No one knew what was going to happen. They witnessed the incredible for 3 years as they followed Him. People left their homes and jobs on the spot just because He called or merely walked by. They knew that whatever they knew about life just didn’t matter or apply to Him.
Oh some were jealous, and they were filled with hatred for the One who with a few words tore down their palaces of oppression. They worked hard for their positions, they had authority and control over others that was unquestionable, “God ordained” even. And yet, here was this man who did what no one has ever done. The miracles He did and the teachings He gave shook everything and everyone to the core. He questioned them and claimed a position of authority no man ever dared to claim.
Scandalous. Could it be that the jealousy of the fallen drove them to it? Having the perfect One in the presence of the twisted only reminded them of their evil? That the perception of their own inabilities to ever be allowed to taste of the Tree of Life that He said was in reach if they only would stretch out their hands and believe gave birth to the evil that awaited them in their hearts?
They showed Him a different tree and nailed Him to it. The sheep scattered as the wolves killed their Shepherd.
But no one knew.
No one but the Father. His plans shattered everything even death itself. For three days later, Jesus came forth from the tomb and revealed the Father’s plans to those He had chosen.
Scandalous. Though sin had created the thrones of man, thrones that bound their kings to them and any who would bow before them to the grave, Jesus’ death and resurrection broke every chain and set every captive free.
The power of Sin and Death was broken and the grip of this world could no longer hold those who followed Him.
No one knew the depths of His love, no one knew how great and complete were His plans. When Jesus came forth from the tomb, He set us free from ours.
His work continues today, will you step away from this world into His embrace? This ending world with thrones of the grave for His eternal home with crowns that will never fade?
No one knew, but now you do.