Seeing The Truth

During the course of His ministry, Jesus predicted His death and resurrection in such plain terms that today we have no problem in understanding Him. And yet, it is evident the apostles did not expect His death and were greatly shocked when the event took place. They had no notion of his rising and were very slow in believing it when it was affirmed by those who had seen him.

Jesus first appeared to Mary Magdalene (Mk 16. 9; Jn 20.11-18). Yet, they refused to believe-or at least had their doubts and suspicions. They would not admit the truth of this important fact until confronted by the Lord, Himself! "On the evening of that day, the first day of the week, the doors being locked where the disciples were for fear of the Jews, Jesus came and stood among them and said to them, `Peace be with you.' When He had said this, He showed them his hands and his sides. Then the disciples were glad when they saw the Lord" (Jn 20.19-20).

We are ready to question why the apostles failed to remember Jesus had said He would rise again (Mt 27.63, Mk 8.31, Lk 18.33). But we forget that they were so overcome with His death and failed to recall the prediction so to receive any consolation. His crucifixion had put an end to their hopes and left them in a state of depression and anguish. They did not know what to make of the first reports of Jesus' resurrection. And it was not until they had proof that they dismissed their doubts.

Although one apostle was absent from that memorable event on the first day, Thomas demonstrated that the apostle were not easily duped by unsubstantiated facts. He wanted to see the evidence himself. And, Jesus accommodated him (Jn 20.24-27). Was this an act of unfaithfulness on Thomas' part? Perhaps, he spent three years with Jesus, and He admonished him for not believing (Jn 20.29).

However, God has graciously allowed us to "see" the incontrovertible evidence of His resurrection from eyewitnesses. Herein lays the evidence that Paul made known to us from the people who saw: "that he appeared to Cephas, then to the twelve. Then he appeared to more than five hundred brothers at one time, most of whom are still alive, though some have fallen asleep. Then he appeared to James, then to all the apostles. Last of all, as to one untimely born, he appeared also to me" (1 Co 15.4-9). Kevin