Archeologists made a fascinating discovery in 1940 while digging through ancient manuscripts in an Egyptian monastery. Hidden among these forgotten parchments was a sermon dating to AD 160-170. Outside of the New Testament, it’s the oldest Easter homily on record. The sermon was delivered by Melito of Sardis (d. 180). The book of Revelation is addressed to seven cities, including Sardis, where Melito originated. The opening sentences of his sermon indicate the Old Testament story of Passover has just been read in worship from Exodus 12. Melio likens Jesus’ sacrifice to the Exodus account of the Passover lamb and then declares, “Jesus was sacrificed to God but was resurrected as God.” One sentence from his sermon leaps off the page, “He killed death which had put man to death.”
His Easter message corrects a common misconception people have about the resurrection. We tend to regard Easter as the final chapter of Jesus’ ministry, sort of like receiving a gold watch upon retirement. Melito’s sermon makes certain that Jesus’ resurrection is not the end but opens a whole new epic in salvation history. If Jesus has been raised from the dead, it means he is alive. And if he’s alive, there’s no telling where he might show up next–maybe in your life today. His sermon closes with a gracious invitation. Substitute your name in his invite to the “families of men” and receive it in prayer as God’s word to you. “I am your forgiveness…I am your salvation…I am the lamb slain for you…I am your life…your light…your king…I will raise you up with my right hand.”