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The First Day Of The Week - John 20
The First Day Of The Week - John 20
In our reading schedule it is an interesting coincidence that we stopped on Friday reading what happened on the Friday Jesus was crucified. We kept our normal schedules for Friday night and Saturday. We filled our time with so many duties and activities of this life. Few of us even gave much thought (if any) to what the disciples went through on their Saturday long ago. Then, yesterday we met together and celebrated the Resurrection of Jesus.
Their Saturday would have been far different. Jesus is dead and buried. It is the Sabbath. According to their custom, there would have been limited activity. I have often wondered what that day was like for them. Tears? Questions? Were they overcome with despair and doubt? Did they try to comfort each other? What would they have said? Their hopes and dreams had been bound up in Jesus being the Christ and NOW it all ends. He is dead.
After a long Saturday they arise on the first day of the week and begin in their own time and order to go to the tomb. We are not told explicitly what each of them was expecting but we know they were NOT expecting to meet Jesus alive. They little expected how this first day of the week would end for them! Everything changed. All the tears and grief of Saturday has become joy and hope. One after another they see, speak to, and even touch Jesus alive!
I can’t help but believe that as they took the Lord’s supper after that, their remembrance of this day would have their minds flooded with joy. Yes, they proclaimed His death, but they did so expecting that He would come again. In between those two thoughts is the resurrection, ascension, and glory of Jesus.
I try to think on these things while we partake of the Lord’s supper. I wasn’t there, but I can empathize with their joy of that great resurrection day. Such celebration and joy don’t take a commandment from Jesus! What a joy to join with other disciples on the first day and remember these things. Where were you yesterday? What captivated your thoughts on such a great day? As oft as you do this, do it in remembrance of Me.
Hugh DeLong
