Why did Jesus tell His disciples to meet Him in Galilee after His resurrection from the dead?
As I pondered the resurrection story this year, a particular text awakened my curiosity regarding one of the first statements made to the women that had come to further anoint Jesus dead body a few days after His crucifixion, “… He is going before you into Galilee …”. What could His disciples gain from going to see Him in Galilee, that they won’t already have by seeing Him after His resurrection in Jerusalem. Galilee was about eighty miles away, and Matthew and Mark both have accounts of the disciples being told, after His death it was important to see Him in Galilee. (Matt 28:7, 10; Mark 14:28; Mark 16:9)
On His resurrection day, Jesus appears to Mary Magdalene (Jn 20:14-18); to the women that had gone to the tomb with Mary (Matt 28:9-10), to Peter (1Cor 15:5), and to the disciples as a group in a closed room (1Cor 15:6; Luke 24:36-39). The best account of what transpires in Galilee with His disciples is from Matthew, which is also where scholars believe over five hundred followers saw Him at one time (1Cor 15:6). I was perplexed because of the profound nature of the His resurrection, as the one Who conquered death, it is difficult to imagine what could be appropriately added from there.
Perhaps two questions can bring further clarity to us. The first, “what question does Jesus resurrection answer?” Could it be “What is the meaning of life here on planet Earth?” In studying Christ and His resurrection we will find all things (us included) were made for Him, and exist for His purpose and pleasure. We are reminded that God is real, and really wants a relationship with people so earnestly that He would remove all barriers prohibiting people from truly knowing Him. The sacrifice and the love that motivated it were validated by the resurrection of Jesus. With this being accepted, the next question is “what is the proper context for having a living relationship with the Lord?” Until the disciples, over five hundred of them, are commissioned the focal point for a Christ honoring life is unclear. In Matt 28:18-20 we have those clarifying words. They are far more than something to do, as they make clear what God wants us to do with Him as we live the rest of our days in union with Him.
Matt. 28:18 “And Jesus came and spoke to them, saying, “All authority has been given to Me in heaven and on earth. 19 Go therefore and make disciples of all the nations, baptizing them in the name of the Father and of the Son and of the Holy Spirit, 20 teaching them to observe all things that I have commanded you; and lo, I am with you always, even to the end of the age.” Amen. With these words we hear why it was so important for Jesus followers to hear what He had to say in Galilee. It was a message to all of His disciples not just a select few.
Today these words continue to call followers of Jesus like you and me, to join Him in sharing this same Gospel with friends and neighbors. I sincerely hope His resurrection from the dead is real to you because you have opened your heart to Him and know Him. Just as it was important for His first century followers, it is essential for us to hear the resurrected Savior of the world, call us and lead us to join Him in what He’s doing today. Let’s agree with His desire to take our relationship with Him to the world around us!