Today, we are going to examine what was happening AFTER the crucifixion and resurrection. What did the next 40 days look like? What were the emotions, thoughts and questions whirling around in the heads of Christ followers, as well as the onlookers, the Pharisees and politicians? No doubt, the weeks following Jesus’ triumphant entry, his arrest, the trials, verdict, and his mysterious resurrection three days post, was filled with many opposing emotions. For Mary, Martha, Lazarus and all the apostles and witnesses present at the rising of Lazarus from the dead, just hours from Passover commencing, the emotions would have moved from deep sadness to jubilant amazement. Jesus had now been arrested and was standing trial. Surely there was much hope that he would prevail…after all He was the great orator, story teller, wise and able to reach the souls of men in debate…He would convince the powers to yield and surrender! Meeting with Pontius Pilate, the Sadducees and Pharisees HE would prove his case! The teachings, the healings and miracles would prove He IS who He says He is. But the initial meeting turned to trials…ridicule, mockery, lashings, denial and silence from his followers (Peter being the first to deny knowing or testifying on Jesus’ behalf.) Even Pilate found no crime in Jesus and gave the people an option. Jesus or Barabbas? “Give us Barabbas” they cried! “Crucify him” they demanded! ( John 18:35, 37-40 ). Hope was vanquished, taken over by despair, fear of what may come next for those that associated with him…and then the crucifixion! It was official. It was finished! Their messiah was not what they had expected. Rejection, abandonment, confusion, regret maybe for the time they had spent following him. What was Saturday like for his followers? Lots of questions maybe along with many tears. All seemed lost! Whatever each imagined would happen last week was now dashed…a painful memory of what “could have been.” But on Sunday Mary delivers the message…the tomb is empty!! He is risen! He’s meeting us here tonight!! Surely the disciples thought she was delusional, had snapped and deeply overcome with denial! Emotions, questions, and previously held belief in his promises and messages were suspect. Confusion, debate, anger, what next (can I get my boat back, my nets back?), 3 years of lost income…and for what? What happened that evening? Jesus appeared to those in the upper room. This was their first manifestation of Jesus post his crucifixion. But Thomas wasn’t there, so Jesus came by again…eight days later! This was their second manifestation of Christ. In Acts 2:40-41 we read: “And with many other words he solemnly testified and kept on exhorting them, saying, “Be saved from this perverse generation!” So then, those who had received his word were baptized; and that day there were added about three thousand souls.” So to those listening that have also shared similar emotions…doubts, fears, disbeliefs, confusion, anxiety, anger or had questions like those we’ve presented we are encouraging you to do this: Accept that Emotions are naturalPonder them deeply, identify why you are having themThey may be leading you to deeper revelationConsider the testimonies of those that believe and are following Christ teachingsListen to your heart as you examine them for truthTruth that stirs your heart is the voice of the Holy Spirit, the voice of GodIt may come with discomfort but if it speaks true to your heart, listenAnd when you finally accept what is revealed to you, accept Gods grace…forgive yourself and begin a new with Christ at your side Send us Fan Mail
