Jesus came to bring salvation to mankind. His closest followers spent about three years with him; they were his disciples. They learned from his teaching and by imitating his example. Toward the end of his earthly ministry Jesus made a shocking announcement to his disciples. He said he was leaving. Jesus’ disciples did not want him to leave. They were not aware of Jesus timetable; they never thought that Jesus would be taken away from them. Every time Jesus spoke about leaving, he also talked about coming back. Just like whenever he spoke of his death, he always mentioned his resurrection.

They have been dating for a while; she is been looking forward to the time when he would pop the question “Would you marry me?” She longs with excitement because she is ready to journey life with him. She knows it’s time. She has been teaching since sept of last year; she knows that summer will soon be here in which she would have time to rest, go on vacation and finally relax.

Tragedy tends to bring people together very quickly; we are familiar with slogans such as “united we stand” “Boston strong”   It is in those moments that we realize that unless we remain united, we won’t survive. A team won’t be able to accomplish the goal if the players don’t understand unity; if they don’t understand what it means to play as one or together. etc.  The night Jesus was arrested, he spent time in prayer.  He prayed for his followers who would be in the world as his representatives.  One of the things Jesus prayed for was unity among his disciples.  Christ’s church has struggled through the centuries with this idea of unity, which Jesus prayed for.  John (chapter 17) records for us  Jesus’ prayer.

The resurrection of Jesus from the dead is the foundation of the Christian faith. It is the reason Christianity exists today. The disciples were not transformed because the tomb was empty; they changed when they saw Jesus alive. Jesus began to appear to his disciples giving them evidence that he was truly alive. Jesus had predicted that their sadness would turn into joy.

Go and tell this people: “‘Be ever hearing, but never understanding; be ever seeing, but never perceiving.’ Isa.6:9
This phrase tells us of a disease that was common before the time of Jesus, during his time and even in our time.  It’s called “spiritual blindness.”  it can affect anyone.  It is predominantly seeing in those who don’t believe in God; however, there have been reported cases of this disease found in churches throughout the world.

You’ve probably seen the slogan “World peace” People dream about this concept of peace, which for them it means, not conflict or wars between nations and people.  People have been pursuing peace for thousands of years, but their peace is based on circumstances.  If there is no war, I will have peace; if people would like me, I will be a peace….If I could get that job, I will have peace… (circumstantial)  I will like to tell you about a peace that is not dependent on the circumstance or situation you may be experiencing today.

Tragedy tends to bring people together very quickly; we are familiar with slogans such as “united we stand” “Boston strong”  It is in those moments that we realize that unless we remain united we won’t survive.  It is during those times that we stop being selfish and think of others; it is in those times that we see people for who they are and not based on their skin color, political preferences, social status, etc.  All of a sudden, people begin to care for each other in ways you never thought possible.  The disheartening thing is that this is the only time some people experience unity or benefit from it.