Tag: Luke 24:36-43
Resurrection world view!
Scripture reading for April 4: Luke 24
“As they were talking about these things, Jesus Himself stood among them, and said to them, “Peace to you!” But they were startled and frightened and thought they saw a spirit. And He said to them, “Why are you troubled, and why do doubts arise in your hearts: See My hands and My feet, that it is I Myself. Touch Me, and see. For a spirit does not have flesh and bones as you see that I have.” And when He had said this, He showed them His hands and His feet. And while they still disbelieved for joy and were marveling, He said to them, “Have you anything here to eat?” They gave Him a piece of boiled fish, and He took it and ate it before them.” Luke 24:36-43
After seeing Jesus suffer and die on the cross, though from a distance, these disciples were still locked into their natural world view. Jesus had told them many times about His resurrection on the third day, but His death was too real. Now His grave was empty and these men were in hiding discussing what two of them experienced as the had walked the Emmaus road. As they talked, Jesus appeared before them, greeting them with ‘shalom!’ They were frightened and thought they saw a spirit. Jesus resolved their fears by inviting them to touch His hands and feet. To further dispel their doubts, Jesus asked for food and ate the fish that they gave Him.
When we believe in Jesus, our inner life is totally changed! We are given a new heart and the Holy Spirit as our down payment of eternal life. But we must continue to renew our minds and follow Jesus’ invitation to follow Him and know Him and learn a new world view that includes resurrection and eternal life. Jesus understands our human weaknesses and doubts and patiently works with us as we commit to follow. He wants to sit at table with us and allow us to know the reality of resurrection life. These disciples who began with fright, except for John, ended their earthly journeys by becoming martyrs rather than deny Christ and His resurrection.
As you read about Jesus’ resurrection and these eye-witnesses of that truth, are these accounts of the doubts and fears encouraging for you? How has Jesus revealed Himself to you personally to help you in your faith? How has understanding of resurrection life helped you to share your faith?
Prayer: Father God, thank You for the truth of the resurrection of Jesus. I want to know Him and the power of His resurrection, the fellowship of His suffering, being conformed to His death, that by any means possible I may attain the resurrection from the dead. (Philippians 3;10-11) You alone are the Resurrection and Eternal Life! Amen.