How did the disciples react at Jesus' crucifixion — did they expect the resurrection?
At the crucifixion the disciples did not expect the resurrection; they scattered and fled. The eleven believed it was all over, that Jesus had not brought the kingdom and was dead. On resurrection morning they were not waiting at the tomb but bemoaning that everything had ended.
Les explains that at the crucifixion the disciples did not stand there confidently saying not to worry because He would be raised from the dead. Instead, they scattered like a bunch of quail. So far as the twelve were concerned, they even judged us out, and the eleven thought it was all over: He didn't bring in the kingdom, He was going to die, He's dead. On resurrection morning the eleven and other followers like Mary were not at the tomb waiting for Him to come out; they were bemoaning the fact that it was all over. Because they didn't know, they could not preach a gospel based on death, burial, and resurrection—it hadn't happened yet.