The only way through something is THROUGH. Not around, under, over. Not by denying or wishing. It’s just through.
The lectionary texts for April speak to this in Jesus’s life. The raising of Lazarus is a “through” story. Lazarus did not escape death. He was in the tomb. He was dead. As the good old KJV reminds us, “Lord, he stinketh.” (Because he had been in the tomb four days and was thus really, really dead.)
Jesus does not escape death. The disciples do not escape fear. Peter does not escape denial. Judas does not escape betrayal. Jesus does not sidestep death. He will go through it.
Try not to rush your people through the through-ness of this season. Let the honesty of the painful parts of this story do their work of connecting us to the brokenness of that world and of ours. Let the ways we still try to deny the reality of pain and brokenness inform your preaching. Let the hard work of going through the pain and brokenness of our lives guide you.
I read a story about a woman who was going through a very difficult time. A death in her family, a health scare, and impending retirement were all closing in. Her pastor suggested she find someone to talk with. “I think I’d like to talk to Bert.” “Bert? Bert, the town ne’er-do-well?” “Yes. I figure if anybody knows what it’s like to go through hell, it’s him. He’ll understand.” We preach from scars, not open wounds, so be careful here. But allowing space to name and grieve the brokenness, to admit it and speak it plain, allows us to touch the deeper part of the Passion story. And going through that is what allows us to enter into the deepest part, Resurrection!
Resurrection is God’s yes. It’s the truest thing I know. It’s true because death, denial, and betrayal are also true. God overcomes! Not by going around, but by going through. That is how we get there too. God in us, going through.
Grace and peace,
Claire