After the Resurrection

Matthew 28:5-7
And the angel answered and said unto the women, Fear not ye: for I know that ye seek Jesus, which was crucified.  He is not here: for He is risen, as He said.  Come, see the place where the Lord lay.  And go quickly and tell His disciples that He is risen from the dead; and, behold, He goeth before you into Galilee; there shall ye see Him: lo, I have told you.

The story of Easter doesn’t end with Christ coming out of the tomb.  Instead, the  Gospels of  Matthew, Mark, Luke and John all tell us of exciting events that occurred after the resurrection as Christ appeared unto His own.

In their sorrow and grief Mary Magdalene and the other ladies went to the tomb to anoint the body of Jesus with spices, but theywere filled with confusion and despair when they did not find His body there.  In that time and place of uncertainty Christ came to them with reassurance and comfort. 

That evening when the disciples sat in a locked room fearing those who might kill them because they had been followers of Jesus, He miraculously appeared to them and brought them peace and joy.  Eight days later Christ again appeared to accommodate unbelieving Thomas who had not been present on that evening.  With His very presence Jesus dispelled all doubt and Thomas believed.

On another day, two of  Christ’s disciples walked and talked on the way to Emmaus.  When their logic failed them Christ Himself came along beside them and explained from the Scriptures the mystery of His death and resurrection.

Several of the eleven disciples went back to fishing.  When their own self efforts couldn’t produce a catch, Jesus appeared on the shore and told them to cast their nets on the right side of the boat.  Their nets were filled.  Their needs were met.

Finally, Jesus gathered His disciples and instructed them to tell others what He had done in their lives.  He told them to preach and teach all nations.  And to equip and empower them, He gave them the promise of His ever-abiding presence.  Then He ascended into Heaven before their eyes.

In all of these instances, Christ knew exactly where His disciples were and He knew what they were facing.  Sorrow, grief, despair, confusion, fear, doubt, uncertainly, situations that don’t make sense, failed efforts . . . He understands them all.  His resurrection was their consolation and hope.  Let it be yours as well.

Lord, in these days following our Easter celebration, I pray that You will meet Your disciples right where we are in this moment.  Help us to find comfort in Your presence and supply for our deepest needs.

By Ann Shorb
©Copyright Ann Shorb, 2006

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Related articles and devotionals:
God's Requirements
Fix Your Eyes On Jesus
Bearing Fruit
Ask and You Shall Receive

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