How can the way the disciples reacted and copied teach us about following Jesus?
- This day was probably one of the most uncomfortable days in history for many people - the Jews and Romans were worried if he did rise from the dead and the disciples were worried if he didn't.
- We see the fear of the Pharisees of Jesus' claims of the resurrection, what is ironic is that the religious leaders took Jesus' claims more seriously that his disciples did.
- The Disciples had forgotten what Jesus had said about the resurrection in Matthew 20 v 17-19 - "17 Now Jesus was going up to Jerusalem. On the way, he took the Twelve aside and said to them, 18 “We are going up to Jerusalem, and the Son of Man will be delivered over to the chief priests and the teachers of the law. They will condemn him to death 19 and will hand him over to the Gentiles to be mocked and flogged and crucified. On the third day he will be raised to life!”" but the Pharisees did take him more seriously on this claim and they were more afraid after death than they were when he was alive.
- Ok so the disciples didn't listen very well and they were now very scared. They have been on the run and hiding since Jesus was arrested. Matthew 26 v 55-56 - " 55 In that hour Jesus said to the crowd, “Am I leading a rebellion, that you have come out with swords and clubs to capture me? Every day I sat in the temple courts teaching, and you did not arrest me. 56 But this has all taken place that the writings of the prophets might be fulfilled.” Then all the disciples deserted him and fled."
- The disciples were confused and scared, while this was an uncomfortable day for the Pharisees and Romans because of Jesus' claims, it was horrible for the disciples because they thought all was lost they saw their leader the one they proclaimed as the Messiah - die on a cross.
- But the women had faith!
- They sat across from the tomb waiting and watching.
- They too were probably scared but maybe they had a small glint of hope still left in them.
- The thing that both the disciples and Pharisees missed was that Jesus would rise from the dead and whatever precautions the Pharisees put in place God's power over death can easily move a stone. And for the disciples hiding and doubting wouldn't block it all out but Jesus would still rise from the dead.
- We all doubt and are fearful at times. But instead of hiding we need to sit and wait upon God.
- Psalm 33 v 20-22 - "20 We wait in hope for the LORD; he is our help and our shield. 21 In him our hearts rejoice, for we trust in his holy name. 22 May your unfailing love be with us, LORD, even as we put our hope in you."
- So I can't say for certain how much faith the women but they waited upon for God to do something.
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