Trauma in the Easter Story

During the Lent and Easter seasons, we relive the traumatic events surrounding Christ’s death and resurrection.  At the same time, we also may experience trauma. Comparing the two provides a wonderful opportunity for us to find victory over trauma.
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The Easter story reminds us that dramatic transformation from fear and despair to courage, hope and peace is possible! The disciples that left Jesus and fled (Matthew 26:56b) and lived behind locked doors for fear of the Jews (John 20:19) became the men that astonished people with their boldness, lack of fear of the Jewish rulers and defied the orders not to teach or speak the name of Jesus.

Then all the disciples left him and fled. (Matthew 26:56b)
On the evening of that day, the first day of the week, the doors being locked where the disciples were for fear of the Jews, John 20:19
Now when they saw the boldness of Peter and John, and perceived that they were uneducated, common men, they were astonished. And they recognized that they had been with Jesus. Acts 4:13-21

As you read and reflect on the Easter story, ask yourself why being with Jesus resulted in such a dramatic transformation. The answer is important because you can experience the same transformation!