✨ The Astonishing Hope of Easter✨
- Isabella Campolattaro
- 2 days ago
- 2 min read
Heartbroken with grief, Mary Magdalene didn’t recognize the risen Lord that third day, mistaking Him for a gardener. (John 20:14–15)
The apostles didn’t believe the women’s report at all. (Luke 24:9–11)
Peter wondered, too—even after seeing the empty tomb. (Luke 24:12)
Some disciples met Jesus on the road to Emmaus but were so oblivious it was Him, they proceeded to give the risen Christ a lengthy explanation about recent happenings in Jerusalem…then invited Him to dinner. (Luke 24:13–15)
In that case, it appears God had a hand in preventing them from recognizing Him.(v.16)
It was only after the breaking of the bread that their eyes were opened. (Luke 24:30–31)
Later, when Jesus appeared to the group, they were startled and thought He was a ghost—and even then, they “disbelieved for joy.” (Luke 24:36–41)
Soon after, doubting Thomas demanded proof, and Jesus graciously obliged—offering His pierced side and hands as concrete evidence. (John 20:24–28)
Of course, Jesus also said, “Blessed are those who have not seen and yet have believed.”
Sometimes I wonder if this was a reproach, as it’s often framed—or more like: how blessed are those who can trust without proof. (John 20:29)
Amen!
Then the same group failed to recognize Him again at the Sea of Galilee. (John 21:4)
Finally, even after the risen Jesus had been appearing to them for some time, when He gave the Great Commission, some still doubted. (Matthew 28:16–17)
I’m so encouraged by these verses because they remind us:
The apostles—and others who walked with the flesh-and-blood Jesus—doubted Him and struggled to understand both during His earthly ministry and after His resurrection. Even as they sat with him face-to-face. God graciously lets us see this so clearly.
Despite their sometimes painfully human doubt, the reality of Christ and His resurrection power wasn’t hindered.
Many of these same people went on to change the world—and die for their faith.
Despite the unlikely circumstances of His life, death, and resurrection, Jesus continues to transform lives. Over 2.6 billion people today profess belief in the risen Christ, His return, and His restoration of all things.
There is so much in the world right now that feels beyond our power—so much unmanageability, so much that seems impossible.
So much that feels as unlikely as a resurrection.
And yet…
He is risen indeed.
Happy Easter 🤍
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