Jesus’ appearance strengthened those he spent time with during the short time before his homegoing to heaven. His encounters offered proof to the skeptics and opportunity to reconnect with his loved ones powerfully and compassionately. He resolved unfinished business. There was confusion about the meaning of the kingdom of God. Previous notions left the people looking for an earthly political or military kingdom. Not so. God’s kingdom is his spiritual reign for the transformation of lives through the empowering of the Holy Spirit. This awaited them in Jerusalem. Would they ignore his charge and miss out? No! They listened and complied.

The Christ-followers scattered and left Jesus alone when he was arrested (Matthew 26:31 ESV). After his death, they were fearful and confused, unsure of what or who to trust about all the recent events. However, that evening, the day of Jesus’ resurrection, some of the disciples hid in the familiar upper room behind locked doors. They feared the Jewish leaders might persecute them like they had Jesus and bring charges against them.

After the Sabbath, the first day of the week dawned. An angel of the Lord appeared to Mary Magdalene and Mary the mother of James by the tomb where Jesus had been buried. The angel told the women to let Jesus’ disciples know that he was alive, and that Jesus would see them in Galilee.

But in fact Christ has been raised from the dead… (1 Corinthians 15:20 ESV).