomb to tell them the good  news,  
The disciples did not believe her  

Peter and John ran ahead to see for themselves. They needed proof. Later they locked themselves in a room, fearful to go out lest they  be killed as well. 

As they drew close together, lost in their thoughts, none could  imagine what would happen next, and what impact it would have for  their little group and the whole world… 

REFLECTION  
The disciples were hiding out. Despite some having seen Jesus. But one was missing.  

Not just Judas who betrayed Jesus – he was long gone.  The one who was missing was Thomas.  

No one knows where Thomas went.  

There is no mention in the Bible.  

Only that he was not there.  

     Maybe he was out looking for Jesus.  
          Maybe he was hiding out alone,  
               sad or scared after the crucifixion.

Maybe he didn’t believe any of it  
         and just wanted to be left alone. 

When Thomas did return and heard the good news, he said he  wouldn’t believe until he saw Jesus’s wounded hands and feet and put  his hand in his side.  

Despite Thomas’s absence and disbelief, Jesus returns to show  Thomas and give him what he needs.

Thomas was so shocked and grateful he cried out: 
“My Lord, and My God!” 

This is an incredible profession of faith for Thomas  
from a man of doubt  
to a man of great faith – 
that Jesus was not only the Messiah,  
 and the Son of God,  
but MY LORD, and MY GOD. 

Some may criticize Thomas for not being there the first time, or for  not believing.  

But God knows we all come at things differently. 

For some of us it takes a little longer. And for some of us our faith  is strong from the get-go.  

We all have our individual walk with God.  
We all can struggle to understand at times.  
We all need time to heal.

It’s good to be alone sometimes.  
But today’s scriptures teach us, that eventually, we need to come  back together, to be fully restored, to build each other up in community. Especially when times are tough.  

Like a death, a loss, a health challenge, a betrayal, or other  crisis of faith…. 

There is nothing more powerful than a faith-filled community.  

Jesus binds us together as one.

MY STORY – FROM LONE SEEKER TO FAITH GROUP
I was a seeker my whole life. I wanted to know the truth about  everything.  

Like Thomas, I was a bit of a lone wolf, and a skeptic, I would go  off exploring things, make some acquaintances, and then move on. It  wasn’t very satisfying.  

Later when I felt called to return to my Christian roots,, I sought a  community of people who believed as I did.  

It took a while (and feel I have finally found it). 

But I wasn’t always as happy as I am today.  

Like the disciples, I experienced many fears and doubts. Betrayals  and disappointments.  

It is not an easy path to walk. 
It takes a leap of faith.  
And a like-minded community behind you. 

I found one at St Mark’s United in Scarborough,  
Then Emmanuel College,  
and now Churchill and Gilford. 

I am grateful for all those who have been travelling with me,  supporting me through this process. Including my family, friends,  my supervisors, regional council, LST and this congregation.  

Even though I love my solitude and quiet time, I know that I could  not have done any of this without a strong and vibrant, faith-filled family and community and a few spiritual companions, along the way.  

I needed the right people, and community, to help me realize my  deep faith and find my true calling.  

Jesus led me back to community. Jesus binds us together as  one. 

SCRIPTURE OUR FAITH GROWS IN COMMUNITY
In the Scriptures today, Jesus shows us that nothing can be done  alone. He gathers his community, restores their faith, and binds them  together as one.  

Jesus offers them and us a fresh perspective, and empowers us  with the Holy Spirit so that we, along with the disciples, will go forward  and share the good news. 

That is not always easy. 

Sometimes we get tired, distracted, sad, fearful, or feel alone. Sometimes we need fresh faith, and a bold spirit to move  forward. A community to inspire us.  

So we can inspire others to join together. 
To not give up, even when it looks bleak, like all is lost.  

Sometimes our faith needs  
     A shock.  
          A jolt to our solitary ways of coping. 
               Other people to lift us up and help us see.  

Sometimes our everyday fledgling faith  
     needs other people to help us fly.  
          To soar.  

Our faith grows stronger when we flock together.  
When we come together as a community. 
Jesus binds us together as one.

BUT WHAT HAPPENS WHEN THINGS GO WRONG OR IF  THE COMMUNITY GETS SEPARATED 
Jesus had a thriving ministry before he went to Jerusalem.  Within 1 week, loyal followers fell away and enemies persecuted  and killed him.  

He seemed alone.  

But even if things fall apart, if we lose our way, like Thomas,  
     or our church closes, or we feel betrayed,  
          or face disappointment, death 
               or feel alone or afraid….  

Jesus will pull us back together. Give us a fresh start.
 A new way forward.  
After the crucifixion  
     – a resurrection.  
     After winter, a spring.  

Jesus surprises us with new hope, revives our spirits, and binds  us together as One  

So we will live fearlessly, 
     Profess boldly,  
     grow in faith,  
     and inspire others to come along. 

EXAMPLE: FAITH GROUP 
Through Lent, we held an “Exploring Our Faith” group for 6  Sunday evenings at the manse.

It was a wonderful time of coming together to grow in faith.  We laughed, shared questions, reflections and learned.  Each person had a unique perspective; and yet we were all  connected by a similar interest and commitment.  

We all have a unique walk with God or Jesus. 

But sometimes we need each other, to challenge and enliven our  faith, to show us the way… to help us take a leap of faith.  

NEXT WEEK: FAITH SUNDAY  
Next week we celebrate Faith/membership Sunday. 

Some from that Lenten group, and others, will be baptized,  confirmed, transfer or become new members of Churchill or Gilford.  Standing in front of each other and witnessing to our faith is a  powerful testimony of the good news of Easter. And offers hope to our  community and the next generation.  

We may walk alone for a time, but our faith grows stronger when  we join together in a faith-filled community.  

Jesus binds us together as one. 

FAITH IS NOT EASY – EVEN IN COMMUNITY  
All of us face different challenges in life – and sometimes we may  feel like being by ourselves for awhile. That is OK. 

Like the disciples, we may want to hide out – especially after  COVID.  

after a terrible loss  
     Or a health crisis  
          Or the closing of a church  
               Or other life challenge 

But Jesus knew we would not be able to do it alone forever.  He gave us to each other – to get through it all.  

Through all life’s challenges.  

He knows what it feels like.  

He faced the crucifixion, died and was buried for three days.  Many betrayed him and he was abandoned, except for a few of his  closest family at the foot of the cross.  

It would seem like all was lost.  

And yet – three days later.  

A resurrection.  

And appearances to his beloved disciples,  

     including Thomas.  

Jesus restores what was broken.  

He binds up the broken-hearted and gives us to each other.

 Jesus binds us together as one.  

So that no matter what happens – 
     A betrayal – a death  
          A loss 

We can still flock together and renew our faith, which makes us strong.  
Jesus binds us together as one.  

KRISTA’S THREE THINGS  
So how might we be stronger in our faith, or find healing at this  time? 

1. Remember, Jesus died on the cross and faced the worst of  humanity, felt alone and betrayed, yet forgave everyone.  

2. Remember, Jesus rose again on the third day, appearing to his  disciples and others, and restoring our faith in God  

3. Remember, Jesus did not want us to walk alone. He gave us to  each other, and commissions us to grow in faith in community. If you have not been to church in awhile, and if you are able,  please consider coming back to receive support and grow together  as a community of faith.  
Jesus binds us together as one. 

CLOSING THOUGHTS 
Next week I hope you will come to witness and support each other  in your journey of faith as we celebrate more testimonies of the risen  Christ, and witness professions of faith including baptism, confirmation, and membership.  

Faith must be shared to grow strong.  

It is like a seed planted in the ground.  

It takes many seeds to make a garden.

A beautiful congregation, a powerful kingdom.

This Easter,  

May our faith be renewed, made strong in Jesus 

May we welcome Jesus and each other – in community.  

May we embrace the Good News  

Like Thomas who recognized the Saviour  

“My Lord and My God!”  

May Jesus bind us as one.
 
Amen.