Urantia Book 117. The Life and Teachings of Jesus of Nazareth, Joshua bin Joseph, Yeshua, Christ Michael, Sovereign God of Nebadon. The apostles spent the weekend of the crucifixion and resurrection behind a locked door in the Upper Room. They were terrified, uncomfortable, and felt guilty for abandoning Jesus. With bars on the door they were afraid to be found and arrested; it was a terrible day. Thomas was off by himself being depressed; he would have been better with the others. John all day focused on the idea that Jesus had risen from the dead. He told of five different times when the Master said he would rise from the dead. And there were at least three times when Jesus said it would be the third day. John’s attitude influenced the others, but he would have had more influence had he been older. And they didn’t get much news because John Mark didn’t think to bring news from the groups to which Jesus appeared. So they were very isolated with their troubles. And David’s messengers were off spreading the news to believers in distant places. Peter all day vacillated between faith and doubt concerning the Master’s Resurrection. Around 8 pm he walked into the garden, needing some solitude. James Zebedee was in favor of doing something to resolve the mystery, but Nathaniel prevented them from going out and being arrested. Andrew was thankful that the Master had relieved him from his leadership role; he no longer wanted the responsibility. Nathaniel’s characteristic philosophic counsel was really the controlling influence among the ten throughout the day. Simon Zelotes was so crushed that he lay on a bed with his back to the room, said few words and even the idea of the resurrection did nothing to alleviate his disappointment. Philip, usually having little to say, reacted to the stress they were experiencing by talking non-stop, and wanted to know if Jesus appeared, would he bear the marks of the crucifixion? Matthew was worried about their future plans and finances. David had dropped the money bag in his lap and he didn’t know what to do with it. And he was worried because they had no leader. The Alpheus twins took no part in the discussions, but when asked, they just said that they didn’t understand about the resurrection, but their mother talked to Jesus and they believed her. Thomas just wanted to be by himself; he slept long and walked when he was awake. Jesus put off his appearance to the apostles because he wanted Thomas to be there for it. He wanted Peter to wrestle through some of his guilt and other difficulties before he manifested to them. Peter and John had to go to Bethphage and get Thomas; that is the reason they didn’t go to Galilee after Jesus once appeared to them; they wouldn’t go without Thomas (191.0.1-13).************************************ Around half past 8 pm Jesus made his eighth morontia appearance to Peter in the garden at the Mark’s place. Peter was thinking that he would go back in and tell his fellow apostles that “I believe he has risen from the dead.” As he said this Jesus appeared and gave him this message: “Peter, the enemy desired to have you, but I would not give you up. I knew it was not from the heart that you disowned me; therefore I forgave you before you asked; but now you must cease to think about yourself and the troubles of the hour while you prepare to carry the good news of the gospel to those who sit in darkness. No longer should you be concerned with what you may obtain from the kingdom but rather be exercised by what you can give to those who live in dire spiritual poverty. Gird yourself, Simon, for the battle of a new day, the struggle with spiritual darkness and the evil doubtings of the natural minds of men.” They talked a few minutes longer and then Jesus vanished, saying, “Farewell, Peter, until I see you with your brethren.” Afterward, Peter ran up to the others, his heart bursting and saying that he had been forgiven and that Jesus had appeared to him. They were all happy for him until Andrew cautioned them that Peter had seen things before and everyone knew he was referring to the time when Peter thought he saw Jesus walking on the water. Peter was hurt and lapsed into a disappointed silence. Jesus made a ninth morontia appearance to the apostles in the Upper Room with the door barred. He castigated them and then vanished. He said: “Why are you so frightened when I appear, as though you had seen a spirit? How long will you doubt my words and refuse to believe my promises. And now that you actually see me, will you believe? Even now one of you is absent. When you are gathered together once more, and when all of you are certain that the Son of Man has risen from the grave, then go into Galilee. Have faith in God; have faith in one another; and enter into the service of the kingdom of heaven. I will stay in Jerusalem until you are ready to go to Galilee. My peace I leave with you.” He vanished.