Jesus now appears to the Eleven, shows the truth of the resurrection, and opens their minds to see the whole sweep of God's salvation plan. He then returns to heaven to complete his journey. So we see the completion of Jesus’ return to paradise, as well as the completion of the journey of the disciples in understanding who Jesus is and what he came to do.

The followers of Jesus do not yet understand all that has taken place, but the risen Jesus shows them from the Scriptures the greater plan of God concerning himself. Their hearts burn as he opens the Scriptures, but only through the miraculous work of Jesus are their eyes opened to recognize him.

The followers of Jesus do not yet understand all that has taken place, but the risen Jesus shows them from the Scriptures the greater plan of God concerning himself. Their hearts burn as he opens the Scriptures, but only through the miraculous work of Jesus are their eyes opened to recognize him.

Just as he promised, Jesus has died and risen again. And because his word has been fulfilled, his invitation to paradise has been validated as true. And now we trust and serve a risen Lord. Our challenge is not to write off this miracle (as the apostles did initially), but simply to believe that it is true.

Jesus bears the judgment of God (symbolised by darkness) to open the way to his presence (symbolized by the tearing of the curtain). We look on in quietness and wonder (as the women did)—and we respond with grateful and costly devotion (as Joseph did).

Here we finally begin to see more appropriate responses to Jesus, mixed with continued mocking. Women mourn for him, and the criminal asks to be remembered by him. Ultimately, we must approach Jesus as he did—with nothing to offer, only humbly asking for his kindness toward us—that we too may have his welcome in paradise.

Here we finally begin to see more appropriate responses to Jesus, mixed with continued mocking. Women mourn for him, and the criminal asks to be remembered by him. Ultimately, we must approach Jesus as he did—with nothing to offer, only humbly asking for his kindness toward us—that we too may have his welcome in paradise.

The whole process of the trial is shown to be an act of great injustice as the Righteous Lord submits himself to the judgment of unrighteous men. Again, we are to marvel at what Jesus endured for us, the guilty. And we are to take warning from the crowds who called for his death rather than falling before him in worship.

The whole process of the trial is shown to be an act of great injustice as the Righteous Lord submits himself to the judgment of unrighteous men. Again, we are to marvel at what Jesus endured for us, the guilty. And we are to take warning from the crowds who called for his death rather than falling before him in worship.

On his way to the cross, Jesus faces abandonment by his closest allies. He alone can atone for sin—and he faces the cross alone. Our response is to marvel at what he underwent for us—and then to learn from the failings of his disciples and never desert our Saviour.