Spoiler alert: He is back!!! The grave is empty!

We've read the book. We know how the Easter story ends. We know that we should celebrate the resurrection of Jesus. Not just mark the day of the death of a historical figure. We should celebrate His victory over death. But what about those who were there? How did they experience it?

The disciples knew this in a way. After all, Jesus had taken them aside several times to tell them what was going to happen: that he would be scourged and beaten, killed, and on the third day rise again. The disciples had heard it, but not understood. They couldn't take it in. What Jesus said made them confused and afraid. They did not even dare to ask what he meant.

When Jesus had His last supper with them, when they went with Him to Gethsemane, when He was taken prisoner, and when they stood at a distance and watched the horrible way Jesus died... they still did not know that He would rise again.

After his death, they were all together in mourning. There must have been quite a lot of other emotions going on in that room as well.

Disappointment - they thought Jesus was going to overthrow the Romans. Take over the power. It didn't work out that way.

Disappointment and anger at Judas and the choices he had made. Anger at the religious and Roman leaders who killed Jesus.

Shock at the brutality. Perhaps also shock that Jesus didn't fight back?

Guilt and self-condemnation - they had all failed. They all ran away. They hadn't been able - or even tried that hard - to protect Jesus. Peter perhaps had it the worst. He knew he had failed so thoroughly. He did not dare to stand up for the Master. Jesus had predicted that Peter would deny him. Jesus knew it! Peter had said he was willing to go to his death with Jesus. Yes, indeed! Now here he was, without his best friend, and without being able to tell Jesus how sorry he was for failing him.

And they all felt an unimaginable grief. He who had been their whole life for the last few years had been suddenly and brutally taken from them. They had staked everything on Him. They had no plan B. Each of them had their memories of what Jesus had been for them and for so many others. Yes, they had each other in their grief, but what now? Should they go back to their old lives? Was there anything after Jesus?

On Easter Sunday, something completely new happens. We know it because we've read the book. But for them it was not yet known. The dark night is illuminated by the miracle of the sunrise this early morning. The earthquake shakes them without them knowing what is happening. The miracle of Easter Sunday has not yet dawned on them.

The women may be the first messengers, but they are not believed. The message is too incredible. But they all get to meet Jesus, the risen Christ. They get to see the wounds from the crucifixion. They get to see Him, touch His wounds, talk to Him, and be with Him.

Others could say anything about what had happened. They knew that it was true. This is the whole reason why faith has the power to explode even as far back in history as our time. Which still has explosive power, because the same power that raised Jesus from the dead lives in us who believe. Jesus triumphed over death!

I pray that the Easter story will touch your heart and mine again this year. Become new, become more personal. What Jesus did in his death and resurrection applies to each and every one of us. He is alive!

Blessed Easter!

- Ingfrid Mundal, Bodø 21/03-24

Photo: Mette Vestberg Sørensen

Others could say anything about what had happened. They knew it was true