After Jesus arose from the grave he appeared on many occasions over a period of forty days to his disciples.
He must have talked with them about many things, some of which they could not have known about if he hadnt informed them. For instance, what he privately replied to the high priest and to Pontius Pilate what they said and did to him. These are recorded in detail for us in the gospels, and no doubt Jesus told his followers in conversation about it all.
But something he must have discussed with them would surely have been about his going away and returning. And yet when Jesus ascended into heaven the disciples stood staring, probably thinking they were losing their Master a second time.
Shortly before the crucifixion he told them they would not see him for a little while and then they would see him again (John 16:20). Even telling them clearly what would happen, they still could not fathom the reality of his death and resurrection. It took physical encounters for the truth to hit home.
Early Sunday morning, while it was still dark, Mary Magdalene came to the tomb and found that the stone had been rolled away from the entrance. She ran and found Simon Peter and the other disciple, the one whom Jesus loved. She said, They have taken the Lords body out of the tomb, and I dont know where they have put him! Peter and the other disciple ran to the tomb to see. The other disciple outran Peter and got there first. He stooped and looked in and saw the linen cloth lying there, but he didnt go in. Then Simon Peter arrived and went inside. He also noticed the linen wrappings lying there, while the cloth that had covered Jesus head was folded up and lying to the side. The other disciple also went into the tomb, saw that the body was gone and believed (John 20:1-8). Then they went back to their homes
They still didnt get it
But did they really believe Jesus had risen? It seems they still didnt, as the next verse states, (They still did not understand from Scripture that Jesus had to rise from the dead). So they only believed what they saw – that the body was removed.
Even Mary felt that way. She actually remained at the tomb, weeping for the loss. But Jesus, having great compassion, appeared to her tangibly, turning her sorrow into joy. When Mary tried to hold on to him, he had to tell her that he still had a mission to accomplish that day. He had to present himself to the Father.
When Jesus showed himself to the disciples in the upper room, Thomas wasnt present and when they told him, he said, Im sorry, I cant believe that. I can only accept the fact if I could touch those wounds in his hands and side.
When Jesus gave him that opportunity, he believed.
Then Jesus said: Because you have seen me, you have believed, blessed are those who have not seen and yet have believed. (John 20:29)
Luke writes in Acts 1:3 after his suffering, he showed himself to these men and gave many convincing proofs that he was alive. He appeared to them over a period of forty days and spoke about the kingdom of God.
How about us and the future?
As Jesus was ascending to heaven in a cloud the disciples stood peering skywards, maybe rather forlorn. Forty days of discussion could not enlighten them sufficiently to rejoice at the ascension, to realise he would return, and await the promise of the Holy Spirit and the establishment of the Kingdom of God. Even now they still didnt quite get it.
Because Jesus, I imagine, wanted to reassure them again one last time, two angels were sent who told them: Men of Galilee, they said, why do you stand here looking into the sky? This same Jesus, who has been taken from you into heaven, will come back in the same way you have seen him go into heaven. (Acts 1:11)
Jesus made sure that his followers through the ages would rejoice in being children of God who have been cleansed from sin and are able to live like conquerors with Jesus now, through the power of the Holy Spirit. All who believe in Jesus Christ can live in the hope and assurance of his return.
In Matthew 24: 30 Jesus clearly said : … they will see the Son of Man coming on the clouds of heaven in power and great glory. Then he continued with three parables the evil and the good servant; the ten virgins and the talents to indicate that there will be a waiting period before his return.
As we wait we live in the kingdom of God which is in us, yet we pray, Thy Kingdom Come, when God will restore everything and the fullness of his majesty will be with us all.
God gives us his Holy Spirit and the faith to believe. Unlike Thomas who wanted to see before he believed, Jesus blesses those who have not seen, but yet believe.
Herein lies our joy that we can believe that Jesus will return and we will see him face to face in all his glory.