The resurrection of Jesus was a total surprise to his followers. On Friday, his crucifixion and death, said to them, “the game is over; our hope has crumbled into ashes, we have no future.” They were lucky to have escaped with their own lives. All was lost.
On that Easter Sunday morning, not a single disciple was expecting a resurrection. In fact, they couldn’t believe it even after it happened. They thought, “this is not possible. No way.”
The entire event was filled with many surprises: a stone rolled away, an empty tomb, Jesus goes first to women, his body was supernatural and yet recognizable--he still ate food and had wounds, his grace and love to Thomas and Peter and he calls Mary by name. Brother David Steindl-Rast has said, “God’s best name is ‘Surprise!’”
God continues to surprise us today--in this life and the next! God is filled with surprises! He takes weak people and does great things. He takes broken people and uses them in mighty ways. He takes hard situations and works his good. He gives gifts that take our breath away. He offers purpose in this life and joy in the next life to those who don’t deserve it!
