You know that feeling the day after Easter? It's like being in the aftermath of a blockbuster movie. You're still in your seat, the credits are rolling, but you're not quite ready to leave. Maybe there's a post-credits scene hinting at a sequel, so you linger, hoping for more.
Even though the climax has passed, there's a persistent anticipation, a whisper of "what next?"
An Unpredictable Path: The Unresolved Story
Now, let's rewind to day one of the forty. Nope, not some random countdown to a hypothetical doomsday, but the forty days post-resurrection that Jesus spent on Earth, leading up to Ascension Day. Picture this: forty days of the disciples trying to make sense of the resurrected Christ amidst swirling rumors of stolen bodies. Some claimed sightings; others couldn't even fathom the possibility.
John 20:19 tells us that Jesus revealed Himself to the disciples on Easter Sunday night. Unfortunately, Thomas missed out. Poor guy had to wait a full week for his "as I live and breathe" moment. Can you imagine the agony of waiting seven more days to see Jesus for yourself? Talk about suspense!
But wait, it gets even crazier. After that, Jesus' appearances became as unpredictable as a lottery draw. Peter-the rock upon which Jesus built his church-went back to fishing! Yeah, you read that right-back to his old profession. Talk about a plot twist!
Beyond Easter: Journeying with the Resurrected Jesus
So, here's the kicker: the resurrection wasn't the grand finale for the disciples. We often overlook those crucial forty days when Jesus walked among them post-resurrection.
The greatest event in human history had unfolded, yet the story wasn't quite resolved.
While Jesus was still among them, resurrected and real, there was still a chance for the disciples to soak in His presence, to hang on His every word, to seek His guidance. The credits may have been rolling, but they weren't leaving their seats just yet. Imagine the emotional limbo of those forty days, the constant pondering of "what now?"
The disciples wouldn't find their answer until Pentecost, another ten days after the Ascension. That's fifty days of waiting, watching, praying, and wrestling with uncertainty until the Holy Spirit came upon them.
So, here's my challenge to you: let's extend the Holy Week vibe a bit longer.
Pentecost's Promise: Extending the Holy Week Experience
Picture yourself alongside those believers, navigating fifty days of introspection, anticipation, and expectancy. Dive into the post-resurrection accounts in the Gospels. From now until May 9th, be open to the possibility that Jesus could show up in your life at any moment. Heck, He might even walk through walls to do it.
Let's keep that reverential appreciation for Jesus' sacrifice burning bright, even in the aftermath of Easter. The story isn't over-it's just getting started.
And mark your calendars for May 19th. Pentecost is coming.
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Jonny Radcliff is a Youth Minister, Speaker, and National Coordinator of Resource Development at NNYM. He lives in Pennsylvania (Go Birds) with his amazing wife Sarah and their four incredible kids.