At the crucifixion...
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The soldiers thought it was irrelevant, nothing special, just another
day. Matt 27:31-35
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The passers-by and the Jewish rulers mocked Jesus, making fun of his
apparent failure. Matt 27:38-40
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The Centurion was searching for the truth, recognising something
special in Jesus even though it didn't all make sense, Luke 23:44-47
At the resurrection...
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The women were confused. They thought they'd understood but now... what
was happening? Afraid, excited, unsure.... Mark 16:1-8
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The Jewish leaders were in denial - the truth really didn't suit them.
More concerned to save face than to find the truth. Matt 28:11-14
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It took them a while to cotton on, but the disciples were overjoyed.
John 20:19-20
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it proves Jesus is God not just a good man
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it shows he has fully dealt with sin
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it opens the way to eternal life since he has overcome death
We can sometimes find similar reactions in ourselves. Or in those around
us when presented with the truth of the gospel. God will meet us where we are.
How did you originally react to the gospel when you first heard it? Does
God think any better or worse of people depending on their reaction?
Can you recognise times when, as a follower of Jesus, you have responded
to the gospel with less than wholehearted joy? (Indifference, confusion,
denial...) How did you come through that? How can we help others to come
through similar experiences?
Do you see these kind of reactions in your non-Christian friends /
neighbours / colleagues / etc? What can we do to bring them closer to an
understanding of the true gospel?
Reactions to the Easter story