Our text for today comes from Luke 24: 36 While they were saying all this, Jesus appeared to them and said, "Peace be with you." 37They thought they were seeing a ghost and were scared half to death. 38 He continued with them, "Don't be upset, and don't let all these doubting questions take over. 39 Look at my hands; look at my feet - it's really me. Touch me. Look me over from head to toe. A ghost doesn't have muscle and bone like this." 40 As he said this, he showed them his hands and feet. 41 They still couldn't believe what they were seeing. It was too much; it seemed too good to be true. 42 They gave him a piece of leftover fish they had cooked. 43 He took it and ate it right before their eyes.44 Then he said, "Everything I told you while I was with you comes to this: All the things written about me in the Law of Moses, in the Prophets, and in the Psalms have to be fulfilled." 45 He went on to open their understanding of the Word of God, showing them how to read their Bibles this way. 46 He said, "You can see now how it is written that the Messiah suffers, rises from the dead on the third day, 47 and then a total life-change through the forgiveness of sins is proclaimed in his name to all nations - starting from here, from Jerusalem! 48 You're the first to hear and see it. You're the witnesses. (The Message)
Jesus meets us in our place of need when invited. And sometimes Jesus meets us in our place of need when we least expect it or even during times we don't invite Him! Such was the case in this powerful Resurrection story. The story takes place as the two men from the Emmaus Walk join the eleven in the Upper Room. They were joyously sharing their stories about Jesus' defeat of death when in the midst of this conversation, Jesus appears. He knows what they are feeling and He knows what they are thinking and doubting, and He addresses these needs. He points out His wounds. He eats with them and then, like He had done with the two followers on the Emmaus road, He opens their minds to understanding of the Scriptures. In this version, Jesus shares about how the scriptures speak of a total life-change through the forgiveness of sins, and how we should proclaim that as well. Jesus calls them, as He calls us, His witnesses.
What did you see? What did you hear? What can you share about this experience to help us better understand this situation? These are the questions some might ask witnesses in a case before a judge and jury. These are also the questions that we who know Jesus, and He risen from the dead, can share with others.
PRAYER: God of Resurrection power, speak to my needs and weaknesses. Make me bold in proclaiming what I have experienced and received from You. I know the world still needs to hear and I want to be a part of that! I pray this in Jesus' precious and powerful name, amen.
Have a great and blessed day in the Lord!
Eradio Valverde
