The Resurrection

The news about Jesus' resurrection didn't go viral in Jerusalem and the rest of Israel. The guards who witnessed the incident received 'hush money' from the chief priests and elders to keep their mouth shut. If ever the news broke out, the guards would spew out a fabricated lie that the disciples stole Jesus' body in the dead of the night while they were asleep (Matthew 27: 11-15).

Upon Jesus' resurrection, the disciples and the women with them experienced fear, confusion, and doubt. It was not a glorious comeback. Jesus did not come back in glory with his heavenly army. 

When the disciples actually saw Jesus, they did not immediately go out on the streets to proclaim boldly that their Master has risen. They still feared that the Jews would kill them as well.

Jesus' resurrection should have emboldened his disciples. Instead, they maintained a low profile from the public for the next seven weeks or so.

The four gospel writers wrote their versions about the state of mind of the disciples and the women with them about Jesus' resurrection. 

Matthew wrote that Mary Magdalene and other women who went to the tomb that day were scared when they saw what happened. The angel who was at the tomb calmed them. They ran away from the tomb but Jesus met them. Jesus told them not to be afraid (Matthew 28: 1-15).

Mark wrote that Mary Magdalene and other women went to the tomb to anoint Jesus' body with spices.  When they reached the tomb, it was rolled away. A young man in white robe sitting inside the tomb, told the women that Jesus has risen and will go to Galilee. The angel tried to calm them. The women trembling and bewildered ran away from the tomb (Mark 16: 1-8)

In the next verses, Mark wrote that Jesus first appeared to Mary Magdalene who then went to report it to the disciples who were mourning. They did not believe it. 

In another instance, Mark wrote that Jesus appeared to two disciples who were walking in the countryside. They also reported it to the disciples. They did not believe it either. Finally, Jesus appeared to the 11 disciples as they were eating. He scolded them for not believing the reports that he has already risen (Mark 16: 9-14).

Luke wrote that Mary reported that Jesus has risen. Peter rushed to the tomb and saw only scattered linens, a folded cloth, but no body. He was wondering what had happened (Luke 24: 10-12)

In succeeding verses, Luke wrote that Jesus finally appeared to the disciples. They were startled and frightened like they saw a ghost. Jesus said, "Why are you troubled, and why do doubts rise in your minds." To prove he has risen Jesus showed them the wounds on his hand, side and feet. The disciples felt joy and amazement yet they still could not believe it (Luke 24: 36-38).

John wrote about the doubting disciple named Thomas. He wanted to see for his own eyes the wounds of Jesus on his hands and side (John 20: 24-28).

John also wrote about disciples' encounter of the risen Jesus in the Sea of Galilee. The disciples fished the whole night and caught nothing. In the morning, with Jesus' help they caught a lot of fish. They joined Jesus at the shore to eat fish and bread (John 21: 1-13). I sense a reluctance in the disciples' minds as they interacted with Jesus because they did not dare ask him who he is 

When Jesus went up to heaven in 40 days or so, the disciples perhaps thought that they would never see him again. Although, Jesus left some instructions for them to stay in Jerusalem and promised to send help. 

Perhaps, help in the sense that they needed someone to back them up amid the trouble brought about by Jesus' killing. They also needed help to carry out Jesus' mission for them. They felt scared and clueless on how to move forward with the mission.

In seven weeks or so, the disciples would suddenly change from fearful, hiding in rooms, to fearless proclaiming boldly out in the streets that Jesus, the man they killed, has risen. Their help had finally arrived.

When Jesus went up to heaven, the Holy Spirit went down to this world. That was the plan. Jesus, while with his disciples, called the Holy Spirit parakletos or paraclete in modern terms. It means someone is called to help in a lawcourt. The word also means one who consoles. It is also known as counselor or advocate.

Throughout the century, the Holy Spirit moved to help those in need. There's a whole lot of stories from people the world over and from all walks of life who experienced that help. But it's up to us if we will welcome the Holy Spirit's help. The Holy Spirit will gladly help provided we give up our sins and idols and change for the good. 

In these trying times of the Covid-19 pandemic, we need all the help we can get to make us strong, wise and courageous no matter what unfolds before us. We're not alone. Help is always by our side and is just a prayer away.