Easter Sunday yr. A, April 5, 2026
New Covenant, Matthew 28:1-11
“Those Who Know Tell Those That Don’t”
Pastor Steven Molin tells the story. The Dean of the chapel called the seminarian into her office. She said, “Tomorrow you’re preaching at the chapel service.” The seminarian was up all night but couldn’t come up with a sermon idea. The next day, he stood in the pulpit and asked? “Do you know what I’m going to say?” The worshipers shook their heads, “No.” The seminarian said, “Neither do I. Go in peace” and sat down. Needless to say, the Dean was not happy. She said, “You’re preaching again tomorrow. You better have a sermon ready.”
Again, the seminarian was up all night. When the time came to deliver the message he asked the worshipers, “Do you know what I’m going to say?” Thinking this was a repeat of yesterday, they shook their heads, “Yes.” The seminarian said, “Great! Then there’s nothing else to say.” He continued, “Go in peace” and sat down. The Dean was furious and he was told he’ll get 1 more chance tomorrow.
The next day he stood in the pulpit and asked, “Do you know what I’m going to say?” Half of the worshipers shook their heads “Yes” and half shook their heads “No.” The seminarian said, “Those who know tell those who don’t. Go in peace.” After the service the Dean walked up to the seminarian and said, “Those who know tell those who don’t. That’s the shortest and best sermon I have ever heard.”
Imagine if I said, “Christ is risen! Amen.” and sat down. Some of you probably would like a 4 word sermon. Others might ask, “What are we paying this guy for?” But that is the Easter message, “Christ is risen!” Now, those that know are to go and tell those that don’t. Anything more is just me rambling for an extra 5 or 10 minutes. “Christ is risen!” that’s the story in 3 words. Now, those that know are to go and tell those that don’t.
That’s what the women who experience the resurrection do. They learn that Christ is risen! They’re the 1st to witness the empty tomb. They’re the 1st to believe the testimony of the angel. They’re the 1st to meet the risen Jesus. They’re the 1st to speak to him and worship him. They’re the 1st to be given a mission by him. They’re the 1st to know and the 1st to tell those that don’t. And just like that 1st Easter; the hope of transformation, the joy of God’s unconditional love and the good news of God’s unlimited forgiveness can only be spread if those who know go and tell those that don’t.
Christ is risen! Now you know. Go and tell those that don’t. Amen.