Moments for the Heart

I could only imagine the disciples sitting around on Sunday morning. The smell of freshly brewed coffee wafting in the air, maybe some unleavened bread on the table; the unspoken talk of all that has gone on the past weekend. Their Master, the one who was supposed to change everything was dead. They witnessed it. Sure, perhaps it was from a distance, but they saw it happen. Matthew had even taken some notes about it. It was in his nature as a tax collector, to be through. The Master was gone. Buried.

Then a sudden ruckus disturbed their questions. What were Mary and Mary saying? Empty? What did they mean, the tomb that Joseph put him in was empty? Peter and John were the first to act, in a flash they were off to check on the validity of their statements. Just as the women said, they saw the stone rolled away and His clothes laid aside. Was this really happening? They had to go and tell the others.

The tomb was empty. Just as he said it would be. Countless times Jesus explained He would die and be raised. Yet just as many times he said it plainly, people ignored his proclamation. We read about it today and wonder how they could be so ignorant, but would we be so enlightened?

Jesus died. Better yet, He rose again. It was the reason He came. The disciples woke up that morning not knowing the world had changed. That empty tomb was Christ’s purpose. Jesus didn’t lose His life; He gave it up. And you and I are on the receiving end of the gift of the price He paid. Why? Because, ultimately, we were the ones who were supposed to die. Now we no longer have to succumb to that penalty. Jesus paid our tab in full.

Even today we are much like the disciples. Many don’t comprehend what Jesus had to do. They don’t see God’s love in what Jesus’ sacrifice means. Or some discount it. It is heartbreaking. If I can feel it, I can only imagine how the Lord must feel. I’m just a writer telling people about Him. Seeing Him through the light of the love He had for me to endure all He had, is remarkable.

The disciples were there. They witnessed it all. It would’ve been interesting to walk the same streets He did. To hear His stories, to look into His eyes, to feel His compassion extended. Would I have been as blinded to what was coming? Would I be like Peter who first told Him that these things would never happen, and I would stand behind Him, even to death, then deny Him just hours later? The only one we read of at the foot of the cross is John. He is given the responsibility of looking after his mom.

Whether we have been close to Him or far away, we can draw near to Him today. He is risen. He died and rose again for you and me. He chose to go to the cross. It was the only way to make right the world plagued with sin. Jesus’ death on the cross paid that price and we are now free from the penalty of sin, death. All we must do is believe it, turn from that old life of sin, and turn to Him. His Word says our sins will be forgiven and we are promised a life with Him in Heaven when we die. His life had purpose; His death had meaning.

No one was there because He had risen and is now at the right hand of the Father preparing a place for you and me when this life here is over.

Photo by Peter Herrmann on Unsplash