John 20:1-23
If I had planned the post-resurrection publicity strategy, I would have done it differently than Jesus did… good thing I wasn’t in charge! Jesus didn’t show up in the temple courts and smite the unbelieving Pharisees. He didn’t overthrow the Roman oppression of his people. He didn’t hold mass campaigns to win the masses over to himself. According to 1 Cor 15, Jesus appeared to Peter, then to the twelve, then to more than 500 of the brothers. Jesus strategy was to reveal the resurrection to his followers only, and then commissioned them to spread the word and start his church.
In this passage (John 20), Peter and John came to the tomb and saw that it was empty and they went back home. Mary Magdalene had been with them and stayed at the tomb, and the two angels in the tomb appeared and spoke to her. Then she encountered Jesus – she thought he was the gardener, but he called her by name and she recognized him. That evening he appeared to the disciples when they were behind locked doors. Seems that his post-resurrection body wasn’t limited by walls, doors, or locks! When he spoke to the disciples, he told them that he was sending them, just like the Father had sent him. They were to go into the world to do his will and to accomplish the mission he assigned to them.
Being led more by Jesus: we too are sent by Jesus into the world. We aren’t here to please ourselves, but to please the Father. “Lord, may I hear from you like Jesus heard from you. And may I obey you like Jesus obeyed you and only did what he saw you doing. Build your kingdom through me! For your honor and glory, amen!”
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