The resurrection of Jesus is God’s remedy for all the ills of this wilderness scene. (See Mark 16) The disciples were in great trouble and sorrow of heart at this time. “And she went and told them that had been with Him, as they mourned and wept:” (Ver. 10.) They had been bereaved of their blessed Lord and Master. To them, the whole scene around was a wilderness indeed. Jesus was absent, and the fairest spot in the wide universe is but a desert to the heart that loves Him, if He is not there. He alone gives beauty to the scene, and fragrance to the atmosphere. His presence makes the wilderness “as the light of the morning, when the sun riseth, even a morning without clouds; as the tender grass springing out of the earth by clear shining after rain.” (2 Sam. 23:44And he shall be as the light of the morning, when the sun riseth, even a morning without clouds; as the tender grass springing out of the earth by clear shining after rain. (2 Samuel 23:4).) Hence the blessedness and sweetness of our hope is, that, “in a little while,” we shall be with Himself. This is the desire of His own heart of perfect love. “Father, I will that they also, whom thou hast given me, be with me where I am, that they may behold my glory which thou hast given me,” (John 17:2424Father, I will that they also, whom thou hast given me, be with me where I am; that they may behold my glory, which thou hast given me: for thou lovedst me before the foundation of the world. (John 17:24).)
But to return to the Divine remedy for present ills. A RISEN JESUS, according to the mind of God, and in the language of scripture, meets all the need of,
1. The burdened, and sorrowing heart, (v. 3, 4.)
2. The troubled, terrified, affrighted spirit. (5, 6.)
3. The amazed and perplexed mind. (v. 8.)
4. The bereaved, mourning, weeping affections, (v. 10.)
Then again, Jesus risen is power in service: power to preach the gospel—cast out devils—tread on serpents—heal the sick. Finally, we see the risen, victorious, ascended Christ, seated at the right hand of God, still maintaining the character of the workman. “They went forth and preached everywhere, the Lord working with them, and confirming the word with signs following.” (16-20.)