As they entered the tomb, they saw a young man, dressed in a white robe, sitting on the right side; and they were alarmed. But he said to them, ‘Do not be alarmed; you are looking for Jesus of Nazareth, who was crucified. He has been raised; he is not here. Look, there is the place they laid him. But go, tell his disciples and Peter that he is going ahead of you to Galilee; there you will see him, just as he told you.’ (Mark 16: 5-7)

On at least three occasions Jesus discussed being killed and then rising again. In Mark 8:32 it is explained, "He said all this quite openly."

There is no evidence that anyone took him seriously. Even now - seeing and hearing evidence that strongly supports the claim - the first reaction is alarm.

They loved Jesus. They followed Jesus. They were chosen by Jesus. They listened carefully to his teachings. They saw his courage, compassion, and saving acts.

Jesus had explained the Son of Man must undergo great suffering, and be rejected by the elders, the chief priests, and the scribes, and be killed, and after three days rise again. (Mark 8: 31)

Further, this was an ancient prophecy well-known in the inherited faith. "He was despised and rejected... he was cut off from the land of the living... They made his grave with the wicked..." (Isaiah 53)

But still there was no expectation - whatsoever - that Jesus would rise again. There was no understanding of what this was meant to tell us of the Kingdom of God.

What is my expectation? What is my understanding?