Jesus had a very small group of followers at the time he was crucified. Of his disciples, only eleven remained. Other followers included his mother, Mary, and Salome, the mother of James and John. Mary Magdalene, Cleopas and his wife Mary, and the others numbered about 120 souls. At that time, the name Christian had not come into use yet, but it was this group of followers that I think of as the very first Christians.

Joy Came After The Mourning

 While they were still mourning the death of Christ, the darkness turned to light on Resurrection Sunday.

The sorrow they felt at his death turned into joy and a renewed hope. 

In fact, some of them would begin celebrating and worshipping Jesus on Sundays because they thought of it as the Lord’s Day.

Everything Changed That Day

Though Christ had risen and things seemed somewhat back to normal, everything had irrevocably changed. As followers, they had been living and traveling with Jesus throughout Israel, but that traveling ministry had ended with his arrest and crucifixion. 

“After his suffering, he presented himself to them and gave many convincing proofs that he was alive. He appeared to them over a period of forty days and spoke about the kingdom of God.” Acts 1:3 NIV

As they heard the amazing tidings that Jesus had risen, some of the first Christians doubted while others believed immediately. No matter what, they were told to be patient and wait upon the blessing he wanted them to receive.

He Told Them To Wait

One day during the forty-day period between resurrection and ascension, Jesus joined the disciples. This was the moment he told them to wait for the gift of the Holy Spirit.

On one occasion, while he was eating with them, he gave them this command: “Do not leave Jerusalem, but wait for the gift my Father promised, which you have heard me speak about. 5 For John baptized with[water, but in a few days you will be baptized with the Holy Spirit.” 6 Then they gathered around him and asked him, “Lord, are you at this time going to restore the kingdom to Israel?” Acts 1:4-6 NIV

Because they had not yet received the gift of the Holy Spirit, their thinking was still very much rooted in matters of this world. In fact, some of the disciples still clung to the belief that Jesus would be a worldly leader who kicked the hated Romans out of Israel.

Fortunately, Jesus was much more patient than I would have been. In this next passage, He answered the disciples very mildly:

He said to them: “It is not for you to know the times or dates the Father has set by his own authority. 8 But you will receive power when the Holy Spirit comes on you; and you will be my witnesses in Jerusalem, and in all Judea and Samaria, and to the ends of the earth.” Acts 1:7-8 NIV

Then the most amazing thing happened. Jesus was taken up into the heavens. In that moment, right before their eyes, the world changed. Their leader, their Lord, ascended upwards, leaving them alone on the Mount of Olives.

After he said this, he was taken up before their very eyes, and a cloud hid him from their sight. Acts 1:9 NIV

Imagine being one of his followers who heard him say those words. At that moment, they might have been thinking he would give them further instructions and admonitions. Instead, he just began to rise up in the air.

A ‘Jaw Dropping’ Moment

Many have tried to capture this moment as in the image above. It’s doubtful that any of us could really do it justice. Nonetheless, it was a ‘jaw dropping’ moment.

Some of the followers must have stood staring. Others might have reached up towards towards him. Still others must have been crying or calling to him. No matter what, their eyes naturally lifted up as they sought to follow him. 

He eventually disappeared from sight and they were left standing on ground which had shifted under their feet. Nothing was the same anymore.

Where Should We Go?

Though they were shocked, I imagine they were also a bit deflated. Perhaps they asked this out loud or just in their own minds, but they must have been wondering. What should we do now? Where should we go? 

Fortunately, Jesus had at least answered the last question. About the only certainty they had was his command to remain in Jerusalem.

They made their way from the Mount of Olives, down through the Kidron Valley, and through the city of Jeusalem.

Many of them returned to the upper room in the house of Mary and John Mark. This was the spot where they had prayed and shared many meals with Jesus.

Here, they prayed for guidance from above.

These men and women did not know it at the time, but they would soon receive a wise, spiritual counselor, an advocate with the knowledge and mind of God.

We’ll explore their world more in The Very First Christians (Part Two).

Yours in Christ, Kurt

P.S. Here is another related post on the first Christians.

Did Early Christians Worship on Saturday or Sunday?