The Jesus Story of Hope

“The stone!  Look, the stone!  It’s been moved!  Look! Mary, look!”

Slowly.  Quietly.  Heart pounding.  The ladies enter the tomb of Jesus.

“He’s gone!”

“Not only did they beat him and made a spectacle out of him by parading him through the streets, they now have stolen his body! 

When will it ever end?  Enough!”

A man appears to the ladies in the tomb to explain what happen to Jesus.

“Wait!  It’s not what you think.  Jesus hasn’t been stolen, He is alive!”

“Alive?”  “YES!  Alive!”

“Go tell the others that Jesus will meet up with them in Galilee.”

“Go, quickly!”

“Peter!  James!  John!  Jesus is alive!  Jesus is alive!” Shouted Mary!

“Come on Mary, quit joking around.”  “We’re serious, he is alive!”  “We’ve been to the tomb.  “We spoke to a man who said that Jesus would meet up with you in Galilee.  You’ve got to believe us!”

While ten of the disciples were scolding the ladies for speaking nonsense, Peter takes off running to the tomb.  He enters the tomb and to his surprise, Jesus is gone.

“Gone?  No, it couldn’t be!  Jesus alive?  No way!”

Finally, it happens.  Jesus and the disciples meet up!  It took Jesus showing his hands and feet before they broke out in a full celebration. Oh, it was a celebration!  Worshipful celebration!

Yes, Jesus is alive! 

Doubt cripples us.  For many people, seeing is believing. The disciples were no exception to the rule when it came to doubting and lacking faith.  Although Jesus tried to prepare the disciples by giving them subtleties or straight up instruction, they either didn’t listened to the words of Jesus or comprehend what he was trying to tell them. 

Friday had a death grip on Jesus.  All seemed lost and without hope.  The words Jesus proclaimed while on the cross appeared to make no impact.  He’s gone!  However, the thugs that murdered Jesus, the disciples, and all those who either like or disliked Jesus underestimated the power of God. 

Friday was a day of hatred.  Sunday became a day of grace.

Friday was a merciless day.  Sunday became a merciful day.

Friday was a day of hopelessness.  Sunday became a day of hope 

Friday demonstrated cruelty.  Sunday demonstrated unconditional love. 

Friday was a day of suffering.  Sunday became a day of healing.

Friday Jesus died!

Sunday, Jesus resurrected!  He is alive!  Now there is hope!

Remember, Be God Controlled!

Brian