Hope in the Bible: Jesus Raises from the Grave

We all need hope and the greatest hope comes in Jesus Christ.  He provided hope for his followers when he rose from the grave.

The other day, we discussed how uncertain times were for the disciples and women who followed Jesus. He had been crucified and was gone. Their hearts heavy as they celebrated the sabbath.

Mary Magdalene and some of the other women head to the tomb to anoint his body. On the walk to the tomb, they ask “Who will roll the stone away?” {Mark 16:3}

Imagine their surprise, when they arrived and the stone was rolled away. “When they entered, they did not find the body of the Lord Jesus.”  {Luke 24:2}

Two men {angels} appear and ask “Why do you look for the living among the dead?  He is not here; he has risen!”  {Luke 2:5-6}

Can you imagine how fast they ran to tell the disciples. Peter and John wasted no time in going to see for themselves.

They are reminded of Jesus words and “then they remembered”. {Luke 2:7-8}

Their loss has turned to joy and hope at the discovery that Jesus has risen from the grave.

Over the course of the next forty days, Jesus appears to many.

These include:

• Mary Magdalene {Mark 16:9-11; John 20:11-18}
• Two followers on Road to Emmaus {Luke 24:13-35; Mark 16:12-13}
• Eleven in Upper Room  {Mark 16:14; John 20:19-23}
• Thomas and the Disciples  {John 20:24-29}
• The Disciples Fishing {and Reinstates Peter}    {John 21}
• The Disciples and Great Commission {Luke 24:36-49; Mark 16:15-20}
• Over 500   {1 Corinthians 15:6}
• James {his brother}   {1 Corinthians 15:7}

There are many more appearances than we have account of. “After his suffering, he presented himself to them and gave many convincing proofs that he was alive.”  {Acts 1:3}

Before Jesus ascends to heaven, “ Then he opened their minds so they could understand the Scriptures.”  {Luke 24:45}

Jesus ascended into heaven where he sits at the right hand of God. {Mark 16:19}

Through his death and resurrection, we have the promise of eternal life with him.  All we have to do is accept his gift and ask him into our hearts. {John 3:16-18}

Jesus lives within us, as we continue to follow the disciples example of continuous praise and worship.   {Luke 24:53}

But, we have the promise of hope that one day he will return.  “This same Jesus, who has been taken from you into heaven, will come back in the same way you have seen him go into heaven.”  {Acts 1:11}

He Alive and Joy comes in the morning and hope continues to reign!