Jesus' disciples needed encouragement. Why? Some had left homes, families, and businesses to follow Jesus full-time. (Matthew 19:27) Others were treated like social outcasts because they had become his disciples. (John 9:22) They made these sacrifices because they believed that Jesus was the promised Messiah. (Matthew 16:16) But when Jesus was executed, the hopes were dashed and they became downhearted.
No doubt Jesus saw his disciples' grief, not as a sign of spiritual weakness, but as an understandable response to a terrible loss. So on the very day that he was resurrected, he began encouraging his friends. For instance, he appeared to Mary Magdalene while she wept at his tomb. (John 20:11, 16) He also appeared to the two disciples described at the outset of this article. And he appeared to the apostle Peter. (Luke 24:34) What can we learn from Jesus' example? Consider what happened during his first appearance.
Next time: ENCOURAGE OTHERS
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