His appearance was like lightning, and his clothes were white as snow. The guards were so afraid of him that they shook and became like dead men. The angel said to the women, "Do not be afraid, for I know that you are looking for Jesus, who was crucified. He is not here; he has risen, just as he said. Come and see the place where he lay. Then go quickly and tell his disciples: 'He has risen from the dead and is going ahead of you into Galilee. There you will see him.' Now I have told you."
Matthew 28:3-7
This is the tremendous climax to the life of Jesus! He is risen from the dead! Just as his birth was announced by angels, so also his resurrection from the dead.
The angels were so shiny and amazing that the guards passed out. The women also were afraid but the angels told them not to fear.
Then the eleven disciples went to Galilee, to the mountain where Jesus had told them to go. When they saw him, they worshiped him; but some doubted.
Matthew 28:16-17 NIV
The authenticity of the Bible shines through in moments like this. It mentions that some doubted. A made up story would not include such points. This is the exciting climax where Jesus meets with his disciples after rising from the dead! A made up story would say that all the disciples believed and lived happily ever after. But the gospel narratives tell it just like it happened: women first saw Jesus and some of the disciples doubted :)
But Jesus didn't rebuke their doubt. He continued to love them and call them to follow.
Thank you Jesus for your great power and love!
Are we continuing in Mark tomorrow?
ReplyDeleteYes, on to Mark! :)
DeleteYes, on to Mark!
ReplyDelete