After the Resurrection: Who Are We in the Story?

The resurrection of Jesus changed everything—but not all at once, and not for everyone in the same way.

For the disciples, it was not a simple moment of celebration. It was confusing, disorienting, even frightening. Jesus was alive, yes—but what did that mean now? What were they supposed to do? Who were they now that everything had changed?

Each disciple responded differently. And maybe, if we’re honest, we do too.

Are we like Thomas?

He wasn’t there when Jesus first appeared to the others. They told him what they’d seen, but it wasn’t enough. Thomas needed to see the wounds, to touch them. He needed proof.

Jesus didn’t shame him for that. Instead, He met Thomas where he was: “Put your finger here; see my hands. Reach out your hand and put it into my side. Stop doubting and believe.” (John 20:27)

Thomas’s doubt wasn’t a failure—it was a path to deeper faith. But it came through wrestling. Questioning.

Do we give ourselves permission to ask hard questions? Do we bring our doubts to God, or do we hide them out of fear or pride?

Are we like Mary Magdalene?

She was the first to see the risen Christ—but she didn’t recognize Him at first. Through her tears, she mistook Him for the gardener. It wasn’t until He said her name that everything changed. One word: “Mary.” And she knew. (John 20:16)

Sometimes the pain of our circumstances blinds us. We’re standing in the presence of Jesus but can’t see Him clearly. But He sees us. He knows our name.

Are we listening for His voice, even through our grief?

Are we like Peter?

After denying Jesus three times, Peter returns to fishing—as if to say, “I’ve blown it. I’m going back to what I knew before.” But Jesus comes to him on the shore, cooks breakfast, and gently restores him: “Do you love me?” (John 21:15–17)

Jesus doesn’t throw Peter’s failure in his face. He redirects him. He calls him back to purpose.

What do we do with our failures? Do we retreat to old patterns, or let Jesus bring us back into His mission?

Are we like Paul?

Though not among the original disciples, Paul met the risen Christ in a radically different way—on the road to Damascus, while persecuting Christians. His encounter left him blinded, humbled, and completely transformed. (Acts 9:1–19)

He went from enemy to evangelist. His entire life was reoriented by the truth that Jesus was alive.

Have we allowed the resurrection to reorient us? Or have we tucked it away as a once-a-year celebration?

The resurrection isn’t just a moment in history—it’s the turning point of all creation.

And it demands a response.

Not just belief, but transformation.

The early disciples didn’t stay in the upper room. They didn’t cling to comfort. They let the risen Christ reshape their reality—even when it cost them everything.

So here’s the question: How are we responding to the resurrection?

Are we hiding in fear, like the disciples on Easter evening?

Are we chasing old routines, like Peter?

Are we boldly proclaiming Christ, like Paul?

We live on this side of the resurrection. We know how the story ends. But are we living like it?

The tomb is empty. Jesus is alive. That truth should change how we see the world, how we love people, and how we live each day.

Call to Action:

Take a moment to reflect on your own response to the resurrection. Are you seeking proof like Thomas, listening for Jesus’ voice like Mary, returning to old habits like Peter, or embracing transformation like Paul? Share your thoughts and experiences in the comments below.