How I Would Have Handled the Resurrection
Sep 9, 2019 4795
There are many things that are odd about the resurrection of Jesus, but then again there were many things that are odd about his ministry and his death. That’s because Jesus never seemed to do things the way other people expected him to.
If I had been Jesus on that Sunday morning, I would have first of all summoned Caiaphas, the Chief Priests, and the whole Sanhedrin. And I would have said to them, “Here I am, losers!”
Then I would have given Pilate a little visit to see how he reacted at this opportunity to renew our acquaintance.
After that, perhaps I would have gone to the centre of power, Rome itself, and announced myself as the new ruler of the world. If that had happened, today there would probably be no-one who would doubt that Jesus rose from the dead. Whether they liked Jesus or not would be another matter.
But it didn’t happen that way, because I’m not Jesus. And the world should be very grateful that I’m not.
There are many things that are odd about the resurrection of Jesus
The resurrection appearances are really quite so odd. Some sceptics have looked at them and concluded that the resurrection itself should be questioned, because Jesus doesn’t behave the way they think he should. Let’s look at Christ’s first resurrection appearances.
After his resurrection, Jesus appeared first to Mary Magdalene, who was heartbroken and weeping along at the tomb (John 20:1-2, 17-18; Mark 16:9-11). With great compassion he revealed himself to her and told her to announce his resurrection to the other disciples.
Then Jesus appeared to the rest of the woman who had visited the tomb and who were terrified because they had seen the stone rolled away and had heard the message of the angels who were there (Matt 28:8-10).
Jesus also appeared to Cleopas and to another unnamed disciple was they were walking dejectedly to Emmaus to (Luke 24:13-35; Mark 16:12-13; Luke 24:34.) They were depressed about what had happened and they didn’t believe what the women had said. However, Jesus walked with them and patiently taught them and in the end, they recognised him.
Jesus is more interested in telling his disciples that he loves them than in telling others that they are wrong
Jesus also had a one-on-one with Peter (Luke 24:34) who was not together with the other disciples. This was probably because he didn’t consider himself worthy of being with them after his betrayal of the Lord.
That same day, the Lord appeared to the disciples, although Thomas wasn’t with them, and gently convinced them that it was he himself and that he had risen (Matt 24:33-49). Eight days later, Jesus appeared to the disciples again while Thomas was with them, and he encouraged the disbelieving Thomas to accept that he had risen.(John 20:26).
What does all this tell us? Jesus was more interested in comforting his downhearted followers than proving that he was alive. Jesus was more interested in telling his disciples that he loved them than in telling others that they had been wrong. Jesus is more interested in being in the centre of his love than in the centre of power.
Now, that’s a resurrection I can believe in! That is a Saviour I can trust!
Idoko Daniel Agbichi
Sep 19, 2019
Am really enjoying the daily devotional. Thanks for the soul enriching teachings.
David Sampson
Sep 18, 2019
I am so much delighted to have this great undiluted truth this morning. Though we don't have the behaviour and character of Jesus Christ completely in our lives, but believing in His word and trusting in Him still bringing us closely to the salvation. I need more of this undiluted truth and prayers every day in my life to draw me closer to our Lord and savior Jesus Christ. Thanks so much for this great message and may the oil of God Almighty never run dry in your life. Thank you once again and God bless you.
Evette mc Gaw
Sep 18, 2019
Thank you for daily devotions it strenghtens my faith in Jesus may God continue to bless and guide you always.
Siniva Naime
Sep 17, 2019
I am so thankfully that I have subscribed to receiving your daily devotional message. This is my first week of receiving your message and they are very inspiring messages. To God be the Glory.
Eliezer Gonzalez
Sep 16, 2019
You're welcome, Hennie. I'm glad you are being built up in Christ. - Eliezer
Sonia
Sep 15, 2019
Such a wonderful reminder of how humble our saviour Jesus Christ is
Pauline
Sep 15, 2019
He lives. He lives . Christ Jesus jesus lives today. You ask me how l know He live?!- He lives within my heart. I serve a risen savior Jesus. He is in the world ? today. I know that he is living, whatever men my say . !!!! Amen ?. Even today we need men like of GNunlimited to believe that Christ was risen, and in that . Feed on his word daily to still believe. I
FLAVIANO JR MOSQUERA
Sep 15, 2019
Thank you for the daily inspiration that you shared. this is very enlightening. To God be the Glory
Hennie De Wijn
Sep 15, 2019
Thank you, Eli, for today's and every day's Devotional, it is so inspiring and I look forward to them every day. Last week was also the first time I joined your Friday evening Bible study on facebook. Thank you for all the learning and enjoying the Scriptures through this media. Bless you Hennie (MH)
Nkwenti Moma
Sep 22, 2019
Thank you for the devotion which enlightens my soul and spirit and it inspires me.