The number 40 is a recurring theme throughout the Bible, like a golden thread. Therefore, it is not so surprising that there were 40 days between the resurrection and the ascension of Jesus Christ.

What happened during this period?

The Significance of the Number Forty

The Bible is packed with other “40” motifs. Noah’s Flood saw 40 days of rain. Moses received the Ten Commandments over 40 days on Mount Sinai. The Israelites wandered the wilderness for 40 years. Goliath challenged the Israelites for 40 days before David slew him. 

In the New Testament, Jesus himself was tempted by the enemy for 40 days before the start of his public ministry. In this way, the 40-day period was often a symbolic “new beginning.” The 40 days after the resurrection have been described as a “probation” period for the new leadership of the Church— a sort of trial run before they were left alone.

Week One: The Week of Convincing Proofs

In the first days after the resurrection, the risen Jesus showed himself to many. He appeared to those guarding his tomb, to the women who visited, and to the disciples in other settings. The physical interactions were noteworthy— according to the Scriptures, Jesus ate food and allowed those who doubted to touch his wounds. This served to ground the miracle in reality for the skeptical disciples. The Last Supper was not his last supper— far from it.

His resurrection was not only a nice idea. He was not only raised in spirit, but in his natural form. This carries tremendous weight and makes the resurrection miracle even bigger. It was not just an idea; it was a lived reality.

Jesus also appeared to a crowd of 500 and to the biggest skeptic of all, his own brother, James. 

The Galilean Interval: Return to the Roots

Long before Jesus’ death, he instructed his disciples to meet him in Galilee when the time came. In Matthew 6:32, he said: “…after I have risen, I will go ahead of you into Galilee.” The disciples remembered what he had said and traveled north to Galilee.

It was here, on the same beach where Jesus called many of them to become his disciples (where fishermen became ‘fishers of men’) and where Jesus met with Peter and others. Peter was the one who promised never to desert Jesus, but who betrayed him three times before the morning rooster crowed. 

Yet, on the Galilean beach where it all began, Jesus asks Peter three times, “Do you love me?” In doing so, Jesus restored Peter, forgave him, and encouraged him to remember his calling. He then cooked breakfast for them over a fire, and they ate together (John 21).

The Content of the Final Teachings

The aim of Jesus coming to earth was not just to be here, perform some miracles, die, and go back to Heaven. Jesus came as a rabbi (teacher). He not only spoke about the Kingdom of God— he also taught his followers how to live it.

In the weeks following Jesus’ resurrection, a few key events happened:

• Emmaus Road Encounter: Jesus opened their minds to understand how the Old Testament connects to the New. 
• Pentecost: The helper, the Holy Spirit, whom Jesus promised earlier, was given to the disciples, empowering them to be God’s witnesses.
• The Miraculous Catch of Fish: Jesus found the disciples fishing and called out to cast their nets on the other side. This was also when he restored Peter.

“He appeared to them over a period of forty days and spoke about the kingdom of God.” – Acts 1:3

The Great Commission: A Strategic Global Vision

Matthew 28 details the instructions Jesus gave his followers at this time. In what came to be known as the “Great Commission,” Jesus sent his disciples out to follow his example and “Go and make disciples.” 

In the Book of Acts, this same command takes on a geographical and literal sense. “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 1:8. 

These places are farther and farther from Jerusalem, like rings around a pebble, indicating how the disciples were to approach their mission. This same strategy is still followed by missionaries today.

The Final Return to Jerusalem and the Mount of Olives

If Jesus had a favorite place, it was probably the Mount of Olives. He often went to this olive grove to pray, and this was also where he chose to spend his last few moments before his trial and crucifixion. It is on this same mountain that the book of Acts describes Jesus’ final encouragement and eventual ascension. 

Many leadership books have been written based on the type of leader Jesus was. He delegated, empowered, and encouraged those who followed him. At one point  (Acts 1:4), he commands them to “wait in Jerusalem” for the promised gift, helper, and comforter, the Holy Spirit. Herein, Jesus marks his transition from the physical presence of the teacher to the spiritual empowerment of the followers.

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

The Ascension in Christian Art and Architecture

The Ascension has been depicted as a “triumph” since the start. There was a famous ‘disappearing feet’ motif in medieval art, and this same event inspired grand dome mosaics in the Byzantine era. 

There’s a contrast evident between the humble, suffering Christ of the crucifixion and the “Pantokrator” (Ruler of All), while humanity remains below, looking up at him, as he’s lifted up to heaven.

The 40 days between the resurrection and the ascension were when Jesus’ missionary efforts were realized. He passed the baton to his followers, empowered them with the Holy Spirit, and promised them that he would be with them until the end.

Without this specific window of time, the movement might have remained a small Jewish sect rather than becoming a global faith.

Nancy Wake, a New Zealand-born, Australian-raised journalist, lived in France and traveled around Europe from the late 1930s. She saw fascism’s terror firsthand and despised it. With France’s surrender in 1940, she joined the underground. Nancy soon emerged as a resourceful operative and consistently escaped the traps the Gestapo set for her, earning her the moniker of “the White Mouse” from her enemies. She mastered strategy, intelligence gathering, sabotage, and full-unit guerrilla warfare. By 1944, Nancy supported 7,000 fighters, one of the largest Maquis groups. 

For the Germans, Nancy Wake’s Maquis operated effectively, tying down German formations desperately needed to oppose the June 6, 1944, D-Day landings. Yet Nancy’s story started far from Europe.

The Making of an Agent

Nancy Wake’s life didn’t begin in France but rather in New Zealand. Born there in 1912, she later migrated with her family to Sydney, Australia. At 16, restless and lively, she left home for Europe via an inheritance and studied journalism. Her assignments sent her to the continent. There, Nancy witnessed fascism’s rise and brutality, such as Nazis whipping Jews. Events like these sparked her hatred of the movement.

In 1939, she married a French manufacturer, Henri Fiocca, and settled in Marseille. Following France’s collapse in June 1940, Nancy quickly sided with the Resistance, first by opening her home, but her responsibilities quickly grew.

By late 1940, Nancy’s role had grown. She began to smuggle pilots and civilians. Her remarkable French fluency, charm, and unflappable nature allowed her to get through checkpoints, often carrying messages, money, or papers. Nancy drove, biked, or walked all over southern France. Given these risks, Nancy faced immediate execution if caught. 

A Nickname, Escape, and the SOE

By mid-1941, Nancy’s continued success made the Gestapo aware of her. Through interrogations, informants, and surveillance, they discovered a dark-haired, Australian, French-speaking woman was their target. Somehow, this agent continually escaped Gestapo nets. Frustrated, the Germans gave this ghost the moniker “the White Mouse,” thus creating a legend. Due to pressure, Nancy had to escape to England in June 1943.

Upon Nancy’s arrival in England, the Special Operations Executive (SOE) quickly noted her talents for clandestine operations in France. Naturally fluent, resourceful, and cool under pressure, SOE officers recruited Nancy into their ranks. Sent to SOE training camp, Nancy trained in weapons, explosives, parachuting, and many other combat skills. More importantly, SOE camps stressed psychological conditioning, intending to give agents survival skills in a hostile country where failure usually meant death.

Into the SOE, Then Back into Action

Given Nancy’s history, SOE command also recognized her abilities. She impressed both her instructors and comrades, and was rated an “excellent shot.” With her training completed, she parachuted into the Allier region of France on April 29-30, 1944. Her mission: Unite, prepare, and coordinate Maquis groups for D-Day operations. Nancy soon discovered the Maquis’s fragmentation, whether due to ideological differences, competing aims, or pressure from the Wehrmacht. She crisscrossed the region, unifying the groups. 

Nancy Wake gained the Maquis’s confidence through competence. She demanded obedience and discipline, but delivered too. She arranged supply drops of guns, radios, and explosives, ensuring these reach the intended groups. Nancy established training in new weapons to increase guerrilla fighters’ effectiveness. 

Under Nancy’s support, the Maquis began a brutal campaign. Across her area of responsibility, they attacked German garrisons, blew up railroads, and disrupted communications. This forced the Germans to react, keeping forces away from the important Normandy beaches.

The Commander of 7,000

Luckily for the Maquis, Nancy was no armchair leader. Practical and fierce, she went on raids, exchanging gunfire with German forces and taking the same risks that built a lifelong legend. She didn’t tolerate slackers, held everyone to identical high standards, and removed anyone who endangered the mission.

Among SOE’s feats, Nancy’s legendary bicycle ride is perhaps unmatched. After a German raid forced her radio operator to burn the codes, Nancy pedaled some 300 miles in about 72 hours through German roadblocks to request new codes. After this, and her consistent ability to deliver or achieve what she promised, Nancy cemented her reputation among the Maquis. Meanwhile, Nancy kept recruiting, training, and issuing weapons, swelling the Maquis ranks to 7,000 fighters by early June. 

Nancy Wake brought together disparate Maquis groups in just five weeks. She used her sheer ability, willpower, and intelligence. The Maquis groups under her sway kept Wehrmacht troops engaged, who could have been used to oppose the Allied Normandy landings. Postwar, numerous governments awarded Nancy Wake for her efforts.

As the waves tumbled into the boat, a strong wind rose up, caused by the geographical “wind tunnel” effect found on the Sea of Galilee. It was already the “Fourth Watch” (3:00 AM to 6:00 AM), the final hours of darkness before morning light would come.

Suddenly, someone caught a glimpse of a terrifying sight. There was a figure on the water, walking slowly towards the boat. “It is a ghost!” they cried, but Peter recognized the figure and faith replaced fear.

The Sea of Galilee: A 1st-Century Maritime Context

Near the end of Matthew 14, there’s a strange miracle written down where Jesus walks on the water towards the disciples, and Peter follows in his rabbi’s footsteps.

In 1986, when a severe drought caused water levels of that same lake to drop, archaeologists found what they named “Galilee Boat” – a historical find providing valuable insight into the context of this portion of Scripture. The boat dates back to the first century and is therefore a likely parallel to the one found in this story.

The Galilee boat is made from cedar and other wooden planks, roughly nailed together. It’s a shallow vessel, allowing the fishermen to be close to the water. Even professional fishermen would be genuinely terrified bracing the wind in such a boat.

The great miracle is grounded in this physical reality of a boat of that time found at the same site of this event, often mistaken for a parable.

The Symbolism of the Deep in the Ancient Mind

Upon recognizing Jesus, Peter called out to his rabbi: “Lord, if it’s you, tell me to come to you on the water.” (Matthew 14:28)

There’s a concept in Biblical Hebrew called ‘tehom’ (תְּהוֹם) which speaks about “chaos waters” of the creation account. The second verse in Genesis reads, “Now the earth was formless and empty, darkness was over the surface of the deep, and the Spirit of God was hovering over the waters.”

In ancient Near Eastern thought, walking on water was a prerogative reserved only for the Creator. Yet, when Jesus walked towards the disciples on that morning, something pivotal happened. Hearing Peter’s audacious request, Jesus simply responded with one word: “Come.”

Jesus calling Peter onto the water was an invitation to share in a “Divine” experience rather than just a survival tactic. The disciples would have understood the significance of stepping out of the boat.

Why Peter? The Psychology of the Impetuous Apostle

Many readers of the text wonder why Peter was the one to step out of the boat, but when you read the other Gospels, it becomes quite apparent. Peter is always the first to speak, the first to act, and the first to fail. In fact, his name was originally Simon, but Jesus decided to nickname him ‘Peter’, meaning “rock”, perhaps because he was so stubborn.

Jesus called Peter specifically to teach the difference between “enthusiasm” and “sustained faith.” At first, Peter’s feet were surprisingly confident as he walked toward Jesus impulsively, but it was when he took his eyes off his rabbi and looked at the wind that he began to sink.

The Sink: Wind, Waves, and Distraction

The Greek word ‘ischyron’ (ἰσχυρόν) describes the wind as boisterous, rough, or violent. The reality is that the Sea of Galilee has canyons on either side, creating a sort of ‘wind tunnel’ effect that meant sudden waves appeared as if out of nowhere. Peter begins to sink as soon as he notices the wind.

The spiritual or philosophical lesson has been interpreted in different ways:

On the one hand, the miracle didn’t fail because the physics changed, but because Peter’s focus shifted from the “Source” to the “Environment.” On the other hand, some have argued that it is better to remain in the safety of the boat (and see the boat as a metaphor for the Church). Jesus applies it to faith when he pulls a sinking Peter out of the water, grabbing his hand, and saying, “You of little faith, why did you doubt?” 

Art History: Capturing the Reach for Help

Like the other miracles, this scene has been depicted in various artistic interpretations. Early Christian art often focused on the safety of the boat (the Church), while Renaissance and Baroque artists focused on the physical tension of the “Hand of God” reaching down to save a sinking Peter.

Ivan Aivazovsky’s dramatic maritime perspective (above) shows Jesus shining brightly as he walks towards a sinking Peter. At the bottom of the painting, the other disciples are seen, rowing for their lives.

Jacopo Tintoretto’s depiction of the event (below) takes a different approach. Tintoretto’s sense of motion is noteworthy as he uses mannerism to highlight key elements of the story. The halo around Peter’s head is especially noteworthy as he steps out of the boat and becomes like his rabbi for a moment.

Jesus invited Peter to step out of the boat. Peter obeyed, yet it was not long before he sank. His rabbi was both the one to “call” and to “rescue” – key characteristics of how Jesus is described in Scripture. God is both the one who initiates and the one who saves.

The invitation to step out of the boat was a necessary “breaking” of Peter’s self-reliance, preparing him for his future role as a leader of the early Church. He had to learn the importance of keeping his gaze fixed on Jesus (Hebrews 12:12).

Britain’s plight after the Battle of France in 1940 exposed Britain’s limited industrial base. Despite several years of preparing and even buying some American weapons, that base couldn’t meet that need. Though Germany had a military edge in several areas, Britain excelled in other areas (such as radar). But to exploit any edge, Britain needed a partner. With its unmatched manufacturing capabilities, the United States became that collaborator. Their cooperation began well before Pearl Harbor.

Connections and Breakthroughs

From 1939, American participation in the war slowly increased. President Roosevelt’s December 1940 “Arsenal of Democracy” speech and the 1941 Lend-Lease Agreement made America’s political stance clear. Britain’s Tizard Mission, dispatched before both (September 1940), offered British technical secrets to sweeten the pot.

British secrets in 1940-1941 were very cutting-edge due to wartime innovation. One such example was the coastal chain of radars, which enabled the numerically smaller RAF to intercept Luftwaffe bombers. Thus, items such as radar, Ultra intercepts, and the cavity magnetron became enticements to the relationship.

Depression and Isolationism

1940 saw America still recovering from the Great Depression. During this terrible time, the downturn created slack. America owned efficient, underutilized factories and a skilled workforce, all of which could scale up quickly. Companies modernized during the bad times, improving supply chains and assembly lines, plus standardized parts were refined. Now all stood ready if needed.

Britain, however, faced a wary American public. Isolationism reigned, influenced by the Great War, the Neutrality Act, and determined groups like the America First Committee. But President Roosevelt wove his way through a distrustful Congress, building support for entering the war. Eventually, this led to Lend-Lease.

By late 1940, America and Britain agreed in principle to share secrets and inventions. The August 1941 Atlantic Charter strengthened the partnership.

Mass Production and Technowizardry

America’s manufacturing makeover post-1940 was extraordinary. In an incredibly short time, big names like Chrysler and Ford switched to manufacturing war materiel. Countless smaller companies were networked into nationwide supply chains, providing specialized components. Weapons and material soon poured out in unparalleled amounts, dwarfing Axis output.

Soon, the innovations developed by this American-British alliance arrived. Prototypes became winning weapons and products.

Famous Innovations

As war pressures mounted after 1942, R&D achieved results, submitting designs for wartime production. Several of the more eminent ones included:

• The Manhattan Project: In August 1940, British scientists discovered that building an atomic bomb was feasible. They shared this knowledge, thereby accelerating American plans. This evolved into the Manhattan Project in 1942.

• Radar: Already a known item, its effectiveness skyrocketed with the invention of the cavity magnetron. Refined into a reliable device, this became a game-changer. Systems included the H2S ground-mapping radar for bombers and for detecting U-boats at night.

• The Merlin engine: Designed by Rolls-Royce, this liquid-cooled V-12 engine powered famous British planes like the Spitfire and Lancaster. In September 1940, the Packard Motor Company signed a licensing agreement with Rolls-Royce for production in the United States. This led to re-equipping the future P-51 Mustang, creating one of World War II’s best fighters.

The Less Famous Innovations

Looking at the famous results from this collaboration is easy. Yet equally effective systems emerged but are nearly forgotten.

• Ship design: The battle for controlling the Atlantic proved crucial, especially at the war’s start. By 1943, the British-designed and American-adapted Liberty ship was deployed. So many, in fact, that sheer numbers easily made up for any sunk by U-boats.

• The Hedgehog: This British-designed spigot-style mortar fired 24 contact-fused bombs forward, exploding on contact, unlike fixed depth charges.

• DD Duplex Drive: This British-conceived amphibious drive system allowed American-built Sherman tanks to “swim.” On D-Day, these tanks landed at several beaches, giving the infantry instant armored firepower at a critical moment.

The People Behind All This

Technological achievements depended on people, and each side had different methods. The British toiled in small, select research groups while Americans worked in industrial laboratories and military bureaucracies. But they worked together, very aware of the Nazi threat and the consequences should they win.

Famous names working together included scientists such as James Chadwick and Robert Oppenheimer, and the whole effort came from the highest political level. Roosevelt and Churchill’s amicable relationship helped push through joint research that integrated command structures or addressed bureaucratic problems.

The story of British innovation and American know-how enabled the creation of a winning system. When produced and deployed at all levels, it easily fed the Allies’ battlefield needs.

Between Samaria and Galilee lay a stretch of “borderlines” where the nones of that society resided – the outcasts, the sick, doomed to live in isolation. In antiquity, leprosy was not just a skin disease; it was the death of one’s social life. Being marked “unclean” signaled your exit from society.

When we take a socio-historical look at the healing of the ten lepers, this miracle takes on a somewhat new form. These ten friends, bonded by their shared misery, are divided by their response to a life-changing miracle.

Life in the Colony: The Reality of Ancient Leprosy

The Law of Moses was God’s instruction manual given to his people, the Israelites. Some of the laws were religious, but more practical laws had to do with health and well-being. The Law of Moses mandated total social and religious ostracization for any person with “leprosy” (used to refer to many kinds of skin diseases). What the Bible describes as “leprosy” is most probably Hansen’s Disease or a similar kind of skin condition.

Imagining the physical and psychological toll of being the “living dead” in 1st-century society helps us understand the miracle better. And the Bible provides detail:

“…must wear torn clothes, let their hair be unkempt, cover the lower part of their face and cry out, ‘Unclean! Unclean!’ … they must live outside the camp.” – Leviticus 13:45-46

“They stood at a distance and called out in a loud voice, ‘Jesus, Master, have pity on us!’” – Luke 17:12-13

Go Show the Priests: The Miracle of Obedience

Jesus was always rebelling against the religious authorities of the day, and he explicitly sent the healed lepers to the priests to witness to his power.

“He said, “Go, show yourselves to the priests.” And as they went, they were cleansed.” – Luke 17:14

The healing occurred “as they went,” highlighting the theme of faith in motion. The Bible is a fascinating ancient literary source in which everything is connected to something else, like a large tapestry.

When Jesus commanded the ten men to go to the priests before they were visibly healed, it must have sounded strange to them. But those familiar with the Scriptures would have understood why Jesus asked them to do this.

“The priest is to go outside the camp and examine them.” – Leviticus 14:1-3

Leviticus 14 continues to detail the cleansing process and offerings the priest must do to heal someone of a skin disease.

The Samaritan Scandal: A Lesson in Irony

“Jesus asked, “Were not all ten cleansed? Where are the other nine? Has no one returned to give praise to God except this foreigner?” – Luke 17:17-18

Jesus claimed to do everything by divine intent – nothing was random. In the world in which they lived, there was a stark divide between Jews and Samaritans, a xenophobic hatred that stemmed back generations. The first stirrings of this divide are evident in the first pages of Scripture, in the Old Testament.

The fact that the one who returned was a Samaritan creates a strange echo for a parable Jesus told, called “The Good Samaritan.” In the parable, as in this event, the  “theologically incorrect” outsider was the righteous one. The Samaritan leper was the only one who recognized the source of his healing, while the “insiders” took it for granted.

Healed vs. Whole: The Two Levels of the Miracle

There’s a strange phenomenon in Jesus’ reaction to the thankful Samaritan man:

“Rise and go; your faith has made you well.” (Luke 17:19)

This line has sparked debate about whether the other nine were ever really healed.

The answer becomes clearer when one notes the Greek distinction between the physical healing of the ten and the “wholeness” or salvation (sesōken) promised to the one who returned.

The miracle is a study in the psychology of gratitude and its role in spiritual transformation. Many were healed, but only one expressed gratitude, and it made him whole.

The Miracle in Art: Depicting the Outcast

This scene has been depicted in Byzantine and Renaissance art, often focusing on the dramatic prostration of the one leper at Jesus’ feet. When illustrating this miracle, artists have often used spatial distance between the nine and the one to emphasize the narrative’s emotional core.

This famous story from the Bible is less about manners and more about the radical inclusion of the “other.” All through the Old Testament and the prophets, God is seen as a great includer. Jesus subverted social norms by even speaking to these lepers.

It includes all the elements that led to the crucifixion of Jesus: His miracles that impressed the crowds, his refusal to submit to authorities in the Temple, and blatant disregard for their authority, his crossing of social divides like dining with sinners or even touching Samaritan lepers.

The one who remembered, on the other hand, remains a timeless symbol of the power of a grateful heart in a fragmented world. According to the Scripture, it was his thankfulness that led to his wholeness and healing that could not be taken away from him ever again.

America in the 1960s saw rising frustration in anti-war groups. Years of protest, marked by mass demonstrations and clashes with law enforcement, achieved little by 1968. Since the early 60s, people had flocked to the movement, often with varied strategies or purposes. All opposed the war, racism, and imperialism. In the movement, the large and significant leftist Students for a Democratic Society (SDS) possessed the greatest influence.

Peace, however, was not the only option, and certain members of this movement forged a different path.

The Hardening of the Movement

Within the SDS, a small militant core took shape. By 1969, this core embraced a committed philosophy based on Marxist, anti-imperialist left-wing ideas. For them, as peaceful protests had failed, only direct action would move the needle. The militant group’s announcement came at the 1969 SDS national convention.

The final rupture occurred at the SDS’s 1969 summer convention in Chicago. Here, the militants seized control of the SDS, released their manifesto, “You Don’t Need a Weatherman to Know Which Way the Wind Blows,” and announced themselves. The manifesto and the Weathermen’s rhetoric outlined their anti-imperialist, armed-struggle direction. The convention ended with a mass protest, setting the stage for the October 1969 events.

No Turning Back: The Days of Rage

The change from an anti-establishment to a revolutionary group occurred in October 1969. The Weathermen organized the Days of Rage (October 8-11). Hoping to spark a student uprising, members viciously clashed with police and damaged property. Far fewer turned out than hoped, but still led to more than 250 arrests and over 34 injuries. Regarded as a domestic terrorist group and facing prosecutorial pressure, the Weathermen went underground.

Actions, Framework, and Militancy

For the Weathermen, the Days of Rage spelled failure.

The Chicago protests further radicalized the Weathermen. Their primary tenet centered upon destroying institutions that supported white power. They were obligated to support Black liberation. To do so, the Weathermen reorganized, favoring independent cells which began preparations.

By early 1970, members began preparations, including establishing safe houses, gathering explosives, obtaining false identities, and cutting ties. The cells would share only essential information and swap members for discipline and secrecy. Their concealed labor was inadvertently revealed on March 6, 1970.

America learned the extent of the Weathermen’s efforts in Greenwich Village, New York City. While fashioning bombs, one exploded, killing three members. The NYPD and later the FBI investigated, finding nail-packed bombs and explosives. The group had intended to detonate bombs at Columbia University and Fort Dix (New Jersey). Now exposed, the Weathermen declared war on the US on May 21, 1970. The same year, they changed their name to Weather Underground Organization.

Bombings and the Government Responds

After Greenwich, the Weathermen ramped up their bombing campaign. Yet they switched to property bombings, often forewarning their intended locations. The Greenwich deaths had shaken members plus killing innocents would only alienate the American public. Over the next several years, the Weathermen claimed responsibility for 25 bombings. They targeted corporate offices, federal buildings, and organizations connected to the Vietnam War. Bombs were announced as actions to expose American imperialism, political repression, and racism. Of their bombings, two generated significant headlines, specifically the Pentagon (1972) and the US Capitol (1971). Each got national coverage for their cause.

The US government, alarmed by the Weathermen’s bombings, responded quickly. First, the FBI labeled the group “domestic terrorists.” Thus began a sustained, extensive push using prosecutions, manhunts (national and local), covert intelligence, and putting members on the FBI Most Wanted List. To expedite the hunt, the government occasionally obtained evidence illegally.

Pressure, Fragmentation, and Dissolution

As the Weathermen continued their bombings through the 1970s, the political winds changed. By 1972, America began winding down the Vietnam War, its central rallying point. With the 1973 Paris Accords signed, the anti-war movement’s purpose decreased. No great protests reoccurred, and public interest moved on.

FBI pressure took a toll, too, driving ideological differences. The Weathermen questioned the bombing campaign’s effectiveness, leading to no uprising in support. Few agreed on a path to continue. The Weathermen’s last known bomb exploded on September 6, 1975. By 1977, the group effectively became non-operational. The Weathermen tried once to rebrand themselves, but that gained no momentum.

There’s no doubt the chaotic 1960s radicalized some, frustrated by perceived injustice. The Weathermen tried to inspire uprisings, but the public never really associated with the cause. However, the group sparked questions of political dissent and legitimacy.

There’s a chill in the air. Quiet sobs and muffled speech are heard as friends and family gather around the tomb of Lazarus outside Bethany. The sisters of the dead, Mary and Martha, cling to each other and look in desperation to their friend Jesus Christ. Surely he would do something? But, to their surprise, Jesus is weeping too. None of those gathered outside the tomb would have guessed Jesus’s next words could carry resurrection power…

Why would a man who knew he was about to conquer death bother to cry?

The Human Paradox: Why Did Jesus Weep?

According to the Bible, Jesus was fully God yet fully man – the very definition of incarnation. When John 11:35 tells us “Jesus wept”, it says more than can be captured in those two words. The Bible’s shortest verse is sometimes misinterpreted as something arbitrary, but it carries real significance if we pay closer attention.

The Greek term used for wept is “edakrusen,” implying a quiet, deep sorrow rather than loud wailing. Jesus showed great empathy in this moment – a significant characteristic of God fulfilled in a moment. The God of the Bible is seen as loving, kind, and full of empathy. He provided the alternative sacrifice so that Abraham did not have to kill Isaac, and then he provided his own son as sacrifice in sending Jesus Christ.

“For we do not have a high priest who is unable to empathize with our weaknesses” – Hebrews 4:15

Four Days Dead: The Significance of the Timing

There’s a world hidden behind the details of Scripture. There was an ancient Jewish belief that the soul of the deceased hovered near the body for three days. By waiting until the fourth day, the miracle at Cana (water to wine) is eclipsed by a total reversal of biological decay. This becomes Jesus’ biggest miracle yet. Yet it’s the moment of human vulnerability that preceded the display of divine power that stops us in our tracks.

According to the Gospel, the body was already starting to smell and decompose. Jesus had the emotional intelligence to understand what his friends were experiencing and to empathize with them before rushing towards a solution. But Jesus called out in a loud voice, “Lazarus, come out!” This was not the first time that Jesus had raised the dead, but it was the first time someone had been dead for four days when he raised them.

The Miracle That Sealed a Death Warrant

Unlike other miracles, the Raising of Lazarus was the “point of no return” for the authorities in Jerusalem. If the crowds adored Jesus before, they went crazy about him now. 

Bethany, where Lazarus lived, was on the outskirts of Jerusalem (less than two miles to the east). It was also where Jesus spent the last days before his death. With crowds rushing to Jerusalem for the Passover Festival, the Sanhedrin’s hand was forced. The religious leaders and authorities were certain now of what they had expected before: He had to be stopped. It was not long after this that the plot to kill Jesus was made, where Judas betrayed his rabbi.

The Iconography of the Grave: Lazarus in Western Art

Through the ages, various artists have depicted the Resurrection of Lazarus – a tricky endeavor since the artist had a unique job: Capture the true empathy and weeping of Jesus while also capturing the joy and wonder of the resurrected Lazarus.

Rembrandt used light and shadow to create such drama (see painting above), while Caravaggio gave a more visceral, almost haunting depiction of the resurrected man (see painting below). Both paintings show the magnitude of this “final sign” of Jesus Christ before his death and resurrection. 

“Jesus wept.” The two words carry such significance. Yet this one miracle would predict his own death and resurrection, where he would also weep in great anguish.

The weight of this seemingly simple verse comes from the fact that it makes the miracle relatable. It is a story of power born out of profound love and loss.

Few rules in human history have shaped an entire people as deeply as Bushido, the moral and ethical guide that directed Japan‘s samurai warriors for hundreds of years. Bushidō was a samurai moral code covering samurai thinking, behavior, and way of life, with roots going back to the Kamakura period (1192 to 1333). The term Bushido became widely known around the world with the publication of Nitobe Inazō’s Bushido: The Soul of Japan in 1899. It outlined 7 key principles.

Gi – Justice

Justice was the strongest value of Bushido. It was described as the ability to decide on a course of action based on reason. Basically, to die when dying was right and to fight when fighting was right. The principle required that a samurai acted with good morals and intentions in everything he did, no matter the personal cost. From as early as the 13th century, samurai behavior was strongly shaped by Zen Buddhism, which promoted mental focus, quick thinking, and the avoidance of doubt in everything, including justice.

Yu – Courage

Bushido drew a clear line between bravery (just fearless action) and courage (moral fortitude). Courage was only used to do what was right and just. The Bushido Code did not ask the samurai to feel no fear, it asked them to be courageous, for there was a difference between feeling fear and choosing to walk toward it without backing down. Courage was not wild aggression but a calm, controlled response to danger. As the Hagakure, one of the most respected texts written in the early 18th century, taught, the warrior always had to be ready to face things like death without fear.

Jin – Benevolence

Benevolence was one of the most highly valued Bushido principles. Samurai had both physical and legal power, yet rather than using that power without care, they were expected to show kindness, love, and understanding at all times. The qualities were not usually connected with the fighting nature of the samurai, yet showing the important balance between strength and mercy was deemed important. A samurai who gained power but lacked kindness was seen as incomplete.

Rei – Politeness

Politeness according to the samurai code stood for grace and was one of the key aspects of Japanese culture. It meant the genuine recognition of the beliefs and feelings of other people. It was a clear recognition of human dignity that applied to every interaction. The samurai way of living played an important role in entrenching Japanese values and many well-known traditions, including bowing in respect. A true warrior was to be respected not only for his strength in battle, but also for the way he lived and respected other people.

Makoto – Honesty

Makoto meant being genuine and trustworthy. Samurai were so careful in their dealings that they seldom wrote up or signed written agreements, which itself showed that their word was something no one ever dared to doubt. In a feudal society where written agreements were not always common, the samurai’s spoken word carried the full force of law, and lying was seen as one of the worst things a warrior could ever do. This value built trust among samurai on the battlefield, where loyalty and clear communication could mean the difference between winning and losing.

Meiyo – Honour

The sense of honor, a deep awareness of personal dignity and self-worth defined the samurai. He was raised to value the duties and privileges of his role, and the fear of shame was intense. The samurai idea of honour stood for dignity and worth, with “Meiyo” meaning honour. As such, a samurai, in the name of honour, could end his own life through the ritual of seppuku rather than live with shame.

Chū – Loyalty

Loyalty to a superior was the most defining value of the feudal era. Loyalty existed among all kinds of people, but only in the code of samurai warriors did loyalty rise to become the most important thing. The samurai, members of a powerful warrior class in feudal Japan, started out as local fighters before rising to power in the 12th century. From the very beginning, their strength rested on an unbreakable chain of loyalty running from the lowest foot soldier all the way up to the shogun. Bushido later taught that since people belonged to their lord, they should stay loyal to his rightful authority and always be ready to live and die for him.

German battlecruisers bombarded the towns of Scarborough, Hartlepool, and Whitby in an early morning raid. The Great War’s violence now came to British shores. Like many attacks, the aggressors deliberately chose their targets. Bombarding civilian towns elevated the barrage’s psychological impact. Here, German shells, like Luftwaffe bombs in 1940, targeted homes, churches, and historic places (Whitby Abbey). 

Bombardment of non-combatants generated a wave of outrage and shock value. Being an island nation, the British possessed a certain immunity from distant battlefields. The coastline’s vulnerability suddenly became clear, igniting outrage that newspaper headlines amplified into ” Where was the Navy?” The German terror attack, a blend of strategy and psychological warfare, looked good on paper but, in principle, backfired. 

Bottled Up and Nowhere to Go

As the Great War started in 1914, the German High Seas Fleet faced a severe disadvantage in the numbers game. Despite nearly two decades of German production, the Royal Navy outnumbered its opponent in tonnage and firepower. Should there be a decisive fleet action, Britain’s Grand Fleet could easily absorb losses. The Royal Navy’s overall superiority, plus German caution, helped keep the German Navy in port. Also, the Kaiser proved reluctant to risk his prized ships. 

Given the strategic impasse, internal and public pressure mounted for action. Proof was needed to justify building this expensive fleet. The resulting compromise called for fast strikes by battlecruisers. This reduced the chance of a British-dominated battle and luring Royal Navy ships into a one-sided engagement.

The Why of the Raids

The German strategy for the raid had multiple goals. First, lure smaller Royal Navy forces into a trap. German planners hoped to use Britain’s practice of quick reaction against them. The plan called for ships to slip in, attack, and flee using fast, heavily armed battlecruisers. In the following pursuit, the small British force chasing the hunters would meet the waiting guns of the High Seas Fleet. 

Next, German planners hoped to demoralize British morale. An attack would create cracks in the Royal Navy’s image as Britain’s protector. As Allied planners in World War II found, collapsing civilian morale would prove difficult. Finally, Imperial Germany needed to show the High Seas Fleet’s reach. Mounting a successful raid could show the German ability to hit anywhere with ease. British Intelligence, having partially broken German naval codes, indicated a sortie but not the time or target.

Raiding the Yorkshire Coast

With plans set, a split force headed for England’s Yorkshire coast. Each town ended up on a targeted list for either psychological reasons or military facilities. Of the three towns, only Hartlepool had coastal batteries. Upon the strikes, the Germans hoped to use speed, darkness, and bad weather to lure the British in.

The first German shells began hitting their targets in Scarborough (8 AM) and Hartlepool (8:10 AM). Whitby’s attack began at 9:05 AM. Hartlepool, with its limited defenses, endured about 1,150 rounds that hit the docks and steelworks. Whitby and Scarborough had streets, homes, and hotels hit. All three suffered extensive damage and casualties, with more than 130 people killed. Soon, shelling ended, and the German battlecruisers retired into the mist. 

The Royal Response

Unbeknownst to their enemy, the Royal Navy sortied 4 battlecruisers before the raid. Even with the limited advanced warning, each side missed the other. As the Royal Navy maneuvered, the bombardment had concluded; the enemy ships turned to steam into the mist. Towards Germany. 

Due to poor visibility and the limited warning, both sides passed within a few miles of each other. With no confrontation, creating frustration, and setting a tone for future battles. 

British Indignation and German Blunder

In Britain, a wave of indignation and anger swept the nation. As public outrage mounted, the Admiralty faced blistering criticism. How could the world’s biggest fail so badly? In Parliament, First Lord of the Admiralty Winston Churchill reassured the nation that the Royal Navy stood ready.

On the flip side, public anger led to a surge in enlistments. Also, cries and posters like “Remember Scarborough” appeared everywhere.

Germany claimed the raid as a victory. This boosted morale but ultimately proved a blunder. Britain’s Grand Fleet failed to catch the enemy squadron; public opinion hardened, and a belief in continuing the war emerged. The longer-term aftermath proved little. The crippling blockade still stood. 

This and other raids only set the tone for a future historic clash at the Battle of Jutland.

There’s no doubt that America’s entry into World War II brought the world’s largest consumer industry along. While other nations produced consumer items, American industry swamped them in both quality and quantity. No other nation had built such a network of toy and appliance factories, automobile or packaging companies. American consumer culture demanded a system built on efficiency, standardization, and high production.

The Axis knew America’s industrial potential but only with disdain. Axis governments viewed Americans as mongrels, corrupt or decadent, with no stomach for a long war. But by 1943, America’s output rivaled, and sometimes exceeded, the Axis nations’ combined manufacturing output in critical areas. The swap from civilian to military production would be a hidden engine.

The Prewar Consumer Environment

Consumer demand drove the American economy in the 1930s. The demand remained despite the Great Depression’s severe toll. American industry, especially the automotive and household goods manufacturers, figured out mass production. Companies like Chrysler, Ford, Hoover, and GE perfected assembly-line techniques in the prior decades. What worked building a Ford Model A worked equally well in manufacturing sewing machines, vacuums, radios, and packaged foods. Standardization ruled the day. American consumers awaited annual changes or new quality products at affordable prices.

And these goods required transportation to the market. Built years before World War II, this unmatched logistical hub spanned North America. The network distributed an unheard-of amount of goods from factory to shelf efficiently. Regions of America specialized in certain products, such as Detroit automobiles, and sent their goods to national markets. When war came, this emplaced network rapidly converted to shipping airplanes, ammunition, and uniforms.

America’s decades of working with assembly lines, troubleshooting problems, and meeting quotas made American workers efficient. Repetitive, uniform tasks could be easily performed as factories shifted from making cars to making tanks. These repetitive tasks enabled new workers to train rapidly, thereby scaling up to meet wartime demands.

From Toys to Tanks: A Total Conversion

The government created the War Production Board (WPB) in early 1942. Its purpose: to coordinate America’s biggest industrial shift ever. The WPB halted most consumer production, ordering factories to war production. That meant from automotive to toy factories. It directed critical materials, such as steel and aluminum, to meet military demands.

Large factory assembly lines, such as those in car factories, switched to producing tanks or aircraft. Ford completed Willow Run by 1942, making it the world’s largest bomber factory. Appliance companies like RCA or Westinghouse swapped radio production to communications equipment or munition parts. Shipyards built warships by the thousands and eventually produced the easy-to-build Liberty Ship.

Smaller companies became important too, able to respond faster than bigger companies to specialized products. Lionel, the toy train maker, now produced compasses, telegraph keys, and shipboard phones. Mattatuck Manufacturing shifted from upholstery nails to rifle cartridge clips, gradually ramping up to three million clips weekly.

More Than An Industrial Makeover

As America’s factories became the Allies’ biggest suppliers, a demographic change occurred. While not unanticipated, the rapidity of this did surprise the government. As wartime demands skyrocketed, so did the need for workers. Millions of women, unemployed workers, and African Americans migrated to industrial cities. This changed the ethnic and social makeup of cities, often permanently. With so much government demand and spending, the Great Depression ended.

Racial barriers declined more quickly as prewar patterns broke. African-Americans, long excluded from certain industries, filled needed positions. Executive Order 8802 from 1941 helped, banning discrimination in the defense industry.

Consumer Industry Becomes Strategic

America’s vast consumer industry quickly showed its worth. While Axis countries like Germany produced excellent planes or tanks, America’s sheer output outdid its opponents many times over. This is best exemplified by the Liberty Ship. This quick-to-build ship came down the quays faster than the dreaded U-boats could sink them, reducing the U-boats’ impact.

America’s industrial upswing became a weapon. The production met both American and Allied military needs. Food, weapons, munitions, fuel, and raw materials helped keep Allied nations in the fight, often around the globe. Material losses often got replaced. Axis leadership, though warned by individuals, did not fathom how fast America could switch to wartime conditions. Or, how American production helped win via attrition. In December 1940, FDR described America as the “Arsenal of Democracy”, which did happen.

America’s consumer market demonstrated its flexibility, scale, and speed by swiftly adapting to national emergencies. Consumer production stopped; only 139 cars left factories between 1942 and 1945. America’s consumer industry didn’t just support the war, it helped win the conflict.