Jesus is alive! Several people have seen and talked with him. I can imagine the excitement and story-telling going on as the disciples and others met together, regrouping and reimagining where to go from here. The mood likely had gone from sad to joyful, but with a lot of confusion and anticipation of what might be.
“While they were still talking about this, Jesus himself stood among them and said to them, ‘Peace be with you.’ They were startled and frightened, thinking they saw a ghost. He said to them, ‘Why are you troubled, and why do doubts rise in your minds? 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.’ When he had said this, he showed them his hands and feet. And while they still did not believe it because of joy and amazement, he asked them, ‘Do you have anything here to eat?’ They gave him a piece of broiled fish, and he took it and ate it in their presence.” Luke 24:36-42
No, it is not their imaginations. They all saw him. They touched him and their hands didn’t go right through him but stopped at his flesh and bone. Indeed there were scars. And because he could tell they were struggling to believe, he demonstrated eating for them. He definitely was not a ghost.
Now with that out of the way, Jesus began to teach them once again. “Then he opened their minds so they could understand the Scriptures.” Luke 24:45 And he also gave them focus and direction once again. “… and repentance and forgiveness will be preached in his [Christ’s] name to all nations, beginning at Jerusalem.” Luke 24:47 Acts 1 tells us that Jesus appeared to his followers for a period of 40 days, teaching them. And then, “When he had led them out to the vicinity of Bethany, he lifted up his hands and blessed them. While he was blessing them, he left them and was taken up into heaven. Then they worshipped him and returned to Jerusalem with great joy. And they stayed continually at the temple, praising God.” Luke 24:50-53
How hard it must have been to watch him go. Yet, in his going, the Holy Spirit was poured out and they began witnessing, giving many others the opportunity to also know Jesus and what he did for them. And as they witnessed, the Church grew, the kingdom expanded and continues to expand each time another person looks into the eyes of Jesus and says, “Thank you.”
There are many today who call themselves Christians who have never really looked at Jesus on the cross and after the cross touched his scars and accepted the bread and wine he offers – his life for ours. They have not sat with him listening to him teach from Scripture. And they have not accepted his commission to tell others. How much they are missing!
Oh God, please open my eyes to see you. I don’t want to miss what you are doing in my life and in the lives of others. Today I choose to walk with you and listen to you as you teach me through the Scriptures and through the circumstances of my day. I am so very grateful for what you have done for me and I worship you with my whole life. Thank you.
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