God's Story: After the Tomb

So part of God’s story is about what happened in the forty days after Jesus came back to life, and it goes like this.

Remember when Jesus came to earth, healed people, taught people about the Kingdom of God and then died for the punishment we deserve? And then how he came back to life?! It’s all true. That really happened. But it took some time for Jesus’ followers to hear this Good News.

Like two men who were walking together to a place called Emmaus. It was the same day that Jesus’ tomb had been found empty, but they didn’t know this. All they knew was Jesus had just died. And they were sad and confused because they had thought he would save their people and change everything. And they were scared because they had no idea what to expect now that he was gone.

They had heard that some women went to Jesus’ tomb, but he wasn’t in it. Instead there were angels, and they told them, “He’s not here. He is risen!”! But these were all still just stories to the two men.

As they walked and talked, another man appeared and began walking beside them. It was Jesus, but they didn’t recognize him. The man asked them what they were talking about. They couldn’t believe this stranger didn’t know what had just happened in Jerusalem. It was the biggest news in the land. So they told this man about Jesus. How he had been a great teacher and prophet, how he had healed people, but then was arrested and killed.

They walked and talked with Jesus for the rest of the day, still not recognizing that they were talking to Jesus. In fact, it wasn’t until dinner that they realized it was him. And as soon as they did, Jesus was gone. Just...disappeared.

The two men didn’t waste any time getting back to Jerusalem to tell their friends what had happened. They found them hiding together, with all the doors locked and the windows shut tight. See, after Jesus was killed, it was dangerous to be known as his disciple. So they were scared.

But the two men told them that the rumors were true. Jesus had risen and they had seen him, talked to him and eaten with him! And as they were telling this story, Jesus appeared to the disciples again. Even though the doors and windows were locked. Maybe they thought they were seeing a ghost. Maybe some of them weren’t even sure it was him. But Jesus knew their doubts and told them, “See my hands. Reach out your hand and put it into my side. Stop doubting and believe.”

This was the same Jesus they knew. The same Jesus they had watched teach crowds and heal people. He was real. Not a ghost. Not a dream. It was Jesus and he was right there with them.

But this wasn’t the last time Jesus would appear to his friends. Later, Peter and some of the other disciples went to the Sea of Galilee. They stayed up all night long fishing, but didn’t catch a single thing. In the morning, a man called to them from the shore. “Do you have any fish??”.

Now this was Jesus, but just like before, the disciples didn’t recognize him. When they told this stranger that, no, in fact they hadn’t caught any fish at all, he told them, “Throw your net on the right side of the boat and you will find some.” They did as he said and immediately, the net was completely full of fish.

Right then, one of the disciples in the boat, John, knew that he was seeing Jesus. He Peter jumped in the water and got to shore as fast as he could. When he got there, there was a fire with bread and fish on the hot coals. There, the disciples and Jesus ate breakfast together, just like they had before. And they all knew without a doubt that this was Jesus.

After this, Jesus appeared to over 500 people. And later, the Bible says Jesus was taken up into heaven. But just because Jesus wasn’t on earth with his friends didn’t mean they were alone. Jesus had told them he would leave, but he also said he would send the Holy Spirit to be with them. And that one day, he WILL come back and make everything new.

And THAT’s the story of what happened after the tomb.

So in case you missed it, here’s the quick version: Jesus died. He came back to life. He spent time with his friends. He was taken up into heaven. He sent His Holy Spirit. And he’ll be back again.

And THAT is a part of God’s story.

Видео God's Story: After the Tomb канала Crossroads Kids' Club