Think of a time when a close friend moved away or, maybe, passed away. Each one of us has lost someone we loved. Even children experience loss–when a friend moves away or a grandparent dies. Losing someone you love is painful, sad and sorrowful, for a time. But then we move on. New people fill our lives. The memories recede to a corner of our minds.
Not so for Jesus’ disciples.
One of the most convincing proofs of Jesus’ resurrection to me has been the lifelong, unbending, unyielding dedication of his disciples. They did not forget him, or move on, or fill their lives with other priorities. Every single disciple, except for Judas (who killed himself over his betrayal) and John (who died of old age while in exile on the island of Patmos), died a martyred death because they proclaimed to have seen Christ die and then to have seen Him alive.
They all died because of an unwavering, unrelenting claim that Christ rose from the grave. They died for Easter.
If you’re interested in finding out more about what happened to each disciple, click here: http://biblenest.com/?p=
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It is also important to remember these disciples were not the learned men that Paul was. They were simple people, who had simple jobs. Peter, Andrew, James and John grew up fishing together with their fathers.
Peter, who denied knowing Jesus, on Maundy Thursday, because of his fear, never denied Christ, again. Each man gave his life for Christ, even John. John’s entire life focused on spreading Christ’s love and sacrifice, causing him to be exiled to a remote island.
Father, if my life is demanded for your glory, may I have their courage.
Thank you, Dora, for adding your comment. Great insight! And wonderful concluding sentence. Warmly, Suzanne