Luke 24:36-49
36 While they were still talking about this, Jesus himself stood among them and said to them, “Peace be with you.”
37 They were startled and frightened, thinking they saw a ghost. 38 He said to them, “Why are you troubled, and why do doubts rise in your minds? 39 Look at my hands and my feet. It is I myself! Touch me and see; a ghost does not have flesh and bones, as you see I have.”
40 When he had said this, he showed them his hands and feet. 41 And while they still did not believe it because of joy and amazement, he asked them, “Do you have anything here to eat?” 42 They gave him a piece of broiled fish,43 and he took it and ate it in their presence.
44 He said to them, “This is what I told you while I was still with you: Everything must be fulfilled that is written about me in the Law of Moses, the Prophets and the Psalms.”
45 Then he opened their minds so they could understand the Scriptures. 46 He told them, “This is what is written: The Messiah will suffer and rise from the dead on the third day, 47 and repentance for the forgiveness of sins will be preached in his name to all nations, beginning at Jerusalem. 48 You are witnesses of these things. 49 I am going to send you what my Father has promised; but stay in the city until you have been clothed with power from on high.”
Last week we journeyed through Holy Week together. We looked at the betrayal of Judas, the importance of prayer in our lives, the denial from Peter, the brutality of Jesus’ death all taken in silence, the Sabbath, and the resurrection of Jesus! Now, we look at a world with a risen King and how the disciples coped with encountering Jesus after his resurrection. It is a joyous moment but also one full of scepticism and very real human reactions.
Monday
36 While they were still talking about this, Jesus himself stood among them and said to them, “Peace be with you.”
He has risen! Hallelujah.
What a moment this must have been for the disciples! They had watched in horror as their leader was beaten and murdered and now, he stood in front of them. Imagine the shock and surprise in the room! Think about how you would have reacted to Jesus. He had told the disciples that he would rise after three days – would you have believed him?! Sometimes it can be hard to have faith. It can feel scary to trust in something so much bigger than you. How does Jesus respond to the room? He says, “Peace be with you.” It is not surprising that Jesus says this to them as it would have been a common phrase between people. In the midst of chaos, Jesus brings peace into your life. Take a moment and give thanks for the peace of God that surrounds you.
Tuesday
37 They were startled and frightened, thinking they saw a ghost. 38 He said to them, “Why are you troubled, and why do doubts rise in your minds? 39 Look at my hands and my feet. It is I myself! Touch me and see; a ghost does not have flesh and bones, as you see I have.”
It is a relief to see that the disciples were startled and frightened. It reveals their humanness just like you and me! A miracle was unfolding in front of their eyes and they still doubted. When something we do not understand is happening, our natural instinct is to question it. Jesus knows what they are thinking. He challenges the doubts in their mind and shows the disciples his hands and feet. He challenges the idea that they are seeing a ghost. Jesus is not a figure of their imagination – he is God in human form, a man made with flesh and bones. In what ways do you doubt Jesus? When you are going through a difficult part in your life, it can be easy to doubt that the Holy Spirit is right there with you. Can you see Jesus in those moments? Do you find yourself doubting when you are feeling startled and frightened?
Wednesday
40 When he had said this, he showed them his hands and feet. 41 And while they still did not believe it because of joy and amazement, he asked them, “Do you have anything here to eat?” 42 They gave him a piece of broiled fish, 43 and he took it and ate it in their presence.
The disciples can see the marks of the crucifixion on his body. Yet, they still did not believe that Jesus was there in front of them! The feelings of being startled and frightened were now replaced with experiencing joy and amazement! Emotions are funny – we can go from one extreme to another. The shock of Jesus being in front of them became too good to be true. Everyone in the room was witnessing a true miracle. Jesus decided to face their doubts head on. He showed them just how real he was by eating in front of them! He was meeting them in an everyday moment of life. We can still encounter Jesus in our everyday moments in life. In what ways has Jesus revealed himself to you today? God is constantly on the move in your life so take time to seek him out. Maybe you will see God moving in the beauty of the spring flowers or maybe you will hear his whisper whilst you are having your morning coffee. Pause in the quiet moments of your day and wait on God.
Thursday
44 He said to them, “This is what I told you while I was still with you: Everything must be fulfilled that is written about me in the Law of Moses, the Prophets and the Psalms.” 45 Then he opened their minds so they could understand the Scriptures.
Jesus confirms, again, that he is the Messiah. He reminds them of the scriptures they would have known and studied. Jesus’ death and resurrection fulfilled what had been spoken throughout the Old Testament. Jesus had told the disciples what was going to happen but it was difficult for them to understand it fully. Imagine waiting your whole life for scripture to be fulfilled and when it happens, it feels so unbelievable. How many times do you need to be told something in order to believe it? How many signs would you have needed? The disciples were clearly still struggling with the revelation that was in front of them so Jesus opened their minds so they could understand the fulfilment of the scriptures. Take a moment today and explore the Old Testament. If you are struggling with where to start, read Psalm 22. Look out for the prophecies that Jesus fulfilled in his death and resurrection.
Friday
46 He told them, “This is what is written: The Messiah will suffer and rise from the dead on the third day, 47 and repentance for the forgiveness of sins will be preached in his name to all nations, beginning at Jerusalem. 48 You are witnesses of these things. 49 I am going to send you what my Father has promised; but stay in the city until you have been clothed with power from on high.”
Christ had to suffer in death and rise again in order for the people to be saved. Jesus paid a price for our salvation. He took on our sin so that we would not. Yet, there is still a response expected from us. Repentance is for the forgiveness of sins is necessary and will be preached to all. This includes you and me! Turn away from sinful desires and run towards the hope that Jesus brings. Reflect upon and give thanks for the price he paid for you – there is a hope for you! Jesus loved and valued you enough that he came down to earth in human form, knowing the suffering he was going to face. Share this good news with someone you know today! Be aware of the gift of the Holy Spirit that dwells among us today. Go in confidence that the Holy Spirit is active today and still moving on the earth.
He has risen! Hallelujah. Now go and share the good news!
Saturday
Luke 24:50-53
50 When he had led them out to the vicinity of Bethany, he lifted up his hands and blessed them. 51 While he was blessing them, he left them and was taken up into heaven. 52 Then they worshiped him and returned to Jerusalem with great joy. 53 And they stayed continually at the temple, praising God.
Sunday
Psalm 145:1-2
1 I will exalt you, my God the King;
I will praise your name for ever and ever.
2 Every day I will praise you
and extol your name for ever and ever.
Elyse MacKinnon
Winter Project Manager
