  The resurrection of Jesus of Nazareth is the most important
event of human history. If it didn’t happen, the most
influential world religion is a sham. If it did happen, “all
things are possible” (Matthew 19:26).   Jesus’s death had been
difficult and confusing for everyone. Having been welcomed into
Jerusalem like a king, he was dead before the week was over. And
when the shepherd was struck the sheep scattered (Mark 14:27).
But they re-gathered in a secret hideout in Jerusalem.  On
Sunday things took a weird twist. It began with Mary Magdalene
insisting that she had seen Jesus alive that morning. True,
Jesus’s body disappearing was admittedly strange. But still,
everyone knew Jesus had really died. No one could really believe
Mary’s claim, except maybe John.  Then later in the day Peter
announced that he also had seen Jesus alive. This troubled
Thomas. But he figured he could cut Peter some slack. After
denying Jesus publicly, who could blame Peter for desperately
wishing it to be true. He just needed tim