I can now greet you from the other side of Easter, hoping you have experienced something of the joy of that day from attending a service, reading something in a book or online, or listening to a Radio or TV programme in the last few days.
I have continued to think about Jesus’ disciples and their reaction to all that was happening to their Master. In the gospels of Matthew, Mark, and Luke there is no mention of named disciples standing near the cross as Jesus is crucified though all mention the presence of women, Mary his mother, Mary Magdelene and others, and Luke talks about his “acquaintances” being there. In the gospel of John, we learn that John, the beloved disciple is present, and received from Jesus the commission to look after Jesus’ mother in the years to come.
On thing is very clear in this period of Jesus’ death and resurrection – the disciples remained close to one another, meeting together regularly and probably lodging together, as they struggled to understand and cope with all that was going on. Having wept bitterly over his denial of Jesus as dawn broke on Friday, Peter remains in close touch with other disciples and runs to the tomb on Easter Sunday morning after he hears the women’s news, being outrun by John who gets to the empty tomb first. The women know where the disciples are and go straight to them with news of Jesus’ resurrection.
In John’s gospel we read that Jesus appeared to the disciples on that first Easter Sunday evening, “when they were together, with the doors locked, for fear of the Jews” and said to them ” Peace be with you” showing them his hands and his feet. A week later he comes to them again when Thomas is present.
When Jesus meets them on the shore of Lake Galilee, 7 disciples are present- not all of them were fishermen who would have chosen a fishing expedition to clear their heads. But the 11 stay together, and elect a twelfth to join them when, back in Jerusalem, they await the promised Holy Spirit. How much they must have needed one another during this turbulent time. They were digesting the most significant event in history and it wasn’t something they could do without each other. The women join them on occasions and together they pray expectantly. It must have been terrifying and exciting, moving and challenging, and they faced it together.
The disciples of Jesus live in very challenging times today, 2,000 plus years later. Let us, like those first disciples, meet often together, pray together, and support one another as we strive to make Jesus known. Dear Lord Jesus. We thank you for the gospel accounts of what happened to your disciples as you died and rose again. May we learn from them and prioritise seeking to have fellowship with other Christians