When Jesus was arrested, many of those who had been closest to him fled (Matthew 26:56; Mark 14:50). During that night, Peter, when questioned, denied that he knew Jesus (John 18:15-27; Mark 14:66-72). After the crucifixion, we are told that the disciples were in an upper room behind locked doors (John 20:19).
Those who had been closest to Jesus, and had been with him through some very difficult times, became cowards at the critical time. They were neither brave enough to stand against the Jewish leaders nor against the Romans. [The apostle Peter was willing to die fighting for Christ in the Garden (John 18:10), but he was unprepared at that time to live for Christ in the face of peril. ~ Editor] However, something happened within a few days. Those that had fled and had been hiding became courageous. They were willing to go to prison for preaching about Jesus. They were willing to die for telling others about Christ.
What happened to change their minds? Jesus rose from the dead and spent time with them. They were able to talk with Him, touch Him and eat with Him. They knew for a fact that He was alive again. They could remember things that He had foretold and knew that He had told the truth. They were convinced that He was indeed the Son of God. Only His rising from the dead and appearing to them could have caused such a marvelous change in their attitude.
This is another reason for us to know that Jesus was Who He stated He was, God. You can point this out to anyone who would try to tell you that Jesus did not rise from the dead.
Study your Bible. Learn to be a courageous disciple of Christ, and if any of this is hard to understand, ask an adult to help you.
