Jesus meets the disciples on the shore of the Sea of Galilee after the Resurrection. He confronts Peter, asking him if he loves him, and restoring him to fellowship in an act of three fold calling and grace.

The view of God as one who is wholly other and holy righteous judge are true–but God is also the one primarily revealed to us in Jesus. In his post-resurrection appearance to the disciples on the beach in Galilee, we see Jesus as the risen Lord who is playful, joyful, fun. When we don’t see the full personality of Jesus, we risk missing out on all that God is inviting us to in life.

On the evening of that first Easter Sunday, the disciples are locked in the upper room. Jesus, the risen Lord, shows up physically. He commissions them to live out God’s post-Resurrection purpose for them and he breathes on them to bestow the gift of the Holy Spirit. In a scene that recalls Genesis 1-2, Jesus is dong an act of new-creation among them and calls them and us to live out of that new-creation.

Mary Magdalene blinded by grief and fear cannot see the risen Jesus right before her eyes. But when Jesus calls her by name, “Mary” – she believes. Jesus is calling her into her true identity – Mary, the courageous and faithful, the first Christian and witness to the Resurrection.

Early in the morning three days after Jesus’ crucifixion, Mary Magdalene came to the tomb–but the stone was rolled away and the tomb was empty! The physical resurrection of Jesus is the cornerstone of the Christian gospel. When all the evidence is examined and the impact that first Easter had on the world, we find the Resurrection of Jesus is Plausible, Powerful and Personal.

Jesus is betrayed and handed over to the authorities. Pontius Pilate the Roman governer of Judea puts Jesus on trial. Who is Jesus? Is he the Christ? What is Truth? Pilate surrenders to the mobs and has Jesus flogged and crucified.

On the night before his crucifixion, Jesus prays for his disciples and us. In the prayer he gives insight into the nature of the love of God in the Trinity. He prays that his disciples would experience and share this love to accomplish God’s purposes in creation.

Jesus encourages his disciples on the night before his crucifixion. He promises them his peace, as the one who has overcome the world.

Jesus told his disciples you will be hated and persecuted on account of my name. But he also encouraged them to take heart and not lose faith, because He had overcome the world.

What does every orphan need to hear? In Jesus final words with his disciples he assures them that though he is leaving, they will never be alone.