Stories

After Easter, it’s easy to forget about waiting.

Many people practice Lent—a season of fasting and waiting for Jesus’ return—but after
Easter, it doesn’t make sense to wait. Jesus returned, so the wait is over!

… Right?

After Easter

After Jesus resurrected from the grave, He spent a number of moments—long walks,
meals, and conversations—with His disciples, teaching them about His Kingdom and
preparing them for the mission He would soon send them out on.

But then, He tells them to wait.
“Do not leave Jerusalem, but wait for the gift my Father promised, which you
have heard me speak about.” Acts 1:4

The gift Jesus told them they had to wait for? The Holy Spirit.

Wait… What?

This is worse than getting a new pair of shoes and not being able to wear them for 50 days.

Or when your favorite artist drops a new album, but you’re not allowed to listen to it.

But Jesus was actually doing something profound with His disciples. He knew that if they
weren’t prepared properly, the Good News would never make it out of Jerusalem.

It’s Like Being in the Wrong Mood

Consider this: you’ve been in a funk for a week, and your favorite artist drops a new album.
But when you listen to it, you hate the album. It’s high energy and fun… the exact opposite
of what you were emotionally ready for.

On a small scale, this is where Jesus’ disciples were at, spiritually. They weren’t in a funk
emotionally, but they weren’t strong enough yet, spiritually.

Jesus Knew Exactly What They Needed

First, Jesus’ disciples needed time. Jesus’ death and resurrection had exhausted them.
They were excited to see Him, but they needed time to recover from the fear and pain of
watching their rabbi die.

Second, Jesus’ disciples needed the Holy Spirit.

So He asked them to wait.

Are You Ready to Wait?

It feels counterintuitive, but after Easter, Jesus asks us to wait again. In between His first
gift—the Resurrection—and His next gift—the Holy Spirit—will you join us in the waiting?

For the week leading up to Pentecost Sunday, consider with us what “waiting” means to
Jesus, and what it means for people across India. For 7 days, pray through our Pentecost
Prayer Guide with us and bring your waiting—whatever it may be—to Jesus.

Ready to wait for the Holy Spirit with us? Sign up for the Pentecost Prayer Guide below.

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