[263 words]
It has often been noted that the resurrection of Jesus had a life-altering effect upon the apostles and other disciples. Jesus had predicted that His arrest and subsequent death would cause the disciples to desert Him (Matt. 26:31) and they would be overcome with sorrow (John 16:20). They do indeed scatter—they “left Him and fled” (Matt. 26:56). They were hiding behind locked doors because they were afraid of the Jewish leadership that had seen to the death of Jesus (John 20:19).
But then something changed. Those who had scattered and once sought safety behind closed doors suddenly became undefeatable. They became world beaters. They were ready to tell anyone and everyone about this Jesus who had conquered death and cleared a path to the presence of the Father. The cowards became champions! They now realized that everything Jesus had ever said was true. They now understood that His resurrection from the dead meant that they didn’t have to be afraid of anything because He had defeated all the things that might make us afraid (death, isolation, etc.).
Seeing Jesus changed everything!
Such should be true of us as well. We won’t get to experience the same things the apostles did—no broiled fish dinners (Luke 24:42-43)—but we can still see Jesus. The Bible (not just the Gospels, but the complete canon of Scripture) reveals the Son of God to us.
As Jesus said to Thomas: “Have you believed because you have seen me? Blessed are those who have not seen and yet have believed” (John 20:29; cf. 1 Peter 1:8).
May we all see Jesus and be forever changed!
Bart Warren
S. Green St. church of Christ
Glasgow, KY