A Message After Resurrection

According to Scripture there were some 12 Appearances of Jesus in the 40 days after His Resurrection, before His Ascension. As we look at these appearances there are Messages that we see.  Everyone might see a different Message, but the heart of Christ was being revealed once more to His followers that had so terribly disappointed Him. Even as the Messages came that Jesus was alive, they doubted. Matt 28:16-17 gives us this insight: “Then the eleven disciples went away into Galilee, into a mountain where Jesus had appointed them. And when they saw Him, they worshipped Him: but some doubted.  It seemed they had difficulty recognizing Him on various occasions.  We talked about this last week: As they were fishing, Jesus called to them from the shore, it took a moment for them to recognize Him. In this we see the Patience of Jesus. Then there was Mary Magdalene the first to see Him after Resurrection, early in the morning. She began weeping because she thought someone had taken Him away. She did not recognize Him until she heard His Voice. Two thoughts here: “My Sheep know My Voice.” – He knows our Name, softly comes His voice, Mary.  He no doubt waits for her, He waits for you and for me!  He comes along side two of His Disciples who have left the city for fear and great sorrow.  They don’t recognize Him. Jesus sees their sadness and questions them as they journey along to Emmaus. He often walks with us in our moments of sorrow, and perhaps we don’t recognize Him.  He reveals Himself to them by “breaking of bread.”  And their response was: “Did not our heart burn within us, while He talked with us by the way, and while He opened to us the Scriptures?” Again we see the Patience of Jesus, His compassion, and His Love for God’s Word.  If we would respond to the Word of God in our trials, we would be comforted.  And perhaps our heart would also burn within us!  Of course we talked about Thomas and the powerful Words of Jesus to us – those who have not seen Him, but believe – we are Blessed! Jesus met with James His brother and out of that meeting came the Precious Book of James.  Paul writes about the meeting of 500 followers in 1Cor. 15:6. His final Resurrection Message to His Followers – face to face – “I send the Promise of My Father upon you: Terry ye in Jerusalem, until ye be endured with Power form on High!” O Holy Ghost burn in us.    Loving you, Pastor