The sense of euphoria among disciples was great and
it seemed the time had finally come to establish the kingdom of
Israel as thousands lined the road to Jerusalem and shouted for joy.
However, all that quickly came to an end at the Passover meal when
Jesus told the apostles that he would be betrayed and crucified.
Things got worse as Jesus selected John, James and Peter to go to a
private place and pray but they could not stay awake. Then Judas
came with soldiers and Jesus allowed Himself to be taken without a
fight. What a letdown this must have been as the disciples knew
Jesus had supernatural power and could have done something! By end
of the next day Jesus was dead and lying in a grave and the
disciples were devastated and without hope. However, all that
changed with the resurrection! The men and women who followed Jesus
were just like you and I. They had great faith that wavered with
different trials and circumstances and the modern church needs to go
back to the days of the cross and realize that Jesus is the same
yesterday, today and forever. If we are going to make a difference
in this world, we need to focus on the resurrected Jesus and let Him
work in us through the power of the Holy Spirit. That is our only
hope of victory. |
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