The Final Days Of Jesus. (Resurrection Sunday)

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After the darkest day in human history, and the empty, voided, silence of Saturday, Sunday dawned. Today is the dramatic conclusion of Jesus’ final week! 

Sunday, April 4th, 30 AD.

THE DISCIPLES RETREATED TO GALILEE

Sometime between the agonizing events on Friday and the glorious events on Sunday, the disciples retreated into a hole somewhere in the city. Jesus prophesied they would scatter and they did. They were bitterly afraid of the Jews (John 20:19), who had just killed their Lord and they naturally would have wondered if they were next.  

THE GUARDS AT THE TOMB

Meanwhile, back at the tomb, the Roman guards were carefully watching the grave so that no one could steal Jesus’ body and so that no one could claim that He had been raised (Matthew 27:62-65). But, early on Sunday morning, perhaps even before the sun had fully risen, an earthquake broke through the silence, and shook the stone lose that was blocking the entrance (Matthew 28:2a). The guards were thrown into a fit of panic, especially after discovering that it was an angel, sitting atop the stone in dazzling clothing, with a face like lightening, that had caused it (Matthew 28:2b). 

Matthew tells us that these men shook in fear and became as dead men, probably blacking out from the fear and shock of it all (Matthew 28:3-4). 

THE WOMEN AT THE TOMB

Not long after the guards were incapacitated, Mary Magdalene and Mary the mother of Jesus arrived at the tomb (Matthew 28:1) bringing spices to prepare His body for the inevitable decomposition it a body would experience (Mark 16:1-2). They were traveling with Johanna and some of the other dear women who were a part of Jesus’ discipleship community (Luke 24:10). As it is in certain areas today, women were much safer traveling in larger groups. 

Once they arrived, they would have seen the carnage that the earthquake left behind along with Roman troops who were still lying lifeless on the ground in front of them (Matthew 28:11). The entire scene may have looked like a warzone after the victors departed. And with the massive tombstone rolled away (Mark 16:4), it would not be difficult for any number of scenarios to flood their minds. 

John tells us that Mary Magdalene specifically weeped when she saw these things, imagining that Jesus’ body had been taken by force (John 20:11). The other women were also deeply perplexed and could not make sense of what they were seeing (Luke 24:4). Perhaps they imagined the Jews that killed Him had now stolen away His body to make a sadistic point.

As Mary continued weeping, she neared the darkened tomb, stooped and looked inside, not sure what she would find (John 20:11). The other women also joined with her, even going inside the tomb to see if they could find His body (Luke 24:3). He was not there.

As the women huddled together in the darkened tomb wondering what was happening, they were shocked to discover they were not alone! For an angel was sitting on the very spot where Jesus’ body had been laid (Mark 16:5-6). At just that moment, another angel, perhaps the one who was sitting on the stone above, also came into the tomb (Luke 24:4), which caused the women to collapse in fear (Luke 24:5). After consoling them (John 20:13), the angels showed them the spot where Christ had been laid (Mark 16:6), and reported to them that He had indeed risen from the dead (Matthew 28:6).  

The women were clearly confused. Who wouldn’t be at a time like this?

So the angel reminded them of the words that Jesus had taught them , how He would be killed at the hands of sinful men and resurrected on the third day (Luke 24:7). Jesus had mentioned these things often. And now in the dark hollow tomb, those familiar words began inciting belief in them, but they did not yet fully understand  those words yet either (Luke 24:8). They were at the moment of excitement, but still perplexed enough to be frozen in their steps. The angel went on, telling them that it was their God appointed duty, to be the first witnesses of the resurrection of Christ. They were to go and report this good news to their brothers, the disciples, who were fearfully cloistered together in the city (Matthew 28:7a). He wanted these dear sisters to go and convince their brothers to leave the city of Jerusalem and to go to Galilee where Jesus Himself would meet them (Mark 16:7). 

But, it was clear that Mary was still perplexed and broken. Perhaps she was unable in this moment to process all of the details that were coming into her. Imagine walking up on this scene, stepping over lifeless soldiers with weapons, entering the tomb of your Lord and best friend, meeting an actual angel, and then trying to process everything he told you. Our heads would have been spinning and so was her’s.

In moments like these our hearts, with all of the emotions we are feeling, need a moment to simply catch up to the data flooding our brains. 

As Mary turned away from the angels to process what was just spoken to her, she saw a man standing right in front of her, but lacked the ability in that moment to recognize Him (John 20:14). Perhaps tears were streaming from her eyes. Perhaps Jesus prevented her from seeing that it was Him. Whatever the case, she was before this man a broken woman and unsure what to do, or say, or think.

It is likely that Mary fell at this man’s feet, a sign of total humility and helplessness. While she lay below Him, Jesus spoke tenderly to her, saying: “Woman (a term of endearment), why are you weeping?” (John 20:15a). Mary responded to Him from the ground below, supposing that He was the gardener in charge of the cemetery grounds, which was a luxury only the rich could afford. She looked up at Him and words began spilling out of her, begging Him to turn over the body, if He had any idea where it was, or who had taken it (John 20:15b). 

Jesus looked intently her, and sweetly spoke her name in that good old way He always had spoken it, simply saying “Mary...” It was that one word that brought clarity flooding back into her. When those sound waves reached her ears she knew! (John 20:16a) This man was Jesus! It was her beloved, Lord! And from that humble position she cried out “Rabboni!” (meaning “my teacher!”). At the same time she wrapped her hands around his feet (John 20:16) in a beautiful moment of worship and devotion (Matthew 28:9). 

Jesus help her to her feet and gently redirected all of their excitement to the task at hand. He wanted Mary and the other women to be His witnesses. To report this news to His brothers (John 20:17-18) so that all of them could meet with Him together in Galilee (Mark 16:7). 

After seeing Jesus alive, they left with an incredible amount of excitement and joy. Perhaps it was greater than they had never felt before (Matthew 28:8; John 20:18). From the tomb, they rushed back to tell to the men. 

THE GUARDS COME TO THEIR SENSES

After the women swiftly left, the lifeless guards awoke, and realized the tomb was now empty. In perfect horror, they fled into the city to report these events to the Jewish leaders (Matthew 28:11) trying to get out in front of things to save their own lives. Normally an event like this would cause a troop of soldiers to be killed on the spot. But doing this would have confirmed their account, and would have signaled to the entire city that Christ lived and was resurrected. This would have been disastrous for the Jewish council, who led the city with an iron religious fist.

Instead of recognizing that Jesus had in fact been raised from the dead, which should have led to repentance, their foolish hearts were darkened and they switched into damage control. Sensing their unique dilemma, they paid the soldiers off (the ancient equivalent of an NDA) and began disseminating a false report throughout the city that Jesus’ body was stolen (Matthew 28:11-13). Matthew even tells us that the rumor survived several decades after the events and was still being spread around the time he was writing his Gospel.

The leaders also promised to protect the vulnerable soldiers from the death penalty, should their governor find out, but they could never share what really happened on that Sunday morning (Matthew 28:13). 

The religious leaders were so blind in their sin, not even an empty tomb, an earthquake, and an attacking angel from God would cause them to repent and turn from their sin. 

A NOTE ABOUT THE WITNESS OF WOMEN

As the women ran back to meet the brothers, they did so in a world where they were not considered credible witnesses. They were not allowed to testify in a court of law, and they would have never been trusted to relay such an important message. And the King of kings, the sovereign Lord, entrusted this dear sisters to be His first Gospel heralds. The irony of redemption in Christ’s Kingdom is breath taking.

It is also a curious feature that this event was honestly recorded. The disciples, who knew the culture, would have known that this was a scandalous detail. Think about it, what man in that culture would sit down to write an important work, which features himself and other men hiding in fear, while being confronted with the courage of a women. The only way that happens at that time and in that place is if the account was true and they recorded it just like it happened. They would not have made that detail up. They would have written themselves as the heroes if they did.

But thankfully they kept this detail in, primarily because it was true. And, perhaps, also to show the world the tender view that Jesus had towards women. He had female disciples in His community. He spoke kindly to them. Called them out of their sins. And invited them, side by side with men, to join in His brand new Kingdom. Not as second class citizens. But as full members!

THE WOMEN SHARE THE GOSPEL

As Mary and the other women burst through the secret hideout where the men staying, they probably needed a moment to catch their breath. As soon as real words could be uttered they began enumerating the report about the empty tomb and resurrection. But, the disciples did not believe them (Mark 16:10-11). In fact, the report sounded like nonsense to them (Luke 24:9-11). 

Mary specifically appeals to Peter (Mark 16:7), the de facto leader of the group, urging him to believe her testimony. Of the two components in her presentation, it is clear that He does not yet believe that Jesus is alive and raised, but after considering the likelihood that someone had stolen the body, the empty tomb became a real fear for him (Luke 24:12) and caused Him to return. 

As Peter hastily got up to investigate this, the rest stayed behind, supposing Peter may be traveling to his doom. John does, however, tell us that another unnamed disciple went with him, which most believe was John Himself. For clarity, that is what we will assume as well. Therefore, Peter and John left the others and ran as quickly as they could to investigate the empty tomb together. 

PETER AND JOHN AT THE TOMB

After running back to the tomb, both men arrive (John 20:3) by mid morning, with John arriving first (John 20:4). This is not a comment on Peter’s age, because he is not even 25 years old at this point. This is more a comment on the trustworthiness of John’s eyewitness testimony. He is writing this particular Gospel and presenting Himself as a credible and trustworthy witness. He arrived first. He saw it. And then the leader of the disciples, Peter, came in and verified what he was seeing.

When John arrived at the tomb, there were no guards there, since they were long gone at this point, enjoying their bribe money, while rumors were already filling the city that someone had stolen the body. Even being here must have been dangerous for them, because they would have been prime suspects in the investigation.

resting against the outer wall of the tomb, John stoops to catch His breath and sees the linen garments lying in the spot where Jesus laid (John 20:6). When Peter arrived, he also saw the linens (Luke 24:12), and then became the first man to enter the tomb (John 20:6). 

Once inside, He discovered the face cloth that covered the Lord’s face. It was lying off to the side as by deliberate intention (John 20:7). One can assume that Peter calls out to John, at this point, so that he too may evaluate what he was seeing. John enters, saw what Peter had found, and then John believed (John 20:8), though not yet in full (John 20:9, 11).

It seems the two departed rather quickly, amazed and wondering what had happened (Luke 24:12), but likely too afraid to investigate the matter further. So, in a moment they were off, to report this news to all the others.

THE TWO WALKING

Once Peter and John arrived, the group had two independent lines of evidence that the tomb was empty. But, with Peter and John having no proof for the resurrection, the room was divided along gender lines (Luke 24:24). Things could not be more confusing. 

Some time later, two men inside the room decided to leave their hideout and return back to their hometown of Emmaus (Luke 24:13). This was about 7 miles north of Jerusalem and they wanted to get home before dark. This may have been dangerous, since the discipleship community of Jesus would have been public enemy number 1. But, with all of the debates and confusing things they were hearing in that room, they likely needed to get away from the group for a little while and process the situation in peace. Plus, life had to move on at some point.

As they walked along, suddenly Jesus came up behind them on the road (Luke 24:14-15). Just as Mary did not recognize Him at the tomb, so they did not recognize Him during their travels. The text tells us that their eyes were even prevented from seeing who He really was  (Luke 24:16), so they walked along in ignorance. 

As they continued along, Jesus engaged them and inquired about what they were speaking about when He walked up to them (Luke 24:17). This shocked the two men, wondering how it was possible that anyone could be so ignorant of these events who lived near Jerusalem. Perhaps they even wondered if this traveler had been living under a rock. 

The one man, who is named in the account (Cleophas), responded to Jesus: “Are You the only one visiting Jerusalem, who is unaware of the things which have happened here in these days?” After Jesus inquired further, Cleophas responded with a summary of the last 72 hours. He also indicated that both the women and two disciples had reported back to their group, but they could not understand the data and were heading home (Luke 24:17-24).  

It was then that Jesus rebuked them (Luke 24:25), challenging them with the entire Old Testament Scriptures that pointed to the messiah, His death, and resurrection (Luke 24:26-27). This Bible study, on their walk home, invigorated them and caused their hearts to burn within them (Luke 24:32). Maybe what the women had said could be true?

But they were still prevented from recognizing Him. 

When the two men arrived at their destination, a couple of hours later, it appeared like Jesus would be going on ahead of them. Instead, they urged Him to stay the night, since it would be dark in a few hours and traveling at night was dangerous (Luke 24:29). Plus, they wanted to hear more of His teaching, so Jesus accepted. 

During the meal that night, in the same manner that He had done in the upper room on Friday, Jesus reclined at the table, took the bread, blessed it, broke it, and distributed it to them. In that moment, their eyes were opened and they knew that they were sitting face to face with the Risen Lord! (Luke 24:30-31)

The moment they recognized Him, Jesus vanished from their sight, and they fled immediately back to the city, even though it was nighttime, to tell everyone about it (Luke 24:34-35). 

THE DISCIPLES REFUSE TO BELIEVE THEM 

When they arrived the disciples were not expecting visitors and must have been afraid to hear the knock at the door. With the threat of the Jewish leaders breaking down their door at any moment, any stirrings outside the room would have been especially terrifying to them. It was at this point, the two returned and after everyone recovered from their panic attack, they began sharing their account. 

Normally, if two male witnesses agreed about something, and shared it with others, their account would have seemed credible. But given the fantastical nature of the news, the others struggled to believe it (Mark 16:12-13)

JESUS APPEARS TO THE UNBELIEVING DISCIPLES

While they were still relaying the account to the unbelieving group, Jesus appeared in their midst (Luke 24:36) They were so startled and frightened by the spectacle, they believed Him to be a ghost (Luke 24:37). 

Jesus quelled their doubts by showing them His real physical wounds  (Luke 24:38-40) and also by eating some food right in front of them (Luke 24:41-43). Since popular legend established that spirits do not have physical bodies, and therefore could not actually eat, Jesus easily proved He was not a ghost in these two credible ways. 

He also opened up the Old Testament for them and showed them all the places that were there concerning Him from Genesis to Malachi. The text tells us that He had to open up their minds before they could even understand it (Luke 24:44-46), but once He did they eagerly accepted Him and rejoiced because of Him (John 20:20). 

EASTER COMES TO A CLOSE

The events of Easter began early on Sunday morning at an empty tomb. The body was gone. The Roman guards were paralyzed. The women were perplexed and broken. The Jewish leaders were lying and spreading misinformation. And the disciples were cowering in fear and confusion.

But, by the end of the day on Sunday, all of His followers were together again, worshipping Him in an upper room, and experiencing those first beautiful hours of His eternal everlasting Kingdom.

In the days ahead, they would all meet up in Galilee (Mark 16:7), an 80 mile journey northward. Jesus would commission them to take the Good News of His resurrection to the entire world (Matthew 28:18-20) and to teach everyone they shared it with to do the same. He would command them to return to Jerusalem and wait for the coming of His Holy Spirit (Luke 24:49). 

And… Eight days after His resurrection He would appear to the only disciple who had not yet seen Him. That disciple, though known as a doubter, when confronted with the reality of the resurrection would make the most explicit declaration ever uttered by human lips.

Thomas the doubter, became Thomas the believer, with five simple but powerful words: “My Lord and my God!” (John 20:28)

This is what Easter is. Standing before the risen Christ, humbled in our frailty, and awed by His majesty. And it is my prayer, that anyone reading these events, would proclaim right along with Thomas, that He really is YOUR Lord and YOUR God! 

Thank you to everyone who has been reading these devotionals. I hope they have blessed you as much as writing them has blessed me. My prayer is that we would bow to Christ as true King. Live our lives as faithful and joyful citizens. Advance His Kingdom here on earth. And eagerly await our King’s triumphant return!

24 Now to Him who is able to protect you from stumbling, and to make you stand in the presence of His glory, blameless with great joy, 25 to the only God our Savior, through Jesus Christ our Lord, be glory, majesty, dominion, and authority before all time and now and forever. Amen. - Jude 24-25