Jesus appeared after His resurrection, to more than 500 people.

It is written in 1 Corinthians 15.6 that He appeared to more than five hundred brethren at once!

Jesus resurrected, and for 40 days, according to Acts 1.3, gave infallible proofs of His resurrection, speaking of the things pertaining to the Kingdom of God and telling them to expect the outpouring of the Holy Spirit in Jerusalem.

During the 40 days after Jesus had risen, He preached, insisted and repeated for them to expect the outpouring of the Holy Spirit in Jerusalem.

On the day of Pentecost, how many people were gathered in the upper room in Jerusalem waiting for the Holy Spirit?

Many will say:

– 500!

Others will say:

– More than 500!

But Acts 1.15 states that there were approximately 120 people. Therefore, not even half of the people who saw Jesus after He rose, and heard Him for 40 days say: “Do not leave Jerusalem, wait for the promise!”

Yes… Not even half of them obeyed, listened, practiced, etc.

Why is this?

Because Jesus was crucified in Jerusalem! And His disciples and followers were being persecuted.

Being in Jerusalem was a threat. It was a SACRIFICE! They were all hidden, persecuted for their faith.

Why didn’t Jesus promise the outpouring of the Holy Spirit in another city? Why not Capernaum, Nazareth or Bethlehem?

Answer: Because there would be no SACRIFICE, no effort! And to receive the Holy Spirit, it was necessary for them to sacrifice and be in Jerusalem!!

More than 500 people wanted the Holy Spirit, but most did not want to sacrifice! They wanted things the easy way.

Nearly 120 sacrificed and even though they were threatened, they remained in the holy city. Threats, harassment, nothing matters! Even though they were at risk of being killed, they obeyed. Those who obey, sacrifice and those who sacrifice, obey! If you want the Holy Spirit or recognize a need to be renewed, you should climb to the top of Mount Hermon, on the 14^th.

Either you are like the majority who does not sacrifice – is listening to the pastor speak about the campaign of Mount Hermon and the Fast of Daniel for several days and does not act because you do not want to sacrifice – or you are like the minority, the 120 who sacrificed, obeyed, proved they wanted the Holy Spirit, were transformed and made history.

They were witnesses to Jesus and glorified Him.

Collaboration by: Pastor Luciano Santos