Well, there was no one jumping out of a cake, but this was a surprise that changed the face of everything. But let’s back up a bit.
…While he was still speaking, Judas, one of the Twelve, arrived. With him was a large crowd armed with swords and clubs, sent from the chief priests and the elders of the people. Now the betrayer had arranged a signal with them: “The one I kiss is the man; arrest him.” Going at once to Jesus, Judas said, “Greetings, Rabbi!” and kissed him.
Jesus replied, “Do what you came for, friend.”
Then the men stepped forward, seized Jesus and arrested him.” Matthew 26:46-50
At first Jesus was likely a novelty, an oddity they could live with. But now he was stealing their thunder, much more than a simple thorn in the side. He was a threat. One they had to put a stop to. And they thought they had. Fast forward to Pentecost. The fat cats in the temple were relaxed. Feet up. Jesus was gone. His followers had deserted him, en masse, tails between their legs. It was the beginning of a huge celebration. People literally from everywhere. And the Sanhedrin would be front and center. But then…
When the day of Pentecost came, they were all together in one place. Suddenly a sound like the blowing of a violent wind came from heaven and filled the whole house where they were sitting. They saw what seemed to be tongues of fire that separated and came to rest on each of them. All of them were filled with the Holy Spirit and began to speak in other tongues as the Spirit enabled them.
Now there were staying in Jerusalem God-fearing Jews from every nation under heaven. When they heard this sound, a crowd came together in bewilderment, because each one heard their own language being spoken. Acts 2:1-6
No more Smug City!! What had started as an undoubtedly profitable celebration had been derailed. Forever. At the end of the day, 3000 budding evangelists would be taking the Good News back to their homes. The world had changed forever. The Holy Spirit had arrived. Today, those 3000 new Christians have grown to 2.4 billion.
Thank You Jesus!
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