Hi,
I haven't read all the posts but if I could just offer another perspective. No one has to agree with this, it's just what I have come to believe at this point in time.
In reading "The Curse of Ignorance" by Arthur Findlay among other books and research I am still doing, I have come to believe that Jesus was an extraordinary human being who had "awakened" i.e. lost his ego. He knew that he was God's child but also that we are all God's children and that was what he was trying to teach anyone who would listen. He wanted everyone to awaken and come to know what he knew. He knew we would ultimately judge ourselves after we transitioned. He knew that the kind of life we lived and our character on Earth would matter when we transitioned. When he was crucified and the apostles scattered to the four winds it was out of fear as anyone could understand. However, in the 40 days after his resurrection he walked the Earth in his etheric body and was seen, I believe, 6 different times, the last being by the apostles. He spoke with them and he ascended into Heaven as a Ascended Master before their eyes and who I have no doubt, sits at the right hand of God. After that, the apostles did not run away when challenged but were willing to die for what they now knew.
I believe the Bible has truth in it but, as I've heard, is not meant to be read literally. I also believe the Bible has a lot of inaccuracies, due to translation errors, omissions that were not in the church's interests at the time, writers who may have had agendas, etc. I believe in a God of love and there are many instances in the Bible where he is reflected as anything but and I believe in a God who accepts and loves all his children.
There is a lot of information out there for anyone who is interested in doing research.
Blessings,
Sharon