It would certainly be understandable if Jesus' followers had hoped that after the crucifixion they would eventually see their Master again. Perhaps in some future heaven. After all, Jesus had left them this tender promise: "I will see you again, and your heart shall rejoice . . . ." John 16:22.
But if those who felt the sting of his loss were thinking in terms of the more orthodox view of reaching heaven later—perhaps even years or decades later—the resurrection taught a dramatic lesson. So much of human experience is rooted in the view that heaven and all it means—perfect life and health forever—is not here now but will come later.
Christ Jesus saw things so very differently. One of the great lessons of his resurrection is that God provides us life, health, and freedom now. As long as we expect that good will come later, it always will come later. It will be like trying to reach the top of a ladder on which more rungs keep showing up just when we thought we were almost there.
