Waiting for His Return: The Meaning of Christ’s Departure

the Meaning of Christ's Departure . Over the course of these seven episodes , we have walked through the final days of Jesus Christ , from the moment of Judas' betrayal to Jesus' glorious ascension . We have witnessed His suffering , death and the unwavering fulfillment of prophecy .

Tonight we stand outside the tomb that was supposed to hold Jesus' body , but instead it is empty . The stone has been rolled away and the silence of death has been shattered by the power of his resurrection . This is not the end of the story . It is the beginning of a new covenant , a promise of redemption and the ultimate victory over sin and death .

The morning air was crisp , carrying the scent of earth damp with dew . As the first golden light of dawn stretched across the horizon , the garden tomb lay silent . Its stone door rolled away , the shadows within no longer holding death , only the folded linens of a Risen King . Mary Magdalene's tears wouldn't stop as she fell to her knees just outside the tomb .

She had lost him once to death and now it seemed she had lost him again . She lowered her head sobbing when suddenly a voice Woman , why are you weeping ? She looked up . Two figures in white stood where Jesus had lain Angels . Her voice broke as she answered they have taken my Lord away and I don't know where they have put him .

She turned then , pressing down with her grief like a weight upon her shoulders . Another figure stood just outside the tomb , the morning light casting a glow around him . He asked her again Woman , why are you weeping ? Who is it you are looking for ? She thought he

was the gardener . Through her tears she pleaded , sir , if you have carried him away , tell me where you have put him and I will get him . Then he said it Mary , one word , her name . Recognition struck like lightning . Her breath caught . Her heart nearly stopped . It was him Rabboni . She cried , throwing herself forward . But he lifted a hand stopping her .

Do not hold on to me , for I have not yet ascended to the Father , but go to my brothers and tell them I am ascending to my Father and your Father , to my God and your God . She stumbled backward , her hands covering her mouth , overwhelmed by the reality before her he was alive . Then her feet found their strength .

She turned and ran Her eyes alight , with something far beyond excitement , something sacred , something sure . She had seen him . Not only was the tomb empty , but she had stood in the presence of the Risen Christ , she had spoken to him . He had called her by name .

Her feet pounded against the earth , her breath coming in sharp gasp as she rushed toward the only ones who would understand , Peter and John , bursting through the door where the disciples had hidden themselves away . She cried out he's alive . I saw and spoke to him , the room filled with murmurs , the weight of uncertainty pressing in .

All those who had followed him struggled to grasp the impossible , struggled to grasp the impossible . Peter and John exchanged a glance fear , confusion , hope . And then , without hesitation , they ran Down the winding path , past olive trees and stone walls , their sandals kicked up dust . As they raced toward the tomb , John , younger and faster , searched ahead .

He reached the entrance first , his chest heaving , but hesitated . At the threshold , the tomb yawned open before him , dark and silent . Peering inside , he saw it the linen shroud , the cloth that had wrapped Jesus's body . But something was strange . The cloth was not discarded in haste . The strips of linen lay there undisturbed and the head covering folded neatly .

Then Peter arrived . Never one to hesitate , he pushed past John , stepping straight into the tomb . His eyes darted from wall to wall , searching , and there , upon the stone where Jesus had lain , were the burial linens . There it was the burial cloth that had covered Jesus' face , carefully folded and set apart from the rest . This was no act of grave robbers .

This was deliberate , intentional . In Jewish tradition , when a master dined at the table , he would use his napkin to signal his servant . If he was finished with the meal , he would crumble the cloth and leave it on the table , signifying that the servant could clear the place . But if he folded it neatly and set it aside , it meant he was coming back .

John stepped inside then , his cautious wonder turning to certainty , and at that moment he believed the tomb was empty . The tomb was not a scene of loss , it was a message , a promise . He is not here , he is risen . The folded cloth still lay there , its silent message burning in Peter's mind . His breath came in ragged gasps as he turned to John .

Neither of them spoke , they couldn't . Words had lost meaning in the face of what they had just witnessed . Then instinct took over . They ran back through the garden , past snarled olive leaves and twisted vines . The morning air was cool against their sweat-drenched faces , but their minds burned with a singular thought we

have to tell the others . Their feet pounded against the dusty roads of Jerusalem , weaving through the narrow streets , past merchants setting up their stalls , past women carrying water jugs . Some people turned to look at them Two men , breathless , wild-eyed , running , like men possessed . But there was no time to explain .

The house was close now , a small , unassuming structure tucked away behind the bustling streets . They reached the door , Peter's hand shaking as he pounded against it . Inside , a dimly lit room held more than a dozen figures , shadows flickering against the walls as oil lamps burned low .

The air was thick , not just the scent of old wood and burning oil , but with fear . The disciples gathered hidden away from the city that had just murdered their teacher . Andrew , Peter's brother was the first to reach the door .

His eyes darted between Peter and John , seeing the sweat dripping from their faces , their chest rising and falling with every labored breath . What Peter didn't let him finish . He shoved his weight inside , gasping the tomb , it's empty . A stunned silence fell over the room . Every eye turned toward them .

James , son of Zebedee , pushed up from where he had been seated . What do you mean empty ? John stepped forward , his voice steadier than Peter's , but his hands still trembled . The linen was there , the cloth for his head . It was folded . The meaning hit some of them instantly , but others , others , were still trapped in the weight of their grief .

No , Peter said shaking his head . No , that's not what this is . Someone didn't take him . He left . Matthew , who had been pacing , anxiously , stopped . Matthew , who had been pacing anxiously , stopped Mary , he whispered . Peter's brow furrowed what , Mary Magdalene ? She was here before you . Matthew looked around , eyes searching the faces of the others .

She said she saw him . The words landed like a hammer against stone . Bartholomew muttered . She was distraught . We all saw her when she left earlier . Maybe she was seeing things . Peter exhaled , running a hand through his hair . He could still hear her voice , frantic , desperate .

I have seen the Lord John stepped closer into the dimly lit room , his voice quieter , now thick , with something between hope and fear , she said he spoke to her . The room was silent , except for the occasional pop of the oil lamp's flame .

The weight of it all pressed against them , this unspoken tension between belief and doubt , this unspoken tension between belief and doubt , between hope and devastation . James the less shifted where he sat on the floor , his fingers gripping the edge of his robe . Then where is he ? That was the question burning in all of their minds .

If Jesus was alive , where was he ? Peter turned toward the window , staring at the city beyond . The sun was climbing now , casting golden light across the rooftops , making the distant temple glow . Somewhere out there , jerusalem continued as if nothing had happened , as if the greatest miracle in history had not just unfolded .

And then a creak of the door , a shuffle of movement and a voice Peace be with you . Voice , peace be with you . The sound was so familiar , so unmistakable , that the air in the room shifted , every breath caught , every heart stopped . They turned slowly , as if afraid to believe what their ears had just heard .

And there , standing in their midst , no door opened , no footsteps heard . Was Jesus ? Jesus , not a ghost , not an illusion . Jesus . The wounds were still on his hands , the mark of the spear still upon his side . A choked sob escaped from one of them . Someone fell to their knees . Peter's hands trembled , his breath caught somewhere between a gasp and a cry .

He had seen him crucified , he had watched him die , and yet here he stood . He looked at them with eyes full of knowing , full of love . Why are you troubled and why do doubts arise in your hearts ? He lifted his hands , palms open , revealing the scars . Touch me and see scars . Touch me and see . A spirit does not have flesh and bones .

As you see , I have . No one spoke at first . No one could . It was too much , too overwhelming . But then John stepped forward and suddenly everything was true . Jesus had conquered death and the world . Their world would never be the same . This was only the beginning .

The news of his resurrection spread like wildfire among his followers , whispers turning into shouts of astonishment , hope flickering into a blaze of certainty .

The Risen Christ began to appear , first to the women , then to Peter and then to two travelers on the road to Emmaus , their hearts burning within them as he walked beside them , breaking bread and revealing the scriptures .

And then , in the stillness of an upper room where the disciples had locked themselves away in fear , Jesus appeared . No door had opened , no footsteps had sounded , he was simply there . The room was heavy with silence , thick with disbelief , every breath held , every heartbeat pounded like a distant drum . And then Jesus spoke peace be with you . His voice .

It was His voice , warm , steady , carrying a weight far beyond words . It washed over them , crashing against their fear , pulling them out of the storm of doubt like a lifeline . No one moved . Peter stood rigid , his breath stuck somewhere between a sob and a gasp . John's fingers twitched at his sides , as if afraid to reach for what his heart already knew .

Andrew had pressed his back against the wall , eyes wide , lips parted . Matthew clutched his chest , as though steadying his heart . And then there was James , the son of Alphaeus , who slowly , hesitantly , fell to his knees , the realization crashing over him like a tidal wave . Jesus took a step closer . Why are you troubled and why do doubts arise in your hearts ?

His gaze swept the room , meeting each pair of eyes , ones that had seen him suffer , ones that had watched him breathe his last . And yet here he was , alive , still . No one moved , and so , with deliberate slowness , he lifted his hands . The flickering oil lamps cast golden light over the raw , torn flesh of his palms .

Then he turned them , revealing the wounds . The room pulsed with a collective gasp . Some covered their mouths , others blinked rapidly as tears filled their eyes . Look at my hands and my feet . Jesus continued stepping even closer . It is I myself . Touch me and see . A spirit does not have flesh and bones . As you see , I have Still hesitation .

You see I have Still hesitation . John took a slow , shuddering breath . Then , before his mind could catch up , his feet moved . He reached out , fingertips barely grazing the ragged edge of the wound in Jesus's wrist . It was real . This wasn't an illusion , this wasn't a dream . And suddenly the dam broke .

Laughter , disbelieving laughter bubbled from some , mixed with gasp , with tears , with cries of Lord Master . Peter , who had once sworn to never abandon him , now knelt his shoulders shaking . Nathaniel clutched the arm of Philip as though he might collapse . Matthew wiped his face , whispering my Lord , my God . The sound of awe and wonder filled the room .

Now , pure , unrestrained joy . And Jesus , pure , unrestrained joy . And Jesus , he smiled . Do you have anything to eat ? He asked . For a brief moment , confusion flickered across their faces . Then James , Jesus' own brother , hurried to the small wooden table where dried fish and honeycombs sat in clay bowls . His hands trembled as he picked them up .

Turning towards Jesus , Jesus took the food from him , held it for a moment and ate . Not only was he alive , he was real Flesh , bone , resurrected . A fresh wave of emotion rolled over them . The grave could not hold him . Death had no power over him . He swallowed the last bite and turned his gaze back to them . The joy in the room stilled once more .

As they waited . These are my words , that I spoke to you while I was still with you . Jesus said , his voice steady , full of authority , that everything written about me and the law of Moses , the prophets and the Psalms must be fulfilled . He lifted his hands again , not to show the wounds this time , but to bless them .

And at that moment , something beyond the room , beyond the physical , happened . Their minds opened , a veil lifted . Every prophecy , every scripture , every word he had ever spoken , it all made sense . Thus it is written .

Jesus continued that the Christ should suffer and , on the third day , rise from the dead , and that repentance for the forgiveness of sins should be proclaimed in his name to all nations , beginning from Jerusalem . He let the weight of those words settle . You are witnesses of these things . He let the weight of those words settle . You are witnesses of these things .

Their hands clenched , their breaths unsteady . They had seen him die , they had watched him buried , and now they were looking into the eyes of the resurrected king . And behold , Jesus continued Stay , wait . He had more to give them , more to reveal .

But even as his words settled in their hearts , another question burned in the back of their minds , one that none had yet dared to ask aloud when is Thomas ? The room fell quiet . Thomas , one of their own was absent . Thomas , one of their own was absent . Peter exhaled , running a hand down his face . He knew Thomas well , a thinker , a questioner .

If he had been here

, would he have believed so easily , or would he have needed to see for himself ? Jesus glanced around the room , his knowing gaze resting on each of them , before he spoke again . Needed to see for himself . Jesus glanced around the room , his knowing gaze resting on each of them , before he spoke again . Do not be afraid .

And just as suddenly as he had appeared , he was gone . No creak of the door , no whisper of movement . One moment he was there , the next , only silence . The disciples sat in stunned stillness , hands still trembling , minds reeling . Then , without hesitation , Peter turned to the door Find Thomas . The room still pulsed with the weight of what had just happened .

Jesus had been here . The Risen Christ had stood among them , his voice still echoing off the walls , his presence lingering in their hearts like fire . But Thomas had not been there , and now they had to find him . Peter was the first to move .

His body still thrummed with the rush of adrenaline , his heart still pounding from the sheer impossibility of what his eyes had seen , he shoved open the door , stepping out into the cool night air , the city of Jerusalem stretching out before him in flickering lantern light . Where would he go ? John asked . Close behind , Peter didn't answer immediately .

His mind raced , sorting through every moment of Thomas , his steady nature , his sharp mind , his questions , his doubts . Then it hit him he's probably where we were before . Peter muttered the place we've been staying , the house near the market . Without another word , the two of them set off . The streets were quieter now , but there was still movement .

People whispered in corners , rumors of the crucifixion still on their lips . Roman soldiers patrolled , their torches , casting long shadows against the walls . Peter's pace quickened . Thomas had to know he had to hear it from us . He has to believe . The house was just ahead now , a small structure tucked between large buildings .

Peter reached the door , first pounding against it with the side of his fist . Thomas open up Silence , then slow footsteps , a faint creak of the wood floor inside and finally the door cracked open . Thomas stood there , his eyes dark , flickering between Peter and John , confusion written across his face .

His tunic was slightly wrinkled , his hands ink-stained from whatever he had been writing or reading earlier . What is it ? He asked his voice wary . What is it ? He asked his voice wary . Peter didn't wait . We saw him . Thomas blinked . Who ? Peter stepped forward , gripping his shoulder . Jesus , John nodded fervently . He was here , Thomas .

He stood right in front of us . We heard him , we touched him . He is alive , front of us . We heard him , we touched him . He is alive . But Thomas didn't move . His expression remained unreadable , his lips pressing into a thin line . Then , slowly , he shook his head . No , Peter's stomach dropped .

Thomas exhaled sharply , stepping back , rubbing his temple as trying to will away the words they were saying . I can't . His voice faltered , but then he steadied himself . I can't believe that . John took a step closer . Thomas , listen to me . No , his voice was firmer now . Listen to me . No , his voice was firmer now . His hands clenched at his sides .

Unless I see the marks in his hands , unless I put my finger where the nails were , unless I place my hand in his side , he shook his head again . Eyes dark with sorrow . I will not believe silence . Peter swallowed hard . He wanted to argue , he wanted to shake Thomas until he understood . But how could he ? Hadn't he doubted at first ?

Hadn't they all been too afraid to hope , too crushed by grief to believe ? John , let out a slow breath , glancing at Peter , and quietly , he said Come with us . Thomas hesitated , his jaw tightened , but finally , with a reluctant sigh , he stepped out into the night and together they returned to the others . Eight Days , eight days , the disciples waited .

They stayed together , speaking of nothing but him . But Jesus did not return , not yet . Thomas heard every story , every detail from the others . He listened silent as they described his voice , his face , his words of peace . But in the dark of the night , when the others slept , Thomas wrestled . Could it be ? Could he truly be alive ?

And if he was , why hadn't he come back ? Then , on the eighth night , it happened . The doors were locked , the disciples sat together in the same dimly lit room , lamps casting golden halos against the walls . The air was thick , with whispered conversations , quiet prayers . Thomas sat near the edge , arms crossed , lost in thought .

And then it was as if time shifted . A sudden stillness fell over the room , thick and heavy , pressing against their chests . The flames of the lamps barely flickered and yet an invisible wind seemed to stir the very air .

And in the space between one breath and the next , he was there no creak of the door , no sound of footsteps , just Him , Jesus , standing in their midst . Again , the air in the room crackled with holy reverence . Someone gasped , someone fell to their knees , but Thomas Thomas felt his breath catch .

Jesus turned to him , his eyes deep , knowing , walking onto his Peace . Be with you , he said , his voice steady , filled with something far beyond mere words . Then he stepped forward , slowly , deliberately , right to Thomas . No one spoke , no one moved , and then , with infinite tenderness , jesus lifted his hand palm open , scars visible . Palm open , scars visible .

Put your finger here . The room tilted around Thomas , see my hands . Jesus reached for Thomas' hand , guiding it gently toward the wound . The torn flesh beneath his fingertips was real . Reach out your hand and put it in my side . Thomas' fingers trembled as they traced the scar where the spear had pierced him . Warmth Flesh , life . Stop doubting and believe .

The words broke something in Thomas . His knees gave out and he collapsed before him . Tears blurred

his vision . His whole body shook , hands gripping the hem of Jesus' robe as if to keep himself from falling apart completely . His voice came in a whisper , raw , broken undone , my Lord and my God . Jesus smiled Because you have seen me , you have believed . His fingers brushed Thomas' damp cheek , a gesture filled with love .

Blessed are those who have not seen and yet have believed the weight of those words settled into the very foundation of the room , because this moment was not just for them , it was for generations to come , for all who would believe without seeing . For us , and just as before , in the blink of an eye Jesus was gone , but this time , Thomas believed .

The room remained silent long after Jesus had vanished . The only sounds were the crackling of oil lamps and the unsteady breaths of those who had just seen the Risen Christ . Again , Thomas was still kneeling , his hands trembling where they had touched the wounds of the living Savior . His lips moved but no sound came out . His mind struggled to grasp it .

It was real . The others had told the truth , Jesus had risen . But now a new question settled into the air like a morning mist what happens next ? No one slept that night . They sat together , huddled on the worn wooden floor in the glow of flickering lanterns .

Peter paced his sandals scuffing against the stone , stopping every few moments to shake his head in disbelief , stopping every few moments to shake his head in disbelief . John sat cross-legged hands clasped in his lap , his eyes shimmering with something between joy and awe . James leaned against the wall , his fingers tracing the grain of the wood , lost in thought .

And Thomas . Thomas could hardly speak when the first streaks of dawn filtered through the window . Mary , the mother of Jesus , entered quietly , her veil draped over her hair , her face soft , with an understanding gaze . He is coming again , she whispered , kneeling beside them . He will not leave you as orphans . Peter swallowed hard .

He had denied Jesus , failed him at his most desperate hour . And yet here he was included , witnessing a miracle . A knock at the door jolted them . Fear flashed across their faces . Was it the temple guards , the Pharisees , the same ones who had called for Jesus' death ?

John moved , first carefully , unlatching the door , and then a voice , a familiar , steady voice Peace be with you . And there he was , Jesus , standing in the morning light , his robe draping closely over his frame , his hair falling over his shoulders . But he was different .

This was not the same Jesus who had walked the roads of Galilee , dusty and weary from long journeys . No , this was the Risen Christ . Light seemed to cling to him , a quiet radiance that pulsed like a heartbeat . His wounds still there , still visible , but no longer signs of pain but of victory , of pain but of victory .

The room exhaled , some gasped , some wept , and then Jesus smiled . Come and eat , he said . For the next 40 days everything changed . Jesus did not stay in one place , he appeared everywhere . One evening he walked with two men on the road to Emmaus , speaking with them , revealing the scriptures , until they realized it was him .

And just as their eyes were opened , he disappeared . Another day he stood at the shore of the Sea of Galilee as Peter and several disciples fished . It had been a long , fruitless night . Their nets emptied , their hearts uncertain . Then a voice from the shore called Throw your net on the right side of the boat and you will find some .

They obeyed and suddenly the nets were overflowing . John was the first to realize it is the Lord . Peter , without hesitation , threw himself into the sea , swimming to Jesus with all the force his body could muster . And there on the shore , Jesus had already prepared breakfast fish roasting over an open fire , the scent of bread filling the morning air .

They sat together eating in the warmth of the rising sun . No one asked if it was really him . They knew . Then Jesus turned to Peter . Simon , son of John , do you love me ? Peter's breath caught in his throat . He remembered the courtyard , the servant girl , the three denials . Yes , lord , Peter answered . You know that I love you . Feed my lambs .

A second time , a third time , the words came like waves , each washing away Peter's shame , replacing it with purpose . Follow me . And Peter did . For 40 days , jesus continued to teach them , appearing in homes , on roads , in the open fields where they had once walked together .

He spoke of the kingdom of God , of the things yet to come , of the Spirit who would soon come upon them with power . Each encounter strengthened them , each moment filled them with a certainty they had never known before . But still , there was one last meeting . There was one last meeting .

The wind whispered through the olive trees , their silvery leaves rustling like a heavenly chorus . As Jesus stood before them , his robe catching the light of the midday sun , the air was thick with something unseen , something sacred .

It was as if time itself had slowed the very fabric of the earth bending to witness what was about to unfold . The disciples , every last one , stood in a tight circle around him , their sandals pressing into the dry earth , their faces lifted to the teacher they had followed for years .

Peter , hands clenched at his sides , felt the weight of the moment pressing into his chest . The same man who had once been so reckless , who had denied Jesus in fear , now stood firm , his heart pounding like a drum in his ribcage .

John , the ever-beloved , watched intently , his dark eyes reflecting the radiant glow that seemed to emanate from the very body of Christ Thomas . He stood with his hands lightly touching the hilt of his belt , no longer doubting but filled with unwavering certainty . Mary , the mother of Jesus , stood among them , veiled in soft linen , her face serene yet deeply moved .

She had walked this road with him from the moment Gabriel had spoken to her as a young girl with him , from the moment Gabriel had spoken to her as a young girl . Now , she watched as her son , her savior , prepared to step fully into his divine glory . The women , Mary Magdalene , Joanna , Salome , stood together , eyes brimming with tears .

They had seen him suffer , watched as his body was broken , wept over his lifeless form , and now , now , they beheld him alive in a way no earthly man had ever been before . Jesus lifted his hands and in that instant everything changed . The wind picked up , swirling dust at their feet as he spoke . All authority in heaven and on earth has been given to me .

His voice was steady , strong . It did not waver , it did not break . It carried through the valley , echoing down the hillside , as if the very stones themselves were listening . Go , therefore , and make disciples of all nations , he commanded , baptizing them in the name of the Father and of the Son and of the Holy Spirit . Holy Spirit , the words struck deep .

This was their purpose , this was their calling Teach them to obey everything I have commanded you . A hush fell over them as he continued , his gaze sweeping across each face , his love for them as evident as the air they breathed . And surely , he said , a gentle smile breaking across his lips , I am with you always , to the very end of the age .

A warmth spread through them , wrapping around their souls like a promise carved into eternity itself . But even as he spoke , something shifted . The very air began to change , charged with something unseen , something holy . The ground no longer felt solid beneath their feet , their breaths caught , their eyes widened and then Jesus' feet lifted from the earth .

At first it was subtle , a lightness , an upward pull , as if he were standing on the very breath of God . Then , before their very eyes , he rose . His robe fluttered , not from the wind , but from something else , a power , an unseen force that carried him higher , higher into the sky .

The disciples could do nothing but watch , their hands gripped their garments , some pressing fists to their chest , others whispering his name in awe . Higher he went , the light around him growing brighter . His face still turned toward them , his expression unchanging , peaceful , knowing the sky itself seemed to part .

A great cloud descended , not a dark storm cloud , but something pure , radiant , golden , golden . It enveloped him , wrapping around his form like a royal procession , leading a king into his heavenly throne . And then he was gone For what felt like hours . They stood unmoving , their eyes locked on the heavens . Had it really happened , was he coming back down ?

Would they hear his voice again ? The wind was the only sound , now whispering through the olive trees . The city of Jerusalem lay in the distance , unaware of what had just taken place on this sacred hill . Their chest rose and fell , their minds racing , their hearts aching , not from sorrow but from something deeper , a longing , a yearning .

And then , men of Galilee , why do you stand ? Looking into the sky ? The voice it startled them . They turned sharply . Two men stood before them , their garments gleaming like lightning their faces , calm , filled with knowing this same Jesus , who has been taken from you into heaven , will come back in the same way you have seen him go .

The words sent a shudder through them . Peter took a step forward . His fingers curled tightly at his sides . His throat was dry , his pulse hammering . John let out a slow , steady breath . Mary closed her eyes , a small peaceful smile tugging at her lips . The realization settled over them all like a warm mantle .

He was gone , but he was coming again , and until that day they would go , they would preach , they would carry his name to the ends of the earth . Without another word , they turned back toward the city . The road was the same , but they were not .

They walked with purpose , their sandals kicking up dust , their hearts burning with the fire of a mission that would never fade . Because now they understood this was not the end , it was only the beginning . The conversation in the upper room means processing the impossible .

The dim glow of the oil lamps flickered against the stone walls of the upper room , the scent of burning wicks mingled with the lingering traces of bread

and fish from their earlier meal . Outside , the distant sounds of Jerusalem carried through the night . Voices of merchants closing their stalls , the faint clatter of hooves against the stone streets . But inside , within these four walls , the world felt different . The air was thick with disbelief , wonder and something else , something they dared not name .

Yet Peter sat at the low wooden table , his elbows resting on the rough grain of the wood , fingers curled into his beard . His brows were furrowed , his eyes dark with thought Across from him . John leaned forward , arms resting on his knees , his face alight with something Peter couldn't quite place Peace perhaps . Or was it something deeper ?

Or was it something deeper ? Andrew, Bartholomew and Matthew sat cross-legged on the floor , their hands gesturing in the lamplight as they murmured to one another . Near the doorway , James , the son of Alphaeus and Thaddeus , stood , arms crossed , heads shaking every so often in wonder . Thomas sat alone near the window , his back against the cool stone wall .

Shadows played across his face as he stared at the flickering flame before him , lost in thought . And then there was Mary , the mother of Jesus , her hands folded in her lap , her face serene , though her eyes glistened in the low light . She had said little since Jesus left , but her presence alone was a comfort . Philip let out a slow , shaky breath .

I still don't understand , he murmured . He was here . We saw him , but how ? How can he be alive after what we saw on that hill ? Matthew rubbed a hand over his face . I keep thinking about his hands , his voice , quiet , almost reverent . The scars . They were there , but it was him . It wasn't a ghost . I don't know how to make sense of it .

John smiled faintly , shaking his head . I don't know how to make sense of it . John smiled faintly , shaking his head . I don't think we're meant to make sense of it . Matthew , it's who he is . He told us this would happen . He told us he would rise again . His voice softened and yet none of us believed it until we saw him standing among us .

Peter exhaled sharply and pushed back from the table , running a hand through his thick hair . I should have known , he muttered , his voice edged with frustration . I should have known he turned away , staring at the wall as if looking for answers in the rough stone . After everything , after everything I did , I failed him . A silence fell over the room .

The weight of Peter's words settled in the air like an unspoken grief . The weight of Peter's words settled in the air like an unspoken grief . John stood and stepped toward him , placing a hand on his shoulder . You think he didn't know , you think he didn't see everything that happened . Peter , he came to us , to you .

Do you not remember the way he looked at you ? There was no anger , no disappointment , only love . Peter clenched his jaw , his throat , working against the emotions rising within him . Mary spoke then , her voice steady but gentle , Simon Peter , he turned his eyes , meeting hers . He called you by name , she said softly he calls all of us by name .

Name , not in anger , not in judgment , but in love . The words settled deep in his chest , like a warm ember , rekindling something that had nearly gone cold . James , the son of Zebedee , ran a hand through his beard , his expression pensive . I can't stop thinking about what he said before he left us tonight . He glanced at the others .

As the Father has sent me , so I send you , Andrew nodded , his brows drawn together . What does it mean ? What does he want us to do now ? Philip , let out a short , almost breathless laugh . What does he want us to do ? He just gave us his peace , breathed his spirit over us and told us to go out as he was sent . I think it's clear .

Bartholomew shook his head in amazement . Us , we are just fishermen , a tax collector , ordinary men . Thaddeus interjected a quiet certainty in his tone . We were ordinary , but after tonight he exhaled , shaking his head no , my brothers , we can never be ordinary again . The room fell silent .

The truth hung heavy in the air , unspoken but deeply understood Everything had changed Everything . Thomas , who had remained silent until now , finally spoke his voice , barely above a whisper . Barely above a whisper . I want to believe , he admitted . I want to , but I did not see what you saw tonight . I did not hear his voice or touch his hands .

His eyes flickered to John . Then Peter , you say he was here . You say he lives , his fingers curled into his tunic . But until I see , until I place my hands on his wounds , I cannot believe . His words fell into the silence like a stone into deep waters . A few of the disciples exchanged uneasy glances , but no one rebuked him .

Mary studied Thomas carefully before speaking , her voice filled with understanding . Thomas , she said gently you are not alone in your doubts . We all doubted until he stood before us . John nodded and he will come again , Thomas , he will . Thomas inhaled slowly , staring down at the flickering oil lamp .

The golden light danced in his eyes and yet the shadow of doubt remained . He wanted to believe , but he needed to see , and though none of them knew it yet , soon Jesus would return , and this time Thomas would see .

The echoes of that upper room still linger in your mind the flickering oil lamps , the hushed voices filled with awe and wonder , the weight of the moment pressing upon every heart . You stood there , unseen yet present , watching as the disciples wrestled with belief and doubt , with fear and faith . Then , the Mount of

Olives , the place where heaven touched earth , you saw their faces lifted in wonder , their breath caught in their throats , as Jesus , the one they had walked beside broken bread with and seen crucified , ascended in power and glory . You felt the trembling in their hands , the racing of their hearts . But what happens now ?

What happens when the miracles fade into memory , when the teacher is no longer standing in front of them , guiding their every step ? It's the same question you must ask yourself today . You must ask yourself today . You have seen Jesus move , not just in scripture , not just in history , but in your own life .

You have witnessed his love , his mercy , his power to restore what was broken . But now that you have seen this , what will you do ? Will you keep this story in your heart like a treasured possession , hidden away for your own comfort , or will you , like Peter , John and the others , carry it forward ?

When Jesus said , go and make disciples of all nations , he wasn't just speaking to the eleven on that mountain , he was speaking to you . He was speaking to the mother who prays over her children at night , to the father striving to lead his family in faith . To the young woman searching for her purpose .

To the man who wandered far , wondering if God still calls his name . To the weary soul who questions could he really use someone like me ? Jesus did not choose perfect men to carry his message . He chose fishermen , tax collectors , skeptics and failures . And he still chooses the unlikely , the unqualified , the broken .

Because he does not call the equipped , he equips the called . So I ask you , where is Jesus calling you ? What doors has he already opened that you've been afraid to walk through ? Who in your life needs to hear about the love and power of the Risen Christ ? What excuses have kept you from stepping fully into the mission he has placed before you ?

The disciples didn't have all the answers . They didn't leave that mountain with a perfect plan , but they left with a promise the promise of his spirit , the promise of his return and the assurance that they would never be alone , and neither are you . This is not the end of the story . This is the beginning of your mission The Kiss , The Cross and The Crown .

Now it's your turn Go and make disciples until he returns . Thank you for joining me tonight as we journeyed through this final episode of The Kiss , The Cross and The Crown .

I pray that you carry these reflections with you into your day , into your week , that you carry these reflections with you into your day , into your week , and that you find strength in knowing God is with you in every trial , every temptation and every step of obedience .

If this time in God's Word has encouraged you , take a moment to share it with someone who might need it , and be sure to join me next time as we continue walking through the scriptures , learning , growing and staying faithful in the field of life . Until next time , may you find peace in the quiet trust in God's call and rest in His unchanging love .

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May God's grace and peace be with you always .