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I love reading the end of each of these gospels. There is so much hope that comes from knowing that Jesus is risen and has authority over heaven and earth. In verse 19 Jesus commands the disciples, Therefore go and make disciples of all nations, baptizing them in the name of the Father and of the Son and of the Holy Spirit, These verses say nothing about baptism providing salvation. Baptism unites believers with Jesus Christ and symbolizes submission to Him. It is commanded to show submission to Christ and a willingness to live under God’s authority and in covenant with Him. Too many times I’ve seen baptism equate salvation, but it is important to realize that salvation comes before you can ever express submission and obedience to God.
So the Marys are running back to tell the disciples what they’ve just witnessed. They are freaking out. Imagine you’ve just been told that someone you love dearly isn’t dead anymore. First of all, you probably don’t know what to think, because, you know, that sort of thing just doesn’t happen. And secondly, there must be hope, exhilaration that it might actually be true. I mean, if I’d been told my brother were alive, words cannot express the feelings I’d have. I just know I would be in a state of near delirium. So imagine you’re in this state and you’re running down the road, and who stops you? Jesus. And what’s the first thing out of his mouth? “Good morning”. Really?! He’s gonna be Mr. Cool as a Cucumber? I love it. You know he’s gotta be lovin’ it, too. Perhaps I’m projecting. But really? While he’s a serious man, he has such a playful side to him. And, I mean, he’s just gotten back from conquering death. He’s just put Satan in his place. I think he might be a bit on a holy high horse. Know what I’m sayin’? So now he’s back, and you know he’s gotta be excited about seeing his friends and surprising them. I mean, I know how I feel when I surprise someone who doesn’t think I’m there or that I’m coming. You get giddy. You get stoked that you are totally about to make their day. Jesus is making the day of all days. He’s got to be stoked. So he says, “Good morning.” Talk about having a heart attack if you’re one of the ladies. Oh to have been a fly on the wall, or a donkey on the path. Makes me dig Jesus even more.
I didn’t think about this from Jesus’ perspective. I never thought about the excitement He must have felt to be able to surprise the disciples and make each of their days (heck, He made their week, month, year, decade!!!)