Matthew 28:16-20

Note to worship leader:
We have chosen just this very short passage for the second Sunday of Easter, because it concludes the passion-resurrection-commission narrative. But to jog people’s memories, and to set the context, I have picked up parts of the resurrection story that we heard on Easter Sunday.
Please ensure that the two readers rehearse this together a number of times, or else the reading will sound forced and flat.
As always, you are encouraged to adapt this to your own situation.

Reader one:The two women, Mary of Magdala and the other Mary, had gone to the tomb where Jesus’ body had been placed. They went there to do the decent thing for the body of a friend – to anoint it with spices.

Reader two: But it wasn’t a corpse they found. They encountered a presence – an angel, they called it – a vision of light and hope that gave them an astonishing message.

Reader one: “Do not be afraid. I know that you are looking for Jesus who was crucified. He is not here; for he has been raised, as he said. Come. See the place where he lay. Then go quickly and tell his disciples. Jesus has been raised from the dead, and indeed, he is going ahead of you to Galilee; there you will see him. This is my message to you.”

Reader two: So the two Marys left the tomb. They left the tomb running and screaming. And then suddenly! There he was! There – he – was!!!

Reader one: Greetings!

Reader two: The two women fell to the ground. They grabbed at his feet. They just lay there, on the ground, hanging on to Jesus’ feet.

Reader one: “Don’t be afraid. Go and tell my brothers to go to Galilee. There they will see me.”

Reader two: And so the disciples went to Galilee. They went to the mountain that Jesus had named for them. And sure enough. Sure enough, there they saw Jesus. And just like the two Marys had done, the rest of the disciples fell face down onto the ground. Well most of them anyway. A few of them thought it was some kind of a trick.

Reader one: And then Jesus spoke!

Reader two: Then the risen Christ spoke these words!

(one second pause)

Reader one: "All authority in heaven and on earth has been given to me. Go therefore and make disciples of all nations, baptizing them in the name of the Father and of the Son and of the Holy Spirit, and teaching them to obey everything that I have commanded you. And remember, I am with you always, to the end of the age."

(one second pause)

Reader two: That’s ridiculous! There’s only a few of us. How can we go to all nations?

Reader one: Remember. I am with you.

Reader two: That’s impossible. How can we teach all those people to obey you…

Reader one: (interrupting) Remember. I am with you.

Reader two: But…but…

Reader one: (interrupting) I – am – with – you!!!

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