Resurrection Expectations

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In Matthew 28:16–20, we find the disciples standing on a mountain in Galilee, staring at the risen Jesus. Some worshiped, but some doubted. Yet Jesus, with full authority in heaven and on earth, gave them the Great Commission: “Go and make disciples of all nations…”

That’s a bold charge—and it’s only believable because of the resurrection. Without the resurrection, there’s no great commission. The disciples wouldn’t have endured persecution or death for a lie. They had fled in fear at Jesus’ arrest, but after His resurrection, they became bold men who changed the world.

Jesus was calling them to live with what I call “Resurrection Expectations.”

Jesus Had Resurrection Expectations

In John 2, after clearing the temple, Jesus told the Jews, “Destroy this temple, and I will raise it again in three days.” He wasn’t talking about the building—they would later remember He was talking about His body.

Jesus trusted the Scriptures. Psalm 16:10 prophesied, “You will not abandon me to the realm of the dead, nor will you let your faithful one see decay.” Peter quoted that very verse at Pentecost, and Paul preached it in Antioch. Jesus had such faith in God’s promises that He could “call His shot” before it happened.

Athletes like Babe Ruth or Joe Namath might predict a home run or a victory. But predicting resurrection? Only Jesus could trust the Father’s plan with such certainty.

And when He surrendered—first in Gethsemane, then on the cross—it was that trust that carried Him. Resurrection faith is surrendering to God’s long-term plan, even when the road is painful.

Do we have that kind of faith? Faith that trusts God’s larger plan even when we don’t see it yet? Faith that says, “I’ll let go of my way, because God knows the best way”?

Resurrection Expectations in the Early Church

In Acts 4, after facing persecution, the disciples didn’t pray for safety—they prayed for boldness. The place where they prayed shook, the Spirit filled them, and they continued preaching the resurrection of Jesus with great power. They shared everything, met needs, and lived as one family.

The resurrection gave them courage, unity, and generosity.

Do we live with that same boldness? Or do we just attend church without really living with resurrection expectations?

Resurrection Expectations Are Trustworthy

Some might ask: “How do we know the Bible hasn’t changed over time?”

We can look at the historical chain of custody. John wrote his Gospel around 95 AD. By 120 AD, we already have fragments of his Gospel (P52). John’s disciples—Ignatius, Polycarp, and Papias—all carried on his teaching, and their writings survive today.

Polycarp’s student Irenaeus listed the books of the New Testament he used, and they align with what we have. The message remained consistent: Jesus is risen.

From Rome to Asia Minor to France, the chain of testimony is unbroken. The Bible has been faithfully preserved. Our faith is both true and reasonable.

And beyond history books, we’ve seen transformed lives. We are transformed lives. That’s resurrection power at work.

Living with Resurrection Expectations

To live with resurrection expectations means surrendering to God’s plan, trusting His promises, and living boldly in the mission He’s given us. It means remembering that Jesus is with us always, to the very end of the age.

As we take communion, Paul reminds us in 1 Corinthians 11: “Do this in remembrance of me.” We don’t just remember His sacrifice—we remember His resurrection. And that remembrance should compel us to live with faith, surrender, and boldness.

Let’s not settle for small expectations. Let’s live with Resurrection Expectations.