Three lives that Resurrection changed everything! 
by thebaileydrink
Matt. 28:8-10 – So they went out quickly from the tomb with fear and great joy, and ran to bring His disciples word. And as they went to tell His disciples, behold, Jesus met them, saying, “Rejoice!” So they came and held Him by the feet and worshiped Him. Then Jesus said to them, “Do not be afraid. Go and tell My brethren to go to Galilee, and there they will see Me.”

The followers of Jesus were really caught by surprise by His death. Even though He had spoken to them about His imminent crucifixion it appears that none of them grasped it, and frankly, they wanted things to stay as they had been. Who wouldn’t? Their lives had been dramatically altered by the Lord and they could never go back to life without Him. When Jesus died His followers were in a state of sorrow and stupor, that is until they saw Him for themselves.

Mary is the obvious example. She was weeping outside His tomb after she had seen that it was empty. Jesus words that He would rise gain seemed like a fairy tale until she heard His voice. All He said at first was her name, “Mary”, He called to her. In a moment all of those fears that were hounding her disappeared. Jesus was alive and Mary was alive with hope. Jesus had truly risen from the grave.

Then there was Simon Peter. He could not believe his actions when push came to shove that fateful night. How could he have denied that he ever knew Jesus? To Peter, the dream was over. Even after seeing the empty tomb Peter was still overwhelmed with darkness. Even if Jesus was alive how could he even look Jesus in the face. According to Paul, Jesus met with Peter, probably alone, that glorious day. We aren’t privy to that conversation but Jesus didn’t need to tell Peter anything. One look into His eyes and Peter was good. Jesus was alive and Peter was forgiven, that’s all that really mattered.

Of course there was doubting Thomas. He seemed to be more angry than depressed. “I won’t believe unless I put my finger in the nail prints and my hand in His side that was pierced.” That also changed in an instant of time. Jesus appeared to Thomas and repeated Thomas’s words. “Put your finger here in my hands. Put your hand in the wound in my side”. Thomas was undone. All he could say was “My Lord and my God”.

So maybe you are a little down and listless this Easter morning. I have some good news for you. I have heard that Jesus is alive and He is still visiting people. Maybe you have an unexpected appointment today. Hope to see you in church.