Luke 24:36-53
Today's Passage: Luke 24:36-53
Jesus has been raised from the dead - the grave is empty. Sin and death have been defeated, but up to this point, the disciples have only heard rumors or had individual experiences of his resurrection. They are perplexed and fearful of what it all means. Jesus finally appears to them while they are gathered together, but they are startled and frightened. Even as he reassures them of who he is and proves his humanity, they are still in disbelief.
The disciples were slow to believe what Jesus was revealing to them, just like we are slow to believe what he has revealed to us through his word. God has raised Jesus from the dead. We have been forgiven and made alive in Christ. We have been set free from our bondage to sin, and no part of our lives shouldn’t be changed by that reality. Yet our hearts often respond to God in fear or disbelief rather than obedience and amazement at what he’s done. What do we do when our hearts react this way? The same thing Jesus does for his disciples.
“These are my words that I spoke to you while I was still with you, that everything written about me in the Law of Moses and the Prophets and the Psalms must be fulfilled.” Then he opened their minds to understand the Scriptures” (Luke 24:44-45).
We combat our lack of faith and obedience by fixing our eyes on Jesus revealed through Scripture. We behold his characteristics, his actions, and his heart on display from Genesis to Revelation, and we ask the Lord to help our minds to understand it. And through understanding it we apply it. Lord willing, as we behold him - we become like him.
"And we all, with unveiled face, beholding the glory of the Lord, are being transformed into the same image from one degree of glory to another. For this comes from the Lord who is the Spirit." (2 Corinthians 3:18)
Lastly, it’s important to note that Jesus does not reveal himself to them and instruct them just to leave them hiding in fear. He teaches, promises to empower them through the Holy Spirit, and then sends them out to be witnesses of his Gospel. The same is true of us. Knowledge of God that never makes its way to our hearts is dangerous. As our faith and understanding of Jesus grow so too should our witness! You have been redeemed for a purpose - to go and make disciples of all nations.
Family Discussion
What would your reaction be if someone suddenly appeared in your room?
Has the resurrection of Jesus made an impact on your everyday life?
Are you living out the mission given to you by Jesus?
Written By: Joe Weaver
Jesus has been raised from the dead - the grave is empty. Sin and death have been defeated, but up to this point, the disciples have only heard rumors or had individual experiences of his resurrection. They are perplexed and fearful of what it all means. Jesus finally appears to them while they are gathered together, but they are startled and frightened. Even as he reassures them of who he is and proves his humanity, they are still in disbelief.
The disciples were slow to believe what Jesus was revealing to them, just like we are slow to believe what he has revealed to us through his word. God has raised Jesus from the dead. We have been forgiven and made alive in Christ. We have been set free from our bondage to sin, and no part of our lives shouldn’t be changed by that reality. Yet our hearts often respond to God in fear or disbelief rather than obedience and amazement at what he’s done. What do we do when our hearts react this way? The same thing Jesus does for his disciples.
“These are my words that I spoke to you while I was still with you, that everything written about me in the Law of Moses and the Prophets and the Psalms must be fulfilled.” Then he opened their minds to understand the Scriptures” (Luke 24:44-45).
We combat our lack of faith and obedience by fixing our eyes on Jesus revealed through Scripture. We behold his characteristics, his actions, and his heart on display from Genesis to Revelation, and we ask the Lord to help our minds to understand it. And through understanding it we apply it. Lord willing, as we behold him - we become like him.
"And we all, with unveiled face, beholding the glory of the Lord, are being transformed into the same image from one degree of glory to another. For this comes from the Lord who is the Spirit." (2 Corinthians 3:18)
Lastly, it’s important to note that Jesus does not reveal himself to them and instruct them just to leave them hiding in fear. He teaches, promises to empower them through the Holy Spirit, and then sends them out to be witnesses of his Gospel. The same is true of us. Knowledge of God that never makes its way to our hearts is dangerous. As our faith and understanding of Jesus grow so too should our witness! You have been redeemed for a purpose - to go and make disciples of all nations.
Family Discussion
What would your reaction be if someone suddenly appeared in your room?
Has the resurrection of Jesus made an impact on your everyday life?
Are you living out the mission given to you by Jesus?
Written By: Joe Weaver
1 Comment
Great message! He is the Savior! I continue to pray that the Gospel will get out to lost people. There is hope in Jesus Christ.
I have enjoyed the study of the Book of Luke!