Today, some points are shared on why Jesus appeared alive in the upper room following his crucifixion, death, and burial. The writer at “Yahoo! Answers” using ID “Deidra” (Level 1 with 217 points, a member since September 14, 2010) posted the following:
Jesus and the Talking Cross?
One of my friends continues to claim that, after rising from the dead, Jesus asked if the cross had been making converts and disciples. I do not believe this is in the Christian Bible, but it sounds familiar. Is it from another religion?
THE GOLDEN ARROW: Mary Magdalene came and told the disciples that she had seen the Lord, and that he had spoken these things unto her. Then the same day at evening, being the first day of the week, when the doors were shut where the disciples were assembled for fear of the Jews, came Jesus and stood in the midst, and saith unto them, Peace be unto you. And when he had so said, he shewed unto them his hands and his side. Then were the disciples glad, when they saw the Lord. Then said Jesus to them again, Peace be unto you: as my Father hath sent me, even so send I you. And when he had said this, he breathed on them, and saith unto them, Receive ye the Holy Ghost: Whose soever sins ye remit, they are remitted unto them; and whose soever sins ye retain, they are retained. But Thomas, one of the twelve, called Didymus, was not with them when Jesus came. The other disciples therefore said unto him, We have seen the Lord. But he said unto them, Except I shall see in his hands the print of the nails, and put my finger into the print of the nails, and thrust my hand into his side, I will not believe. And after eight days again his disciples were within, and Thomas with them: then came Jesus, the doors being shut, and stood in the midst, and said, Peace be unto you. Then saith he to Thomas, Reach hither thy finger, and behold my hands; and reach hither thy hand, and thrust it into my side: and be not faithless, but believing. And Thomas answered and said unto him, My Lord and my God. Jesus saith unto him, Thomas, because thou hast seen me, thou hast believed: blessed are they that have not seen, and yet have believed. And many other signs truly did Jesus in the presence of his disciples, which are not written in this book: But these are written, that ye might believe that Jesus is the Christ, the Son of God; and that believing ye might have life through his name. (John 20: 18-31, KJV)
THE DOUBLE DAGGER: Jesus Is GOD’s Word (12/28/2013); Alpha and Omega (12/29/2013); Jesus Rose? (11/08/2013); Why Was A Son Sent? (11/10/2013); Promise of A Spirit? (11/11/2013); Sacrificed and Risen? (10/06/2013); Assurances of Salvation? (10/07/2013); A Spirit Church? (04/04/2013); My Brother’s Keeper (04/05/2013); Ghosts (09/02/2012); About Conversion (09/03/2012)
“Deidra”, I am a long time Christian who has never heard that phrase before, the “talking cross.” Even so, here are some points held by many believers that may be useful to you and your friends:
(1.) Jesus appeared to the apostles he had appointed as well as other believers whom he had sought to prepare. Only his mother and few of the other disciples were actually present at his crucifixion. Most of those who had been with him at the Mount of Olives where he was arrested, had run away, and were still in hiding days later.
(2.) When Jesus first appeared to them in their hiding place (an upper room), there were as many as 120 men and women, including Mary, the mother of Jesus. Many did not believe it was possible that he had been arrested, and tried, and condemned, and the death sentence carried out so quickly. Many did not believe the reports of those who had been to the empty tomb. More than this, many did not believe the reports by Mary, the former prostitute, and others that they had seen angels, or she had seen Jesus alive.
(3.) Jesus appeared to correct their errors, and further prepare them for the coming operations of the Holy Spirit among them. He chided them about their doubt, their lack of recall (these things were all prophesied, and were part of the doctrine he had taught), and their uncertainty, and gave them demonstrations to build up their courage and faith. Those who were together in the upper room, later, became the nucleus of the church when the Holy Spirit also was made visible there on the day of Pentecost.
There is far more to be said, correctly applied, and spiritually apprehended. For example, (4.) The promises of GOD proclaimed to mankind, and fulfilled through the Son of the Highest are for an eternal kingdom wherein the righteous are numberless. There is no likelihood that Jesus appeared to take a census, make a “head count,” see who was there and who was absent, or to gauge the impact of his ministry. The Savior appeared to anchor his people in truth, and further reveal divinity in the recorded promises and prophesies from GOD.) Even so, I trust this fragment will be useful. Be it unto you according to your faith.
THE BLACK PHOENIX
Washington, DC
No comments:
Post a Comment