It happened between AD 30 and 33. The city was Jerusalem. The place was an upper room. I cannot begin to imagine what was going on in the mind of Jesus’ disciples as they gathered together for what would be their last meal with Jesus.
He told them that one of them would betray him. Then came the arrest and the trials and the public execution of their friend and teacher in the most dreadful way that can be imagined, death by crucifixion.
Their world had fallen apart. They were afraid that they would be next. Everything was different for them. Just a few days before, on Sunday, the crowds cheered the arrival of Jesus into Jerusalem. But now their hope was gone. Their dreams were shattered.
But that is not the end of the story. With the rising of the sun on Sunday morning, everything changed. In fact, all of history was changed that day. The tomb of Jesus was empty. The crucified One was alive again. Over the next forty days, he appeared to over 500 people, including his fearful disciples. And the rest, literally, is history. He is who he claimed to be.
Are the days dark for you? Are you struggling to find hope? Have your dreams disappeared? I have good news for us. The greatest news ever. Sunday is coming and the rising of the Son changes everything. There is hope for our lives. We can dream once again
As the hymn proclaims, “Because he lives, I can face tomorrow. Because he lives, all fear is gone.”