Luke – Wide Open Doors!
When some life event plays out in front of us that we longed for but never really thought would occur happens, the first words we shout are, “I can’t believe it!” Those with us gather around us in disbelief, too. We are full of joy but wonder how in the world did it happen. Has this ever happened to you?Consider how the disciples must have felt while talking about Jesus, Jesus suddenly appears in the room with them! (I believe Jesus has and created a sense of humor in all of us if we think about it. Smiling.) Jesus knows all. He is God’s Son, the God of creation who created us. It can’t be a coincidence that while they are talking about Him, He appears with them. “Where two or three gather in my Name, I will be with them” comes to mind. (See Matthew 18:20)
HOLY PAUSE
So, the more we talk about Him, the more He is with us? Mm.
I would imagine some were breathlessly saying, “I can’t believe it!” Jesus immediately calms their fear and shows them the reality of being risen from the grave. “Touch my hands and feet. Feel the scars.” He is no ghost but a flesh and blood Jesus who walks, talks and eats with them. Their dear Friend and Teacher is back. To those who believe, without doubt, He has become their Savior and Lord.
Wow. Take it all in. Let God’s Holy Spirit fill us with all the Truth that is in this passage of Jesus’ last days on earth.
Luke 24, New Living Translation
Jesus Appears to the Disciples
35 Then the two from Emmaus told their story of how Jesus had appeared to them as they were walking along the road, and how they had recognized him as he was breaking the bread. 36 And just as they were telling about it, Jesus himself was suddenly standing there among them. “Peace be with you,” he said. 37 But the whole group was startled and frightened, thinking they were seeing a ghost!38 “Why are you frightened?” he asked. “Why are your hearts filled with doubt? 39 Look at my hands. Look at my feet. You can see that it’s really me. Touch me and make sure that I am not a ghost, because ghosts don’t have bodies, as you see that I do.” 40 As he spoke, he showed them his hands and his feet.
41 Still they stood there in disbelief, filled with joy and wonder. Then he asked them, “Do you have anything here to eat?” 42 They gave him a piece of broiled fish, 43 and he ate it as they watched.
44 Then he said, “When I was with you before, I told you that everything written about me in the law of Moses and the prophets and in the Psalms 
must be fulfilled.” 45 Then he opened their minds to understand the Scriptures. 46 And he said, “Yes, it was written long ago that the Messiah would suffer and die and rise from the dead on the third day. 47 It was also written that this message would be proclaimed in the authority of his name to all the nations, beginning in Jerusalem: ‘There is forgiveness of sins for all who repent.’ 48 You are witnesses of all these things.
must be fulfilled.” 45 Then he opened their minds to understand the Scriptures. 46 And he said, “Yes, it was written long ago that the Messiah would suffer and die and rise from the dead on the third day. 47 It was also written that this message would be proclaimed in the authority of his name to all the nations, beginning in Jerusalem: ‘There is forgiveness of sins for all who repent.’ 48 You are witnesses of all these things.49 “And now I will send the Holy Spirit, just as my Father promised. But stay here in the city until the Holy Spirit comes and fills you with power from heaven.”
The Ascension
50 Then Jesus led them to Bethany, and lifting his hands to heaven, he blessed them. 51 While he was blessing them, he left them and was taken up to heaven. 52 So they worshiped him and then returned to Jerusalem filled with great joy. 53 And they spent all of their time in the Temple, praising God.
THINK ABOUT IT…
Jesus, risen, comes to remind them of two very important truths while opening their minds to fully understand God’s Word:1. “It was written long ago that the Messiah would suffer and die and rise from the dead on the third day.”
2. It was also written that this message would be proclaimed in the authority of his name to all the nations, beginning in Jerusalem: ‘There is forgiveness of sins for all who repent.’ 48 You are witnesses of all these things.
In a nutshell, Jesus died for our sins and rose to prove He lives! We who believe are saved. We now proclaim this life-giving news of forgiveness in Jesus Name to the world God loves.
“For this is how God loved the world: He gave his one and only Son, so that everyone who believes in him will not perish but have eternal life.” John 3:16
HOLY PAUSEDo you believe it?
Who do we tell?
Where do we begin?
Dear Heavenly Father,
We praise You for Who you are! We praise You for completing Your plan to save us! We repent of doubt and trust fully in You. You are God and we are not. You don’t need us but you invite us to tell your news of eternal life to others who don’t know you…yet. We cannot keep this news to ourselves! Give us confidence, the right words at the right time, making the most of every opportunity…In Your Name for Your Glory by Your Holy Spirit’s power working in and through us.
Amen. I believe!
