November 19

Jesus' Resurrection and Appearances - Matthew 28:1-15; Mark 16:1-14; Luke 24:1-44; John 20:1-29, 21:1-24; Final Instructions and Ascension - Matthew 28:16-20; Mark 16:15-20; Luke 24:45-53; Acts 1:6-26; Conclusion to the Gospel Accounts - John 20:30-31, 21:25

What I got when I googled the image "John wins the race to the tomb." So I guess there are no pictures.

In contrast to His trial, crucifixion and death, there are some light, heartwarming moments during His appearances among His followers. I think Jesus is having fun now. And, because of Him, shouldn't we all?

Here are some of the moments that I think are fun. It is powerful that the women are the first to see Him risen. There is Peter and John's foot race to the tomb [won by John as he points out]. Jesus walking on the road to Emmaus with Cleopas and another - so he appears to women and non-apostles first - and they don't even know who He is until He breaks the bread [flashback to the Lord's supper]. He appears to Peter alone apparently and there is no descriptive record of that meeting...but you wonder if it was a private moment where Peter confessed his sorrow and over the denial and asked for forgiveness? What would have been Peter's first words to Christ alone?

Then there's His appearances to the whole group - and His moment with Thomas. Then, by the Sea of Tiberias in a sort of a reenactment of the scene when Christ called them years ago to be fishers of men, He tells them to cast their nets on the other side while they are fishing. There are so many fish they can't haul in their nets and Peter knows, "It is the Lord!" Then Jesus has a breakfast of fish cooked over a fire on the shore...what an intimate moment captured with the Christ. Then there is the ascension before many.

Jesus didn't just appear briefly or for a day and then head off to heaven. He appeared over a long period of time - 40 days - to different people in different situations - walking, eating, fishing, locked in a room. He spent time with them. Again, there is not enough detail revealed for my liking. I want to know every, every minute what happened and what people thought when Christ was there. John anticipates me and says the world couldn't contain that book. Yeah, but a few more details would have been nice. I am jealous of those who saw Him and had the faith to follow Him.

Speaking of those who witnessed and followed, what about the selection of Matthias? Why was it so important to have 12 apostles? Just to fulfill prophesy or keep up the symbolism - 12 tribes, 12 apostles? Was there any more practical reason? Because there were witnesses beyond the 12. So what happened to Joseph-Barsabbas-Justus who wasn't selected and what happened to Matthias who was? How would the Gospel of Justus or Matthias read?

Lord knows...and I'd like to, too.