the resurrection in verbs

The resurrection narrative is fast-moving. As a runner, I can appreciate more running happens here than anywhere else in the New Testament. It also a surprisingly simple story. It’s not been embellished over the years; it doesn’t suffer from distortion and hasn’t been turned into an ethereal mystical-magical other-worldly event.  In fact, for a very other-worldly event, it is told remarkably plainly. 

This is the resurrection account in verbs, in a Wordle. 

Some recurring verbs are important. Like went, saw, ran, and told. There was an urgency to this event. They did not expect it. There was no nonchalance. This event unfolded quickly and unexpectedly. It began with running, and ended with telling. And it is still being told.

To follow Jesus is very verby. It is when faith becomes a noun the story begins to stall. 

…

If you prefer lists, here are the verbs in a traditional list!

went
so
removed
ran
told
taken
put
started
running
outran
reached
bent
looked
go
came
went
saw
reached
went
saw
believed
understand
rise
went
stood
crying
saw
asked
taken
put
standing
asked
crying
thinking
said
carried
put
cling
went
told

empty

 The building we call church is empty because the church are living the incarnation in the world. The building we call church is empty because the church are living the resurrection in the world. 

The cross you see is empty because Jesus was the incarnation in the world. The cross you see is empty because Jesus is bringing the resurrection into the world.  Today and every day. 

Thine be the glory, risen conquering Son.
Endless is the victory, thou o’er death has won.