Thank you for the end of this story. Thank you that it does not end in a death, but in a risen life, and a continuance of that life. Thank you that you loved us so much that you went through the valley of death so that we would have to walk through only the valley of the shadow of death. Thank you!
Love,
Matthew 28:1-20; Mark 16:1-20; Luke 24:1-53; John 20:1-31
So these women go to bury you properly, but you're not there. And there are angels. and earthquakes. And guards acting like dead men. And conspiracies afterwords to get the guards out of trouble.
The women don't know what to make of all of this, they tell the disciples who don't really believe them--but John (?) and Peter go to see with Mary. The tomb is empty. The linen and stuff is all nicely folded. The men leave, but Mary stays. The angels reappear, and then Jesus himself comes. How amazing would that be!! I mean, I've seen enough shows where the guy who was thought to be dead is actually alive, and just the joy and amazement of the discovery always sends chills up my arms.
And I absolutely love this story of you talking to the two disciples on the road. (how did you keep your scars hidden?) hehe and there's so many stories like this. Jesus appeared to about 500 people. that's a lot of stories.
Ermm.. wow, It's kinda interesting. A lot of people are like, Easter's over, that was good. But Jesus didn't ascend till over a week later. So right now is the most unique week of the history of the world: Jesus risen, but not ascended, establishing a new covenant, revealing how things work. How things led up to his crucifixion, etc. I've never really thought of the space of time between easter and the ascension. :-) Interestante.
Go. I am with you!