The Day after Crucifiction - by Tomi Hall
Good morning to you. How has God been working in your life this last week? He has really been moving in me as I have thought about the followers of Jesus the day after his crucifixion. I remember the day after my mom died, I was exhausted from the emotions and long days at the hospital, I was just going through the motions to take care of everyone else. The house was full of people and we all had that look on our faces of grief. Tears would flow while we did something, but underneath we had a hope. We knew that mom was in the presence of the Lord. Why? Because He said so and we trusted God's words.
But what about the followers after Jesus was crucified? Did they have that peace or were they just stunned? Matthew 1:21 tells us that Mary was going to have a son, "and you shall call his name Jesus, for he will save his people from their sins." Jesus himself says in John 12:47b, "I did not come to judge the world but the save the world." With those words and others by Jesus, the followers had heard over and over how He was going to save them. But did they believe it was really true? One thing is for certain, the followers did not flee Jerusalem and return to their own homes. Why? Because Jesus had said these important words in Matthew 7:22-23, 'The Son of Man is about to be delivered into the hands of men, and they will kill him, and he will be raised on the third day.' I believe that the followers were distressed but yet I believe that deep down they knew Jesus enough to know His words were going to happen as He said. The swiftness and brutality of Jesus death weighed on their hearts, but I'm sure during those days there were many discussions about all Jesus had said, repeating His words over and over, remembering that He was never wrong and He was a miracle worker. Jesus had said it and somehow He was going to save them. Do I believe they were shocked and surprised when they saw the resurrected Jesus? Oh yes for sure. But I also think that deep down they had a satisfaction in their hearts because they knew that Jesus was exactly who he said he was. Do you have that certainty? Do you know that if you die today that you will live forever with our Lord and Savior? It is as simple as telling God you believe what He says if true, and asking Him to be your Lord and Savior forever. He is who he said He Is, of that I am certain.