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2. Jesus appears to the disciples in the upper room (John 20:19-23)
JOHN 20:20
20 When he had said this, he showed them his hands and his side. The disciples therefore were glad when they saw the Lord.
Christ’s resurrection is the evidence that reconciliation with God is achieved. God did not leave His Son in the grave, nor did he expel him for our sins which he bore. He accepted the spotless sacrifice, he arose victor over the grave, and lived in perfect harmony with his Father. He, moreover, accepted the cross, not doing other than his Father’s will. The cross was the purpose of his coming, and it is the means of ransoming the world. So how do some say Jesus did not die on the cross?
Christ showed that he was not a phantom or a hidden spirit. He showed them the nail prints in the palms of his hand. He displayed his side for them to see the mark of the spear that pierced him. They saw the nail-prints and were persuaded that the one standing among them was not a strange godlike creature, but the Crucified himself. The Lamb of God is the conqueror. The slain One overcame death.
Little by little, the disciples began to perceive that Jesus was no specter or shadow, but a true person present with them. His new mode of being was the source of their joy. It is to our good that we believe and perceive that Jesus is the living Lord, risen from the dead. We are not deserted orphans. Our Brother in union with his Father and the Holy Spirit rules the universe for ever.
The disciple’s joy grew as a result of Christ’s victory over death. Since then, he became a living hope for us who are perishing. The open grave is not our end, but his life is ours. As he who is worthy of glory put it, "I am the Resurrection and the Life. He who believes in me, though he be dead, shall live. And he that lives and believes in me, shall never die."
When the disciples realized that Jesus forgives their sins, they rejoiced all the more. He assures us his atonement was totally adequate for the forgiveness of our sins. So now we have peace with God through his death.
Do you share in their joy at Easter? Do you bow before the Risen One, since he is present, grants you hope and guarantees your pardon? Jesus is alive, and joy is our portion. Therefore, the apostle Paul addresses the Church thus, "Rejoice in the Lord always, and again I say rejoice. Let your gentleness be known to all. The Lord is near."
PRAYER: Lord Jesus, we exult and thank you, for you alone are our hope and have granted us meaning for our lives. Your wounds justify us and your existence grants us life. Let your Kingdom come, and your victory be realized, so that many may rise from death to sin and live to glorify your Resurrection.
QUESTION:
- Why did the disciples rejoice?