PLEASE READ THIS FIRST: Luke 24:36-43
What do you sense the Lord saying to you in this passage?
“They still did not believe it because of joy and amazement.” (Luke 24:41)
The disciples were not stupid, they knew dead humans did not come back to life.
They were not expecting Jesus to rise, and they couldn’t believe it when he did.
Some people suggest the disciples made this all up about Jesus being alive again.
But this defies all logic, especially if you think they were willing to die for a lie.
Others say that they only experienced Jesus spiritually, in their hearts.
Or that their grief made them feel as if Jesus appeared to them.
But they made it very clear: he was physical, he ate food, they touched him!
The disciples knew exactly what they saw, and they knew it was impossible.
They had a hard time believing it for themselves.
Yet in the end their joy and amazement won out, and they told everyone.
Even though it made them look foolish, even though people thought they were drunk.
Even though they were taunted and tortured and threatened with death.
No other explanation makes sense: these were not fools, and they were not liars!
They saw and touched Jesus, alive… and their lives were transformed as a result!
PRAYER
Lord, please show yourself to me, and to others, in a way that cannot be denied, and in a way that changes our lives dramatically too!
The impossible happened! Trying to think of things that astounded me to get into same joy and surprise that Jesus’ followers felt. Nothing seems to come close. I know of people who had lost connection someone for decades – separated because of war – and find each other – some of these reunions captured by video – the joy, the hugs etc. So much for Jesus. Finding Jesus and having him come to you by his spirit is the most important thing! For me knowing Jesus is alive is how I share in the same joy. Just knowing Jesus as a prophet who lived over 2000 years ago – is flat – but knowing the Jesus who lives in my heart – that is true joy. Thank you Jesus for coming to your followers -not just then but now. The gift you sent when you went back to be with the Father – is the gift I treasure each day!
Jesus showed Himself to His disciples to take away their unbelief. They saw. They experienced His presence and believed. They had doubted like Thomas but when they saw they remembered and believed. Open my eyes Lord and help me to see You daily as I live in Your presence. Lead and guide me to do Your will.
Open the eyes of my heart, Lord
Open the eyes of my heart
I want to see You
I want to see You
To see You high and lifted up
Shinin’ in the light of Your glory
Pour out Your power and love
As we sing holy, holy, holy