This week we will look at some stories of Jesus appearing to people after he rose from the dead. He had been scourged, beaten, and crucified. His body was terribly mangled. Only three days later, however, Jesus rose with no ill effects. In fact, he rose with a wonderful glorified body.
Compare this with people today recovering from the coronavirus. It takes them weeks to recover and many have issues which continue to linger. But what they experienced is nothing compared to what Jesus endured. Jesus’ glorious resurrection was truly amazing.
Just as amazing was the compassion the glorified Lord showed people.
Most of those he appeared to had failed him miserably. Take the women who saw him on Easter morning. They had gone to the tomb not because they remembered he said he would rise from the dead. No, they went to anoint his lifeless body.
Since he had told them repeatedly about his resurrection, Jesus had good reason to be disappointed with them. But he wasn’t. We read:
“Jesus met them, saying, All hail. And they came and held him by the feet, and worshipped him. Then said Jesus unto them, Be not afraid: go tell my brethren that they go into Galilee, and there shall they see me.”
Matthew 28:9-10
There’s not even a hint of reproach. Not only does Jesus tell them not to be afraid, he also gives them the important mission to tell the apostles to meet him in Galilee. He doesn’t disqualify them as being unworthy for this important mission. Neither does he put them on probation and make them prove their love for him.
He treats them tenderly and lovingly.
Herein lies a valuable lesson. Jesus loves to love us. He knows how weak we are. He knows no matter how hard we try, we will fail. That’s why he came to earth. He didn’t come to show us what we had to do to become acceptable to God. He came to do everything to make us acceptable. Jesus loved us that much.
Tomorrow we will look at Jesus coming to a group of believers on Easter evening. Don’t miss it!
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