Morning revelations now give way to evening revelations. What a day it had been, that first Easter—consternation among the Lord’s enemies and appearances to His friends! He was seen by Mary Magdalene and other women, two disciples traveling to Emmaus (Luke 24:13-36), and privately to Peter (Luke 24:34). Now, it only remains for the rest of the Twelve to see.

Burial is not the end of this drama. The tomb is only a punctuation mark in a story that began before the foundation of the world. The resurrection of Jesus Christ is the proof that satisfies human intellect and comforts human emotion. Easter is always the answer!

Cicero called crucifixion, “the cruelest and foulest of punishments.” The physical agony of the cross combined with shame and mockery to make one’s final hours unbearable. John’s account is recorded matter-of-factly; yet it is replete with pathos and humanity amidst the evil.

As the nighttime trials of Jesus transition into day, the wicked machinations of His godless enemies become more blatant and despicable. No moment in human history can compare to when God Incarnate is declared “Guilty!” by evil men and their complicit lackeys. All creation certainly looked on that day in utter horror and righteous anger.

The arrest took place in the dead of night, cowardly in its execution. The Jewish trials were sham affairs meant to cover a previously determined verdict with a façade of legality. Roman confirmation of guilt involved a gutless politician taking the path of least inconvenience. In each encounter, Jesus was confident, unintimidated and in command.

Now we move into the unfolding drama of the passion of Jesus Christ, beginning with His nighttime arrest. Peter continues to act as representative of the band of disciples, although not with the best results. What do these encounters teach us about the spiritual battle that inevitably confronts all true Jesus-followers?

“One day as I was reading the second chapter of 1 John, I realized that my personal life’s objective regarding holiness was less than that of John’s. He was saying, ‘Make it your aim not to sin.’ I realized that deep within my heart my real aim was not to sin ‘very much.’ Can you imagine a soldier going into battle with the aim of ‘not getting hit very much?’”

(Jerry Bridges, The Pursuit of Holiness, 1978)

As Jesus transitions from instruction to intercession, He reminds the disciples again who He is (the Son from the Father) and who they are (followers in need of peace and courage). His teaching is complete for now, and the greatest prayer in the Bible is about to begin.

Having completed His teaching about the Holy Spirit, Jesus returns to the subject of His departure. Imagine the difficulty of comprehending this statement from the other side of the cross—they could not fathom what He meant. But soon enough, immediate sorrow is transformed into permanent joy!

As the moment of His departure approaches, Jesus spends more time teaching about the Holy Spirit. The Spirit is our Helper (John 14:15-17) and our Interpreter (John 14:25-31); but now Jesus unveils even more of the Spirit’s work around us and through us. Through Him, the Christian life is possible and our impact in the world is made tangible.