Now that the chocolate bunnies and candy eggs are eaten, the hard-boiled eggs made into sandwich spread, and the ads on television have turned toward Mother’s Day, our culture has tidily tucked away all remnants of Easter until it returns April 9, 2023. The story of the resurrection, though, didn’t end when Jesus walked out of his grave.
Quite the opposite.
In Luke 24, after the three women discovered his tomb empty, were reminded by two angels what Jesus said would happen, and left in hysteria to tell his disciples, Jesus appeared to several in the days to come.
The disciples, who first learned of the Savior’s missing body, did not believe the women’s account. Peter, the disciple who had to see for himself, ran to the tomb, only to find remnants of the burial cloth. He wondered what had happened.
That same day two among them were walking and talking on the road to Emmaus, a village about seven miles from Jerusalem. Not recognizing the man who joined them, when he asked about their discussion, they told him what had transpired. How sad they were.
He recounted all these things had to happen for Christ to fulfill his mission. Inviting him to join them for the night, they sat down to eat. He took bread, broke it, and blessed it. Only then did they recognize him. Jesus quietly disappeared from their midst.
After that Jesus appeared to the disciples, retelling them what He had come to do. He would send what His father had promised. They were to be witnesses to all they’d seen.
Luke 24:44 (NIV) “This is what I told you while I was still with you: Everything must be fulfilled that is written about me in the Law of Moses, the Prophets, and the Psalms.”
After a time He led them to the vicinity of Bethany, raised his hands and blessed them. He then ascended into heaven before their eyes. He who had been crucified continued his ministry here on earth for what many estimate to have been at least forty days.
Witnesses to that great story continue today, more than two thousand years after the crucifixion. Have you discovered its truth?
Or is Easter tucked away for another year?