God’s grand system of redemption passes through Easter.  The centerpieces are the crucifixion and resurrection.  But all the other events of that weekend were necessary to launch the Christian church over the weeks and months to follow.

The disciples were pitiful on Maundy Thursday (Matthew 26), Maundy meaning “command” and the new command was to love.  Their love for Jesus was weak. They could not stay awake to pray. One of their group was the betrayer.  Their physical defense consisted of one ill-timed sword thrust.  They all “left him and fled.”  Peter famously denied knowing Jesus three times.

Good Friday was not much better for them (Matthew 27).  Their master, teacher, and friend was tortured and crucified.  The Messiah, the one who would lead them to great things, was dead.  The disciples blended into the background while others – Joseph of Arimathea and the women – took care of the burial arrangements.

It is very counter-intuitive that the disciples had to feel helpless in order to succeed, but that is the way God works.  He wants us to love him with all our heart, soul, mind, and strength.  He wants us to acknowledge Him in all that we do and to know that every good thing comes from our loving Father.

God had all the disciples flee to keep them all alive (except Judas) through Easter when they would experience the life-changing resurrection (Matthew 28) and become fervent witnesses of what they had seen.  They needed to know the love of the one who laid down his life was not wishy-washy sentimentalism, but courageous caring, communication, and compassion.  They needed to realize that all miracles came from God, even if they were contributors.  They needed to learn the value of prayer from the risen one who would be interceding for them.

This pitiful, sad band of brothers thus became part of the best church plant ever!