The Confusion of the Resurrection

By RH

Here it is - Easter Sunday! All the terror, pain and suffering of Jesus is done - He is dead and in a tomb.

    As the women go to the tomb in the morning, they are worried about moving the stone away from the opening. Then, in complete surprise, they find there is no stone to move and no body in the tomb. How confusing for them.. So, they decide to go tell the Apostles. They, too, are taken by surprise.

    In order to save themselves, the soldiers fabricate a story that His followers stole Jesus’ body. The apostles are fearful and in trouble. So, they hide themselves in a room and wait. They still don’t understand what has really happened. They are confused.

    Then, at various times, Jesus makes Himself visible to them. Sometimes they don’t recognize Him - after all He is dead, why should they be looking for Him? They thought they were seeing a ghost.

    What should they be doing? Where should they go? He instructed them about many things and tried to prepare them for His death, but what did He say?Then, on the day of Pentecost, when the Holy Spirit descended upon the Apostles, they were able to remember, they were able to think clearly, they were able to summon the courage to go out and profess their faith in Jesus. It must have been a wonderful time for them when they were able to realize what they were supposed to do and say. They were able to proclaim “He is risen!” The Man they followed really is the Son of God.

    We have a tendency to celebrate Easter Sunday and forget that the Easter celebration goes on until Pentecost Sunday. During this time, too, we can let the Holy Spirit work in us and help us to clearly understand what has happened and what we are expected to do in response. God has a plan for each of us. He needs our hands and feet to continue His work here on earth. From the least to the greatest, we are all important. Wouldn’t it be good to spend some quiet time with Jesus and let Him tell you what He wants you to do?