Alot of us these days have a tendency to forget that the story of Jesus didn’t end on Resurrection Sunday. As a matter of fact, Acts 1:3 tells us that our Lord was on this earth another 40 days before finally heading off to Heaven for good.
Acts 1:3 To these He also presented Himself alive after His suffering, by many convincing proofs, appearing to them over a period of forty days and speaking of the things concerning the kingdom of God.
Sunday alone He appeared to quite a few. Mary Magdalene at the tomb early that morning. And the women as they went on their way. According to 1 Corinthians 15:5 He seems to have managed to squeeze Peter in some time that morning as well.
… and that he appeared to Peter (Cephas), and then to the Twelve.
Most of us can recall that during that same day He suddenly appeared to and starting walking with the 2 men on the road to Emmaus. Then, that evening, He appeared to the disciples (Judas was now dead) who were hiding out in the upper room.
Eight days later, He appeared to them again in the same place. Then, they all headed to Galilee. Where they saw Him a few more times. Lots of folks had a chance to see him:
Then he appeared to more than five hundred brothers at one time, most of whom are still alive, though some have fallen asleep. Then he appeared to James, then to all the apostles. 1 Cor. 15:6-7
When I see churches with Jesus still on the cross, it saddens me. The story certainly did not end there. He had a great 40 days of popping in and out, eating bread and fish, teaching and just enjoying those He loved. I think that’s the part of Easter I sometimes like to remember most.
Just my thoughts, yours?
S.
