Luke 24:36-39
While they were still talking about this, Jesus himself stood among them and
said to them, “Peace be with you.” They were startled and frightened,
thinking they saw a ghost. He said to them, “Why are you troubled,
and why do doubts rise in your minds? Look at my hands and my feet. It is
I myself! Touch me and see; a ghost does not have flesh and bones, as you
see I have.”
Luke 24:50-53
When he had led them out to the vicinity of Bethany, he lifted up his
hands and blessed them. While he was blessing them, he left them and
was taken up into heaven. Then they worshiped him and returned to
Jerusalem with great joy. And they stayed continually at the
temple, praising God.
The disciples grieved Jesus’ death.
The apostles, Mary Magdalene, Jesus’ mother Mary, and
several other followers watched their Lord and Savior die an agonizing death on
the cross. I can’t imagine the heartbreak, especially for his mom. Jesus’ best friends and family witnessed his
torture and his final breath. Even as they mourned, their faith in their Lord
did not waver.
In their hearts they tucked the promise of Jesus’ return.
What they didn’t realize was how soon they’d see him again.
Joseph of Arimathea, took Jesus body to an empty tomb he’d
prepared for himself. After the body was wrapped in cloth, he placed him inside,
then he rolled a stone in front of the opening. After the Sabbath day passed, Mary
Magdalene and the other Mary went to the grave to pour spices over their beloved
friend. An earthquake shook them and an angel appeared propped on the rock he’d
rolled from the tomb. Then the women received the surprise of their lives—Jesus
stood in front of them and greeted them.
Can you imagine?
Jesus keeps his promises. He told his followers he’d raise
from the dead, come back to life, and see them again. Yet, they didn’t
understand. Kind of like us. The Bible teaches us of Jesus return, his second
coming, that will occur so quickly none of us will be expecting him. But Jesus
keeps his promises, and he will come here to take his children home to heaven.
Easter is all about HOPE!
Jesus promises new life. Rejoice in the Lord
this Easter!
