ENCOUNTERS AFTER EASTER
Easter weekend seems to be a marathon moment for most churches, with Passover Seders, Good Friday gatherings, Saturday family fun, and Sunday services that—from the parking lot to the platform—include much more elaborate presentation than usual. Excitement builds, the weekend experience is wonderful, and then, momentum wanes. Only to pick up again for passionate gatherings around Pentecost Sunday.
As I sat reflecting on Christ’s journey from betrayal to resurrection, I was struck by what happened after His time in the tomb. Jesus did not simply rise and depart. He initiated a season of encounter.
For forty days, the risen Christ met with people in their weakness, confusion, and need. He encountered the runaway, Peter. He met the doubter, Thomas. He came to the fearful disciples behind closed doors. He walked with the disoriented and skeptical on the road to Emmaus. Again and again, Jesus revealed Himself, spoke peace, restored hearts, and strengthened faith.
This post-resurrection season was not random. It was preparation.
Jesus was preparing a people for the promise that was coming at Pentecost. They did not arrive in the upper room unaware or untouched. They were pursued by the risen Christ. They were encouraged, comforted, corrected, and anchored by His presence so they would be ready to receive the Helper He had promised.
Pentecost was not disconnected from the resurrection. It was the continuation of Christ’s victory. The risen Jesus first revealed Himself to His followers, and then He readied them for the gift of the Holy Spirit. What came in Acts 2 was preceded by personal encounter, patient instruction, and the steady ministry of the resurrected Christ.
He presented Himself alive after His suffering, by many convincing proofs, appearing to them over a period of forty days and speaking of the things concerning the kingdom of God.— Acts 1:3
This is still the way of Jesus. Before great outpouring, there is often deep encounter. Before fresh empowerment, there is personal restoring. He meets people in their failure, fear, confusion, and disappointment, not to leave them there, but to prepare them for what is next.
The risen Christ is calling us into a season of preparation through daily encounters with Him— unto a greater outpouring of His Spirit. Will you respond?
